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POOJA AGARWAL

ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY

S elected W ork S 2020-2024

POOJA AGARWAL

CONTACT

E-Mail: pooja@iastate.edu

Phone : +1 (515) 499-6501

Location: Ames IA - 50010.

PROFILE

The output of architecture is intricately embedded in daily life. I want to channel my passion, dedication, and diligence for architecture to create environments that are eco-friendly and bring ease, happiness, and peace to people’s lives. I aspire to be part of the force that improves the quality of life on Earth.

Highly motivated Master of Architecture student with a strong work ethic and passion for design, seeking a full-time Architect/Designer position in a dynamic architecture firm. Eager to apply my skills and gain handson experience alongside experienced professionals. Committed to contributing to engaging and challenging projects while further developing my design expertise and knowledge.

EDUCATION

Master of Architecture:

Bachelor of Architecture:

EXPERIENCE

Iowa State University, Ames, USA

2022-Present |Pursuing (Semester- 6)

Amity University, Uttar Pradesh, India

|First Division with Distinction

Shree Baljit Shastri Award for Best in Human & Traditional Values

Academic Silver Medal | Granted Merit Scholarship

GPA- 3.95/4.00

2016-2021

GPA- 3.95/4.00

OPN Architects, Cedar Rapids, IA | Architectural Intern May 2024 - August 2024

• Developed and refined drawing sets and presentations for schematic and design development as part of the core design team

• Presented design proposals in client meetings

• Proposed and integrated Grasshopper scripts for facade design, enhancing design efficiency and innovation May 2023 - August 2023

• Collaborated with the design team on schematic design and design development stages

• Developed graphics, visuals and presentation using design software to effectively communicate design intent

• Conducted comprehensive on-site surveys and assessments, including detailed measurements for refurbishment and expansion

Iowa State University, Ames, IA January 2023 - May 2025 Teaching Assistant

• Assisted Professor Andrew Gleeson in the course ARCH321: History of American Cities Graduate Assistant

• Coordinated events as part of the Public Programs team for the College of Design under the direction of Professor Peter Zuroweste

ARINEM Consultancy Services, Lucknow, UP, India | Architect February 2022 - July 2022

• Designed the expansion and updgradation of four railway stations under the supervision of the lead architect

• Contributed to Lucknow Masterplan VISION 2035 by envisioning future city needs and assisting in land use and infrastructure proposals under senior guidance

• Translated complex design concepts into engaging visuals and presentations using design

Design Forum International, Delhi, India | Architectural Intern January 2020 - May 2020

• Conceptualized and developed winning entries for multiple design competitions

• Effectively communicated design intent to clients with visualizations and photorealistic renders

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS

Architect License- India Council of Architecture, India

Since December 2021

Façade Design & Engineering DelftX- Delft University of Technology October 2022- April 2023

Site Planning Online MITx- Massachusetts Institute of Technology September 2021-May 2022

Ecodesign for Cities & Suburbs UBCx- University of British Columbia October 2021- May 2022

The Architectural Imagination Havardx- Harvard University April - October 2020

Bamboo Construction Experience Auroville Bamboo Center, India June 2017

RESEARCH & DOCUMENTATION

Undergraduate Thesis: Stadium and Sports Complex |Transformable Architecture 2021

Dissertation: Role of Transformable Architecture in Improving Multi-functionality of Recreational Spaces 2020

Measure Drawing: Des Moines Art Center, Des Moines, IA, USA 2022

Saadat Ali Khan Tomb, Lucknow, India | Council of Architecture, India- competition 2018

Bada Imambara, Lucknow, India 2017

TECHNICAL SKILLS

Laser Cutting

3-D Printing

CNC

Resin Printing

SOFT SKILLS

Critical thinking Communication Skills

Adaptability

Time Management

Stress Management

REFERENCES

Deborah Hauptmann:

Anna Aversing:

Andrew Gleeson: Ayodele Iyanalu:

Chair of the Department of Architecture (2013 - 2023)

Iowa State University |deborah@iastate.edu

Associate Professor of Practice , Architecture

Iowa State University |aversing@iastate.edu

Associate Teaching Professor, Architecture

Iowa State University |agleeson@iastate.edu

Associate Teaching Professor, Architecture

Iowa State University |aiyanalu@iastate.edu

THE JAZZ NEXUS

ARCH 603 | RESONANT ECOLOGIES

Auditorium Design

Graduate Semester- 5 Fall 2024

NOMINEE: SUBSTANCE DESIGN FORUM COMPETITION

(TO BE HELD: APRIL 21st, 2025)

Individual | Academic Work

Instructor: Merate Barakat, Associate Professor

Software: AutoCAD |Rhinoceros 3D- Grasshopper |Photoshop |InDesign | Lumion

This studio explores the dynamic relationship between sound, environment, and performance within the architectural landscape of New Orleans. Rooted in the cultural richness of the French Quarter, the project investigates how architecture can become an active participant in the city’s layered ecological, social, and performative contexts.

By considering sound as both a design driver and an experiential element, the studio challenges conventional approaches to spatial design. It encourages a deeper engagement with the ways built forms interact with human activities, natural processes, and the evolving urban fabric. Through this exploration, the project seeks to create spaces that not only accommodate performance but also amplify and harmonize with the living ecologies of place.

Location: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

| DESIGN CONCEPT | FORM DEVELOPMENT

SITE ANALYSIS

Pulling the floor plates in opposite direction to create interactive spaces

Creating a strategic puncture beneath the auditorium to enhance the landscape and frame captivating views of the river.

STEP 1:

STEP 2:

STEP 3: Final Form

The acoustically optimized design of the auditorium ensures clear sound distribution while facilitating smooth evacuation in case of an emergency, preventing panic and disorientation caused by poor audibility.

AUDITORIUM INTERIOR: SEATING

| PERSPECTIVE SECTION

AUDITORIUM INTERIOR: STAGE

DIAGRID JUNCTION DETAIL

FIBER REINFORCED CONCRETE

DIAGRID STRUCTURE FRAME

FIBER REINFORCED CONCRETE

GLASS

Pooja Agarwal

STADIUM & SPORTS COMPLEX

Recreational Project

Undergraduate Thesis Spring 2021

Individual | Academic Work

Thesis Guide: Ar. Sumit Wadhera

Software: Autocad |Rhinoceros 3D |Sketchup |Photoshop |Lumion

The proposal of the Stadium cum Sports Complex is planned as a public space which can host a wide variety of sports events. The use of transformable features permits the same ground to be used for cricket, football, hockey and athletics. The building boasts of a wide range of spaces including swimming, badminton, basketball, wrestling, gymnasium, boxing, etc. A stunning landscape will attract visitors and develop a green space within the concrete jungle of Noida.

Location: Noida, India

| PROGRAM:

1- Stadium 2- Indoor Sports Complex 3- Services

Surface Parking

| SITE PLAN 5- Practice Field 6- Open Plaza 7- Pedestrian Entrance 8- Landscaping

| DESIGN CONCEPT | EGRESS OF THE STADIUM

| FORM DEVELOPMENT

The sunken field planning will ensure evacuation of spectators in case of emergency without fear of stampede.

| FIELD DRAINAGE PLAN | ELEVATION

| FIELD DRAINAGE DETAIL

2ND

STADIUM

CAFÉ/RESTAURANT

SUITES/VIP SUITES

CAFÉ/RESTAURANT

LANDSCAPING IN FRONT OF THE STADIUM

SIDE VIEW OF THE COMPLEX

PEDESTRIAN ENTRY

COMPLEX

SPACE PARK DESIGN

Competition | Under construction

Professional Work 2020

AWARDED: ISRO SPACE PARK TRIVANDRUM COMPETITION

Internship | Design Forum International Firm (DFI), Delhi, India

Team Leader: Ar. Anand Sharma & Ar. Sumeet Malik |Team of 6 members

Software: Autocad |Sketchup |Photoshop |PowerPoint |Lumion

To design a Space Park which would have areas for showcasing space programs, and other organizations working on newer technologies like artificial intelligence. The proposal of the Space Park is planned in such a way that it perfectly blends in the natural site features. Making sure that the narrow water stream enhances the beauty of the site a meandering path is created along it. The site is not only developed for the current requirements but as well as for the future explanation and development.

PROGRAM:

| SITE PLAN

1- Office/ R&D Space

2- Common Facilities Centre/ Development Centre 3- Open Landscape 4- Plot: 4 5- Plot: 5 6- Plot: 6

Plot: 7

Plot: 8

Plot: 9

Plot: 10

Plot: 11

Plot: 12

Plot: 13

| PLANNING PRINCIPLES

| SITE ANALYSIS

| SITE DEVELOPMENT

CONTOUR PLAN

EFFICIENCY SITE PLANNING

FOCAL POINTS

RESPECTING THE SITE FEATURES

PROVIDING NATURAL ECOLOGY

WALKABILITY

| SUSTAINABILITY

Segregating vehicles & pedestrians at site entry point.

Using existing road network

Using Thodu as dividing line.

Plotting parallel lines across the site: dividing plots in sizes of 1-2 Acres.

Creating Focal Points on all plot junctions and at main entry points.

Placing an abstract space related sculpture on all focal points.

Preserving greens along the narrow stream. Preserving site drainage

The central flowing landscape is described through the pie chart. Every walk along the

becomes a diverse and exciting experience.

loop

AERIAL VIEW OF THE INITIAL PROPOSAL BUILDINGS

GREEN CORRIDOR

AERIAL VIEW OF SPACE PARK

04

DIGITAL FABRICATION

ARCH 533 |Computation & Construction

Graduate Semester- 5 Fall 2024

Individual | Academic Work

Instructor: Shelby Doyle, Associate Professor , Architecture

Software: Rhinoceros 3D | Grasshopper |Adobe Photoshop

Fabrication: CNC | 3D Print- Bambu Lab 3D printer | FormLabs SLA Print

Casting: Rockite | Silicone Mold | Plaster

This course explores the intersection of computation, materials, and manufacturing processes through hands-on engagement with digital fabrication technologies. It focuses on translating digital models into physical objects and vice versa, developing a deep understanding of fabrication constraints, techniques, and material behaviors. The course emphasizes an iterative design process, material exploration, and the ability to clearly document and present fabrication workflows.

SITE PLAN

A HEART IN THE HEARTLAND

ARCH 506 |Design & Media |Residential Project

Graduate Semester- 2 Spring 2023

Individual | Academic Work

Instructor: Andrew Gleeson, Associate Teaching Professor

Software: AutoCAD |Rhinoceros 3D |Photoshop |Illustrator |InDesign

As climate disrupts coastal areas, Iowa’s stable climate makes it a potential haven. Des Moines steps up, welcoming “climate refugees” but facing a housing challenge. The city gets creative, exploring apartments, row houses, and reusing existing buildings. Inspiration strikes from Droukas Court, a historic project with individual homes. This “bungalow court” model could offer homeownership, community, and efficient land use. Imagine: cozy homes in friendly neighborhoods, a fresh start for refugees. Des Moines aims for more than just shelter, building new lives and communities together.

Location: Des Moines, Iowa, USA

PARTI 1:

Transforming the central green space into a vibrant hub for community gatherings.

PARTI 2:

Providing residents with a sense of privacy through thoughtful landscaping and design.

| SITE CIRCULATION

PARTI 3:

Strategically orienting bungalows to maximize privacy and natural light, while fostering a sense of community.

| SITE GRID

| ELEVATION GRID

ARCHITECTURAL CORRESPONDENCE ON THE INVISIBLE

ARCH 505 |Design & Media |Recreational Project

Graduate Semester- 1 Fall 2022

This design project did not start with a problem to be solved, or with a predetermined program assigned to a place. Continuing the approach we had been developing over the semester, we discovered - or conjured - an architecture by using our disciplinary tools and methods to study what is already there, explicitly and implicitly.

Location: Des Moines, Iowa, USA

5- Richard Meier Building 6- Parking

| DESIGN CONCEPT

RICHARD MEIER BUILDING COURTYARD PROPOSAL

PUBLIC PLAZA LEADING TO THE COURTYARD COURTYARD WITH SCULPTURE

| LOWER FLOOR PLAN

| SECTION AA’

| SECTION BB’

ROLAND COMMUNITY CENTER

ARCH 602 | GRID/GRAIN: SHAPE/SPACE

Community Space

Graduate Semester- 3

Individual | Academic Work |2023

Instructor: Ar. Nicholas Shane Senske, Associate Professor Software: Autocad |Rhinoceros 3D- Grasshopper |Photoshop |InDesign | Lumion

This studio dives into the challenges and potential of Iowa’s declining rural towns. We’ll explore innovative solutions for economic development, social equity, and climate-friendly infrastructure through design, technology, and partnerships. Expect a fast-paced journey, analyzing sites and programs, generating numerous design iterations, and refining them with feedback into a powerful conceptual proposal for the future of these unique communities.

Location: Roland, Iowa, USA