NASA (National Association for Students of Architecture) FASHION TROPHY
Urban Sketching- City Walk | Brick Modeling Sustainable Design, Acoustics & Steel Structures Fire Fighting & Safety
English | Hindi | Gujarati
Typology of Spaces Designed for Children issuu.com
Honorable Mention - The Brothers Finfer Scholarship for Studio - V
Jerrold and Ruth Weil Loebl Scholarship Nomination for Studio - IV
Chicago, IL-60616
ppandit5@hawk.iit.edu
“To me, architecture is the one language we live and feel, and I aspire to offer its beauty to humanity.”
Contents
ResonanCe
the LiminaL
aasaRa - housing foR migRant WoRkeRs
uRban JungLe
PRaCtiCaL exPeRienCe
Design VisuaLization
A HEALING JOURNEY TO TRANQUILITY
The Peace Museum is envisioned as a sanctuary where architecture becomes a medium for emotional and sensory healing. Rooted in the idea of resonance and the knowledge triangle, the design seeks to connect deeply with the humaN spirit, the surrounding landscape, and the rhythms of nature. The form and materiality are composed to evoke calm, reflection, and peacefulness. At the heart of its sustainable strategy, wind catchers serve dual purposes, bringing in natural ventilation and transforming wind speed into a soft G major frequency, creating a continuous ambient tone known to promote peace and focus. Central to the concept is the idea that architecture can heal, and the museum does so through multi-sensory design and emotional progression.
RESONANCE
EMBRACING THE JUNCTION
ENTRY/
RESOURCE
AUDITORIUM
TRANSITION ENTRANCE
SOURCING
• Architecture evokes peace through spatial rhythm, light, and materiality.
• Integrates storytelling, art, and biophilic gestures (e.g., sensory chambers and courtyards).
• Designed to inspire reflection and healing, with potential for educational signage and exhibits about the building itself.
HEALTH + HAPPINESS PETAL
• Provides a sensory journey using tactile materials, light modulation, soundscapes, and fragrances.
• Fully ADA-accessible, including ramps to all levels and inclusive design strategies.
• Spaces like forest-facing rooms promote emotional healing and biophilic connection.
• Designed to restore ecological value with vegetation covering ~45% of the site.
• Encourages pedestrian movement and accessibility (1:12 ADA ramps).
• Reflects local cultural narratives and community values through spatial storytelling.
PLACE PETAL
BEAUTY PETAL
This project explores the concept of liminality, inspired by Northerly Island’s transformation after Meigs Field airport’s closure in Chicago. Designed in three layers; Wan underground music school, a central sensory zone, and an upper sound museum, it reflects a journey from education to performance to celebration. Organic forms and sensory-focused materials in the middle level create a transitional space, enhancing visitors’ awareness and preparing them for auditory experiences. My role involved programming and spatial planning, ensuring harmony between major functions for a cohesive and impactful design.
THE LIMINAL
CONCEPT
LIMINAL
The “in-between” feeling imagined as a third space away from day to day experiences.
THRESHOLD
“Scooping” the liminal space from the solid mass creating a threshold for music deidacted spaces.
CORES
The exploded axon highlights the major common spaces between school and museum that act as threshold for the two major programs.
1. ResauRant
2. PeRmanent gaLLeRY
3. temPoRaRY gaLLeRY
4. auDitoRium
1. ReCitaL haLL 2. LibRaRY 3. Cafe/ Lounge
4. faCuLtY Cabin
THESIS - HOUSING FOR MIGRANT WORKERS
This thesis addresses the challenges faced by migrant workers in India, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when many were left stranded. The project proposes a prototype housing solution on a 25-acre site near Delhi, designed to offer shelter, educate migrants about their rights, and create earning opportunities, especially for women. This design aims to provide both stability and empowerment for rural migrants moving to urban areas.
AASARA
MONEY/ WAGE
RESIDENTIAL + COMMUNITY NODE
RESIDENTIAL + COMMERCIAL NODE
COMMUNITY + COMMERCIAL NODE
Recreational/ Community Space
Major Junction
Minor Junction
Internal Circulation
Main Circultion
Basic necessity for a stable lifestyle for migrants.
Combining the necessities to form a common ground.
Dense Interaction: Shared green pockets fostering daily connection.
Embedded Resilience: Integrated amenities for social and economic vitality.
Activated Well-being: Open-air amphitheatre and social hubs for engaging interactions.
Visualizing the nodal spaces to form a cloud like cluster.
Connecting junction through curved pathways to form an organic circulation within the site.
To achieve a layout similar to Indian Village, the concept of “Cloud Cluster” emerged. These 1BHK and 2BHK cluster combine to form a major cluster, which is then repeated multiple times to form a cloud cluster. These clusters are flexible in design and have a scope for future incrementality. This site can accomodate upto 400 people including children.
This urban-style studio apartment in Indore, designed for a hydroponic farmer, blends natural materials with a modern aesthetic. Featuring earthy tones, wooden furniture, and ample sunlight, the interiors exude warmth and comfort. Flexible seating enhances the living room’s versatility, while the terrace offers distinct views. The client’s love for music and plants informed a pliant, personalized design throughout the
URBAN JUNGLE
Design Visualization
Design tools like Rhinoceros and Grasshopper are used for the creation of complex parametric forms, supporting precise, iterative design exploration. Rendering software such as Lumion and Enscape bring these digital models to life, showcasing realistic visuals that bridge the gap between concept and reality.
