Pushpanjli
As an architecture student, I am dedicated to crafting spaces that elevate human well-being. I believe architecture shapes behavior and enhances quality of life, inspiring my pursuit of seamless indoor-outdoor integration. My design philosophy merges functionality with harmony, crafting environments that nurture, uplift, and positively impact those who inhabit them.
pushpanjlimehra@gmail.com
www.linkedin.com/in/pushpanjli-mehra-8314a6217
EDUCATION
University of Illinois Urbana- Champaign BSc in Architectural Studies
Minor in Landscape and Business Studies
Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya Study Abroad in Junior year
WORK EXPERIENCE
INTERN | DESIGN FACTORY INDIA
Worked on a war memorial museum project in Ambala, focusing on historical research, interior design alignment, artifact presentation, site visits, and project execution oversight
INTERN | BUILDCON SOLUTIONS
Shadowed the head architect, observed client interactions, and gained insight into project planning, design processes, and professional responsibilities in architecture
LEAD EDITOR | RICKER REPORT
Oversaw content development, conducted interviews, and edited and proofread architectural articles
ACHIEVEMENTS
Warfield International Scholarship 2024
The James and Rochelle Warfield International Programs Scholarship fund supports students in international or independent study abroad programs, with a preference for studies in the Americas.
CRITICAL MASS 2024
Critical Mass is an annual showcase where students present their semester's projects, offering peer recognition and inspiration for underclassmen.
SKILLS
Class
August 2024-August 2024
July 2021-July 2021
Novmber 2023-Present
AutoCad, Revit, Rhino, SketchUp, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Twinmotion, Enscape, Excel, RStudio
LlumVent Residences
Residential Housing Barcelona, Spain
LlumVent Residences 01 |
Located in Barcelona, the LlumVent Residences optimize natural sunlight and wind to enhance living conditions. This housing complex is designed around an indoor courtyard that acts as a peaceful buffer between the residences and an adjacent school, ensuring tranquility. The strategic arrangement of windows and balconies maximizes light and air flow, reducing reliance on artificial energy and promoting a healthier environment.
“LlumVent” combines the Catalan words for “light” (llum) and “wind” (vent), highlighting the project’s focus on using natural elements to improve urban living.
Academic Work Team: Alexia, Sofia, Pushpanjli
Responsibilities:
Health and Wellbeing Year: 2024
Site Analysis, Concept Design, Visualization
Site Analysis
Sun and ventilation
Social Spaces
Noli Plan
The unit’s floor plan ensures bedrooms and living rooms receive natural light and ventilation, with wide hallways designed as social spaces.
The ground floor plan is designed as a community space, featuring a dedicated section for a childcare center. It also includes a bicycle rack and storage space for residents.
The roof serves as a community space where people can gather and socialize, and it is also equipped with solar panels to harness sustainable energy.
Details
The balconies of the apartment feature louvers crafted from reclaimed wood, enhancing sustainability and providing a serene retreat from the intense summer heat.
The LlumVent Residences in Barcelona feature apartments with east and south-facing windows and balconies, using mycelium concrete as a construction material, maximizing natural light, airflow, and sustainability.
Aflorá 02 |
Aflorá, an elegant addition to Erlinger Housing in Champaign, embodies the concept of growth and flourishing, aptly reflected in its name. Designed to integrate seamlessly with the existing structure, it offers a dual-purpose layout: a private studio for residents on the second floor and a versatile gallery space on the first. This setup not only enhances the residential experience by providing dedicated work areas but also supports the architecture program by hosting faculty events and presentations. With its vertical garden and low-profile design, Aflorá preserves natural light and scenic views, merging functionality with aesthetic finesse.
Academic Work Team: Individual Responsibilities:
Public Year: 2023
Site Analysis, Concept Design,Planning, Visualization
Pavilion
Champaign, IL
Floor plans
Aflorá Pavilion’s layout optimizes the transition between work and display spaces, with a shape designed to enhance natural light and airflow, ensuring it complements the existing architecture.
The pavilion has a private studio upstairs and a versatile gallery downstairs that supports both resident use and faculty events.
The floor plan of Aflorá Pavilion is strategically designed to offer distinct zones for creative and professional activities, maximizing space utility and flow.
The staircase in the pavilion is deliberately designed to restrict access to the studio space, ensuring it remains a private retreat exclusively for the resident of Erlinger House. It is elegantly flanked by dark mesh metal wire, enhancing the exclusivity and aesthetic appeal of the ascent. Additionally, the studio space features a balcony that opens out to views of the surrounding dense foliage, providing a serene setting to experience the natural environment and weather.
The vertical garden at Aflorá Pavilion enhances the facade while preserving rear window views. This lush feature doubles as a natural insulator, blending functionality with aesthetic appeal.
Park Kankakee, IL
Eterna Park 03 |
Eterna Park, located along the riverbank near Grand Kankakee Marsh County Park, provides free access to fishermen, tourists, and local residents. Named for its commitment to ecological and cultural preservation, the park showcases Gizmo Architecture principles. It offers a contemplative space that connects visitors with the area’s historical and cultural significance. Inspired by river forms and bird flight patterns, the pavilions use light and shadow interplay, enhanced by a tensile canopy that reflects the bird species once common here. This design raises awareness of current avian life and fosters appreciation for the site’s evolution. The riverwalk and circular pathways, mimicking the natural river form, allow for both communal and private experiences, deepening engagement with the river’s history.
Academic Work Team: Individual Responsibilities:
Cultural and Recreational Year: 2023
Site Analysis, Concept Design, Planning, Visualization
Renders
ONCE THERE WERE
The pavilion, with a central oculus, highlights the extensive impact of the Grand Kankakee Marsh’s destruction.
COMM ING TOGETHER
Circular pathways connect and separate people, blending private and shared experiences with the site’s organic form.
THE OLD WAY
The riverwalk’s design emulates the river’s original organic form, inviting visitors to connect with both the past and present.
Sections
Gizmo Architecture serves as a profound tool through which individuals are reminded of the history, native habitat, and roots of a location. It functions as a device that facilitates understanding of how the space has transformed over time and how it will continue to evolve. This transformation is influenced by the cultural, political, and historical significance of the area. A gizmo is defined as a gadget, particularly one whose name is unknown or forgotten by the user.
The site is situated along the riverbank adjacent to Grand Kankakee Marsh County Park, offering free access to fishermen, tourists, and local residents. This proximity encourages visitors to explore the park.
04 |
BloomWorks
High rise and Green House Chicago, IL
“BloomWorks,” an architectural masterpiece in downtown Chicago, redefines skyscraper design by embodying reconnection and holistic well-being. Its name reflects its mission to foster growth and renewal, serving as a center for self-discovery, environmental engagement, and community bonding. The first three levels are dedicated to Chicago’s diverse wildlife, featuring interactive museums and vibrant engagement zones. Each subsequent floor, from the bustling Farmers Market to the serene Root Retreat, harmonizes urban life with nature. The upper floors enhance educational enrichment through “After School Matters,” with spaces like the Sky School and Air Auditorium to foster creativity and community among the city’s youth. BloomWorks stands as a beacon of innovation and connection in the urban landscape.
Academic Work Team: Marco, Kevin, Pushpanjli
Responsibilities:
Sustainability and Education Year: 2024
Concept Design, Planning, Visualization
Collages
Model Design
Sketches 05
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Europe and USA
I have a deep passion for drawing and traveling that intertwines beautifully with my journeys across Europe. The rich architectural heritage and diverse landscapes of the continent have profoundly influenced my creative expression, sparking a deep interest in sketching iconic buildings and urban scenes. These experiences have not only enhanced my artistic skills but have also deepened my appreciation for architectural styles and histories, enriching both my personal and professional life. Traveling through Europe’s architectural marvels has been a continuous source of inspiration, fueling my passion for exploring the intricate relationship between space, culture, and design through my sketches.
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Ricker Report
Architeture Publication
The Ricker Report is an architecture publication associated with the University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign. It’s named after Nathan Clifford Ricker, a pivotal figure in establishing architectural education in the United States and the first graduate in architecture from an American university. The publication serves as a scholarly platform for students, faculty, and alumni to showcase research, design work, and critical essays related to architecture. It reflects the diverse intellectual pursuits of the UIUC architecture community, often focusing on innovative design and theoretical explorations within the field.
TRANSLATION
+ Niloufar Emami
+ office ca
+ J. Drew Rogers
+ Kate McLean
+ BZ Zhang
+ Arnolfo
+ Besler and Sons
+ LAA Office
1953
FALL 2024