Architecture Portfolio - Prabhjot Kaur

Design Ideology

I believe architecture and urban design has deep impact on human life. A design dictates how we feel in a space when we enter into one. Architecture is also a way to express community’s identity.

Design Ideology

A good design can have positive contribution towards local culture, natural environment and our way of living. Throughout my study, I have attempted to justify my design projects based on these values. I have always focused on coming up with a design outcomes that are more realistic and efficient.

One of the things I enjoy about built environment is that it operates on different scales. You can design one space as well as work on a bigger scale where you can apply your design skills to create harmonious relationship between variety of spaces.

Architecture Projects

-Library- An alternative path.

- Sanctuary above water.

- Te Papa Tongarewa.

Urban Design Projects

- Masterplan - Randwick road site.

- Masterplan - Matiu/Somes Island.

Architecture Projects

This section compiles the three architecture projects I designed during my Bachelor of architecture studies.

These selected projects highlight the range of design topics I worked on. It also shows the diverse skill-set I applied to resolve design challenges.

To achieve these results, I used hand drawings, physical models as well as variety of computer software.

Library- An alternative Path

Environment- Light - Materiality

VUW - Bachelor of Architecture studies - 2nd Year - Trimester 2 Project - 2021

Software used - Rhino - Sketchup - Photoshop -

This project explores the design of a library located at Shelly bay, Wellington. This design takes inspiration from the environment and fits seamlessly in its surrounding. Shelly bay has a curved walkway way by the ocean. It is expressed in the curved shape of the library. It was a response to the empty pavement and attempt to create a peaceful place for the people walking.

This design was further explored based on the daylight. Form of the building was developed to create unique light experiences for people walking through the path. Building is divided into three interior spaces each one with a different light exposure [bright, defused and dark] serving a different purpose.

This project explores the combination of two building materials; Timber and Concrete. Contrast of these two materials is explored in the design while looking at ways to create a warm space. Exposed engineered timber beams are used for structural walls as well as for aesthetic purpose. Concrete material is used for the floors as well as for walls in one direction of the building. Precedent study was done to look at how these two materials might work together. Precedent study also supported an effective integration of these materials for thermal comfort.

Above - Photograph of a model in 1:50 scale

Right - Concept drawing

Illustrator

Above - Process work using the technique of drawing over physical model’s photographs.

Below - Perspective section drawing

Top Left - Floor plan Drawing

Bottom Left- Elevation Drawing

Te Papa Tongarewa - National Museum Design

Blend of unique identities

VUW - Bachelor of Architecture studies - 3rd Year - Trimester 2 Project - 2022

Software used - Rhino - Resist - Photoshop - Illustrator

Design of the National Museum of New Zealand is based on the concept of blending different identities and cultures. New Zealand has rich bi-cultural history. This design celebrates both Māori and European heritage of New Zealand. New Zealand is also known for its dramatic landscapes as well as welcoming natural of people who reside here. This design attempts to blend the identity of bi-cultural heritage, nature and people together. Unique characteristic of these different identities are represented in the design of Te Papa Tongarewa museum.

Representation of People’s identity

- Expression of openness and acceptance in the form of entry.

Representation of Māori heritage.

- Expressed in the organic forms.

- Ephemeral

-Close to Nature.

Representation of Natural identity

- Incorporation of indoor/outdoor natural spaces.

Representation of European heritage

- Incorporation of city grid.

- Formal

- Reserved expression.

Above - Floor plans - Architectural Planning

Sanctuary above water - Parametric Design

VUW - Bachelor of Architecture studies - 3rd Year - Trimester Project 1- 2022

Software used - Rhino - Grasshopper - Maya - Photoshop - V Ray

This project explored the parametric design in response to the climate change. Design was based on the bio typestick-insect and its ability to merge into surrounding environment. Design parameters were altered based on how different elements [natural/man-made] on the site merged with each other.

Design Narrative

100 years from now in the year 2122, Negative impact of climate change, increased CO2 levels in our oceans have continued. This has resulted into the disastrous degree of sea level rise. Due to sea level rise, Miramar peninsula has submerged into the water. In order to survive, humans have lifted their life above water. In this new way of living, architecture caters for self-sufficiency for food and water production above water. These measures have also prompted the life of other living species. This sanctuary showcases human’s ability to adapt as they have managed to turn a disaster into an opportunity. This is also a way of doing things differently and learning from the past by allowing enough space for flora and fauna to flourish.

Location - Miramar Peninsula

Above - Top view

Right - Proposed location for the Sanctuary at Miramar peninsula

This structure lifts the sanctuary above water. It is designed keeping sea level rise in mind. These pipe like stilts can stretch even higher if required in the future.

This component is designed to create living space for humans. It can accommodate a community of 30 people.

This outdoor structure is designed for native vegetation production. It produces food for humans and also supports native flora & fauna.

Above - Sequence of building components

Below - Section drawing

This water filtration system is the backbone for this sanctuary. It supports energy production as well as provides clean water for drinking and irrigation.

These pipe are paths that connect human community to the outdoor space.

Urban Design Projects

This section compiles the two Urban design projects I made during my Bachelor of architecture studies. These works showcase my design skills at a wider scale.

I have made master plans for both these projects. Extensive research was done on the demographic, environment needs and on efficient land use in order to achieve these master plans.

Masterplan

Location- Randwick road - Moera - Steel & tube factory

VUW - Bachelor of Architecture studies - 3rd Year - Trimester 1 Project - 2022

Software used - Rhino - Photoshop - Illustrator

This is an urban design project. It is a development of masterplan at a site located at Randwick road, Moera. Site analysis is done on both micro and macro scale to extract information about the immediate and surrounding area. Design proposes a well connected site to the nearby areas to enhance accessibility including the bridge that connects the site from the west side to the reserve across the hutt river.

Urban design principles are carefully applied to create medium density housing, mixed used mid-rise buildings, green spaces, recreations spots as well as community areas. This design aspires to have positive impact on the existing local community of the area as well as attract new diverse demographic.

This design also address the environmental issues such as water level rising. It proposes a green infrastructure for storm water management.

Commercial

Local marae

Residential

Industrial

Randwick school

Hutt river

Public green space

Golf warehouse/driving range

Sun exposure

NW wind direction

Subject site

Railway lines

Bus stops/routes

Right -Context analysis

RANDWICK ROAD

RANDWICK CRES. BALDWIN STREET BARBER STREET

TIRANGI ROAD

PIRIE CRES.

RANDWICK ROAD

ELIZABETH STREET

YORK STREET

Below -Street scape of adjacent streets to the site.

Tirangi Road Barber Street

1 Strategic medium density housing

2 Storm water management system

3 Vertical mixed use apartments

4 Community garden

5 Private courtyards

6 Pedestrian path connecting neighbourhoods

7 Community hub consists of Library, cafe & childcare

8 Public courtyard

9 Car park

10 Roof garden

Above - Existing Ariel view

Right - Proposed Masterplan

Masterplan

Location - Matiu/Somes Island

VUW - Bachelor of Architecture studies - 2nd Year - Trimester 1 Project - 2021

Software used - Rhino - Photoshop- Illustrator

This is a masterplan for a self-sufficient island that resonates with Māori knowledge, world view and ways of living. This is a unique urban design project as it deals with a whole island. To make this island a self-sufficient space for the people, Clean energy production and food growing gardens are proposed.

This design also looks at creating educational spaces at the heart of the island which caters for promoting and showcasing Māori culture. Island will also have shared bike lanes and pedestrian paths to promote well-being.

This proposal also looks at protecting the habitats of endangered and native species to support bio-diversity of the island.

- Main path [walk/bikes] provides clarity of direction.

- Brick path allows exploration.

- Paths are well connected to enhance movement.

Key Design Moves

Rainwater Harvesting

Drinking

Cooking

Laundry Irrigation

Clean Energy Integration

Zoning & Transition Thresholds

- Collect rainwater to enhance water supply.

- Using green roof water filtration system.

- Using clean water for range of purposes.

- Reduce carbon footprint by using wireless power.

- E-bike stands around the island.

- Encouraging walking & biking.

Tapu[sacred]

Noa [non-restricted]

- Kaitiakitanga : Protect habitats of endangered & native species.

- Share the land with non-human living beings [Enhanced Biodiversity].

- Create Archways at the threshold of Tapu & Noa spaces.

Waste Management

Garden

Compost Food

Compost Site

Recycling station

Centre

- Enforce Zero Waste Policy.

- Only allow products that are 100 % Recycled /Compostable.

- Create circular loop with the food production on the island.

- Whanaungatanga : Create safe & social space.

- Large doors & windows to enhance visibility.

- Provide opportunities for conversations [Support Te Reo immersion].

Wānanga Space

Wharekai

Kohanga reo

Community

Maara Kai Museum

Rongoā

Mahi Toi

Reverse engineering from undulating paper model to a cube. Inspired from a pāua shell hand drawing.