prarthana ulaganathan selected architectural works
table of contents.
exploration of the area. It expresses how scenario of the area. 01.
Re-pairing the industrial grid
project
Saldum memorial Heritage project
Reconnecting the interconnected Landscape project 01.
Connecting the urban commons
project
curriculum vitae.
CONTACT INFORMATION
EDUCATION
Email Address prarthanaulaganathan@gmail.com
Piacenza, Italy
WORK EXPERIENCE
2021- 2024
2015 - 2020 Sustainable Architecture and Landscape Design (110/110)
2020
Politecnico di Milano
Greening the Economy - Sustainable cities Lund University (Online course)
Bachelor of Architecture
Anna University
DESIGN COMPETITIONS
Oct-Nov 2023 Intern 2021 Architect
Dec-Apr 2019 Intern
July-Oct 2019 Intern
Studio Elementare Milan, Italy
Feel & Bari Chennai, India
Design consortium Ldt International Colombo, Sri Lanka
Design Realm Chennai, India
2019
2018 Space for thoughts Second Place
Vertical design studio Second Place
LANGUAGES KNOWN
AutoCad
Sketchup
Photoshop
Archicad
Adobe Illustrator
Vray Render
Engine
Lumion
Twinmotion
QGIS
Abode Indesign Revit Rhino
English | Expert
Italian | Beginner
Tamil | Native
Telugu | Native
Hindi | Expert
Reconnecting the interconnected 01
Academic / Urban Landscape / Chennai, India
Located about 20 kilometers south of Chennai, the Pallikaranai Marshland is a freshwater and partly saline wetland that supports rich biodiversity and plays a crucial role in flood control for the city. Despite its ecological importance, it faces numerous human-induced threats. The degradation of the marshland poses a severe threat to its ecosystem. Wetlands are common property resources, and it is crucial to halt this destructive trend to prevent further ecological damage. There is hope for recovery, but immediate action is required to stop the degradation and restore Pallikaranai Marshland to its former ecological health.
The project proposes leveraging sociocultural networks for environmental transformation and restoration, recognizing social and cultural capital as the critical link between economic goals and environmental capacities. The initiative aims to restore the Pallikaranai marshland as a flood sink by creating water retention regions, enhancing its ability to retain water and form a protective green edge against floods. This approach will also establish Pallikaranai as a carbon sink, utilizing ecological and economic principles to ensure long-term sustainability.
To prevent this marshland from futher degradation multiple stategies have been put into place to ensure revitalization and requalification of this important ecological hotspot.
The social link , The pathways weave together transformative and steward spaces, enriching the essence of the area’s functionality. Revitalizing the marshland will revive the exquisite fauna of the region, fostering a renewed connection between users and with the nature.
Masterplan
Map showcasing pathway and bheris around the pallikaranai marshland
Isometric
The different types of edges used along the wetland
Section
The edges are treated and a new porous landscape is proposed
Mapping showcasing the Resilience Zone
1.Fish
b) Facultation Pond
c)
2
3.Bheri
4.Urban
5.Kunds
6.Lawn Stone
7.Semi-
8.Recreational
9.Educational
10.Water
15.Existing stewards - Institutions
16.Percolation Wells
Okkiam Maduvu played a crucial role in flood prevention due to its capacity to absorb excess rainwater and its strategic location for draining water away from vulnerable areas. This demonstrates its resilience, making it an ideal area to implement our water conservation and management strategies.
However, the site faces several challenges, including disconnection from the local community, unprotected edges, and neglected zones that need to be reconnected with the surrounding ecology and hydrology. Our proposal aims to create an integrated matrix involving actors, protectors, and stewards to establish robust social, economic, and cultural connections. By doing so, we seek to restore the lost linkage between hydrology and ecology through active cultural engagement.
Activity flow
Diagramatic understanding of the flow of activities in the region
Ground floor plan
Floor plan showing the socio-cultural center with the surrounding landscape
Illustrations showing the socio cultural center
Sections showcasing the working of the architecture along with the landscape
Section AA’
Re-pairing the industrial grid 02
Academic
/ Urban design / Barcelona, Spain
Creating a mixed-use typology where ll activities are intergrated Industrial rbanization which will contribute to the ocal economic growth and development Increased access to goods and services Creating social equity by introducing new public spaces This urban project aims to create a vibrant and sustainable mixeduse development that combines residential, industrial, and civic functions within a cohesive urban environment. The development will provide a harmonious blend of living spaces, industrial facilities, and civic buildings to enhance the quality of life for residents, promote economic growth, and foster community engagement.
View
The view of the buildings from the courtyard
Built form
the exisiting monotonous industrial fabric
Splitting the form
mixing the newley introduced typologies together
Puncturing the volumes
solid void massing
Creating new typologies
Intergrating landscape with the buit form
Masterplan
The master plan displays a synergic relationship between industries, commercial and residential buildings.
Elevation and Section
These drawings show the mixed typology that is introduced into the industrial grid.
This ground floor plan shows the synergic relationship between the different typologies and the public space
Saldum Memorial 03
Academic / Heritage / Serbia, Saldum
The main aim of this project is to bring back the lost cultural and historical significance of the roman limes in Serbia.
The fortification on Saldum in Serbia was an asymmetrical trapeze with longer sides parallel to the Danube and its internal dimensions were 43.50 x 31.20 m. This project is inspired by the elements that composed the ancient Roman fortress. It is a deconstructed version of the fort. re arranged on a 5x5m grid. It consists of a central courtyard that is enclosed by 4 Ramparts that represent the 4 walls of the ancient fort. Each of these Ramparts tries to evoke a different experience for the user.
North Rampart
The framed view of the bouy from the corridor
Design concept
The main elements that inspired the design is derived from the ancient fortress that is currently submerged underwater
What are the main elements that inspired our design?
The Towers
THE TOWERS
The fortress is marked by four towers.
The new pavillion consists of a central courtyard that is enclosed by four Ramparts that represent the Four walls of the ancient fort. EacWh of these Ramparts tries to evoke a different experience for the user.
The Walls
THE WALLS
Walls of 1.90 m encompass the fortress.
The inner space/ Grid
THE INNER SPACE / GRID
The square grid encompassing the entire castellum is 5x5m.
North Rampart Reminiscing
West RampartRecollecting
East RampartRemembering
South RampartRecreating
This is one of the entry corridors that is deliberately given an enclosed feeling with a narrow skyline along its axis. This is to give the users a feeling of being submerged. This passage opens with a framed view of the Bouy which is placed in the location of one of the submerged piers of the old fortress.
Rampart
Axonometric view of the four ramparts
Connecting the urban commons 04
Academic / Urban Landscape / Piacenza, Italy
The ex bus station in Piacenza, Italy is revitalized by turning it into a Community Center. The existing building structure is to be kept and the middle part of the roof is to be taken down to turn it to an open space. This change enhances the view of Palazzo Farnese to the users. The pergola will have the climbers to make it a shaded area. The other rooms are imagined to be study/work center for students.
Site plan
Map illlustrating the master plan with the proposed landscape
On the right you can see the shadow analysis of the site during the winter and summer months.
Below is a series of skecthes that visullay represent the elements that act as a visual barrier/helper for the pallazzo farnese.
View of the piazza with the repurposed bus station
Section
Sections showing the site after introducing new vegetation
Renovation of Cremona 05
Academic / Urban Landscape / Cremona, Italy
A study of the province of Cremona, Italy.
Cremona’s Environmental Mapping Project aims to understand the diverse effects of natural imbalances in the region. To assess the intensity of these environmental challenges, we conducted a series of comprehensive mapping analyses at both provincial and regional scales. These analyses helped identify key areas affected by pollution and biodiversity loss.
In response to our findings, we developed a strategic plan focused on reducing pollution and replenishing biodiversity. This strategy includes targeted actions to mitigate the impacts of environmental imbalances, promoting sustainable practices, and enhancing the resilience of local ecosystems. Our goal is to foster a healthier environment for both nature and the community by addressing these critical issues collaboratively.
Mapping Landscape analysis of the Cremona district
LAND-USE
Mapping
INFRASTRUCTURE
Blue green infrastructure
BLUE-GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
NATURAL ECOSYSTEMS
Mapping
Natural ecosystems
NATURAL ECOSYSTEMS
Professional work 06
In my previous work as an architecture professional, I had the privilege of contributing to a diverse range of projects that showcased my passion for innovative design and meticulous attention to detail.
The core design concept revolved around creating a space that not only met the practical needs of its inhabitants but also established a strong connection with its natural surroundings. The design team aimed to strike a balance between aesthetics and functionality, ensuring that every element of the interior was meticulously planned and executed.
As an architect, I have contributed to a wide range of projects, focusing on both working drawings and renderings. My experience spans the entire project lifecycle, from ideation to execution, providing me with a comprehensive understanding of the architectural process. I have developed detailed working drawings that serve as essential guides for construction, ensuring precision and compliance with design standards. Additionally, I have created compelling renderings to effectively communicate design concepts to clients and stakeholders. By collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, I have honed my ability to translate creative visions into practical and sustainable architectural solutions, ensuring each project meets both aesthetic and functional requirements.
Miscellaneous 07
Sketches / Renders
Here is a collection of a few hand sketches and renders.
Whether it’s solving initial design difficulties or working through concepts and specifics, architectural sketches are all about communicating ideas. It aids in the communication of ideas, the demonstration of functionality, the visualization of user flow, and the illustration of anything that involves interaction.
