Raj Shah | Undergraduate Architecture Portfolio | KRVIA

Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute for Architecture and Environmental Studies

U

N

D

E

R

G

R

A

D

U

A

T

E

PORTFOLIO Selected works | 2020 - 2023

Raj Shah

Raj Shah I am Raj Shah, a fourth-year student pursuing Architecture at Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute for Architecture & Environmental Studies in Mumbai, India. This CV + Portfolio is a compilation of all the selected works & academics. I speak fluent English, Hindi, Gujarati. Apart from my academic projects, I have been a core member of several exhibitions & events held by my college. I have a keen interest in all things design and am very used to working hands-on on all my projects. I am a resilient and quick learner, interested in working in a practice that pushes creativity and design along with critical thinking.

27 April , 2002 Mumbai, Maharashtra Contact info - +91 9769808756 Email - rajpshah3@gmail.com

Education

Exhibitions

Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute for Architecture and Environmental Studies, Mumbai

Chidambaram

Currently in Fourth Year B.Arch | 2021 - Present

26 Ways of Seeing Bhopal

Kishinchand Chellaram College, Mumbai

Landscape Studio| Semester V

HSC| 2018 - 2020

Decoding Beauty

Greenlawns High School, Mumbai

Tectonic Studies| Semester V

ICSE| 2005 - 2018

Drawing as a Building

Architecture Design Studio|Semester VI

Technology Studio| Semester IV

Staircase : Explorations in Form and Materiality

Responsibilities

Technology Studio| Semester IV

Student Council 2020 - 2022

Workshops

Archival Head

Reading the Construct

2022 - 2023

Shantanu Khandkar

Study Trip Committee

Selfie Atmosphere (beholding a place)

Indore Study Trip

Mansi Bhatt

2023

Looking In/Out

Archival Team

Exhibitions Colloquium Dissertation 2021- 2022 | Online Curation Team

Year End Exhibition 2021- 2022| Online Curation Team

Prajakta Potnis

Semantics + Tectonis + Architecture Ainsley Lewis

Elsewhere is a Dissent Anubhav Borgohain

26 Ways of Seeing Bhopal

Exploring Synergy

2022 | Online Curation Team

Bhavin Nagda

Chidambaram Photography Exhibition 2023 | Online Curation Team

2023 | Logistics and Photography Team

Skills

Representing the Sacred

AutoCAD

2023 |Curation Team

Rhinoceros 3D Grasshopper

Chidambaram

Colloquium Dissertation 2022 - 2023 |Curation Team

Urban Dialogues

Sketchup

2023 |Online Curation Team

Adobe Photoshop

Design Esquisse

Adobe Illustrator

2023 |Online Curation Team

Adobe Indesign

KunsMatrix Enscape Qgis Microsoft Office Hand Drafting Sketching Model Making

01 02 03 04 05 06 07

Do Something Boring Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu Architecture Design Studio Semester VI

Everything All at Once Shivaji Nagar,Govandi,Mumbai Architecture Design Studio Semester V

Working Drawings Shivaji Nagar,Govandi,Mumbai Technology Studio Semester VI

Working Drawings Karnala Bird Sanctuary,Navi Mumbai Technology Studio Semester V

Commune in Pelhar Pelhar Dam, Vasai Virar Landscape Studio Semester VI

The Make of a South-Indian Temple Town Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu Study Trip Exhibition Semester VI

26 Ways of Seeing Bhopal Bhopal Landscape Studio Exhibition Semester V

08 09 10 11 12 13 14

Drawing as Building Patiala, Punjab Technology Studio Exhibition Semester IV

Reading the Construct Almora and Chakrata, Uttarakhand Elective Work Semester II

Suspended Bamboo Staircase Technology Studio Exhibition Semester IV

Allied Design Works Children’s Playground Allied Design Studio Semester IV

Building the Imaginary School Introductory Workshop

Exhibitions Curated Online and Offline

Miscellaneous Research and study, Graphics and sketches, Model works

01

Do Something Boring Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu

Timber Shelves

Architecture Design Studio Semester VI

This project takes a deep dive into Chidambaram, a place famous for its Natraja temple and lively Chariot festival. Instead of following the usual interpretations that treat temples as mere symbols, this initiative aims to reveal the complex social traditions and power dynamics interwoven into the town’s physical layout. Drawing inspiration from the innovative “Oblique Strategies” approach popularized by individuals like Brian Eno and Peter Schmidt, the guiding principle given to me is to ‘Do Something Boring.’

Concrete Column

Shelves Detail

The building is made up of elements stripped down to its basic form following its sole function , built to be overlooked by the visitors and the space used only as a passage giving emphasis to the Natraja Temple. The program of the project is to archive, restore and exhibit the history of the temple town and the temple itself.

Axonometric

Site Plan

Elevation

Details

RESTORATION ROOM

COMPUTER ROOM LIBRARY

MACHINE ROOM

RECORDING STUDIO

OFFICE

AUDITORIUM

Ground Floor Plan

Section AA’

02

Everything All at Once Shivaji Nagar,Govandi,Mumbai Architecture Design Studio Semester V

The project revolves around the involvement and importance of institutions in Govandi, Mumbai. The site study commenced with the identification of institutions on the site and building a narrative around the same. Rafeez, a migrant worker from Bihar was identified during this study. The program intends to redevelop the existing run down post office located in Govandi for migrants like Rafeez requiring employment and a means to send money back to their families in another state. Following the new policies of India Post trying to make it into a one stop shop for all integrating a post office with a bank , retail services , insurance policies and a training center to help the unemployed get sufficient training in the field of computers to get a job in the post office itself or anywhere else.

Axonometric

Ground Floor Plan

Section BB’

Section CC’

Elevation

Section AA’

03

Working Drawings Shivaji Nagar,Govandi,Mumbai Technology Studio Semester VI

04

Working Drawings Karnala Bird Sanctuary,Navi Mumbai Technology Studio Semester V C44

C45

C46

C48

C47

+4200 +4000

+3350

+0.00 -500

C35

C36

C37

C39

C38

+4200 +4000 +3750 +3350

LOBBY

SEATING AREA

STAGE

VIEWING AREA

+900 +750 +600 +450 +300 +150 +0.00

-500

100mm Depth Angle Section Truss 10mm Thick Gusset Plate 22mm Diameter Nut 150mm Depth Angle Section Truss 50mm Screw Hook 10mm Diameter Suspension Cable

100mm Depth Angle Section Truss 10mm Thick Gusset Plate 22mm Diameter Nut 150mm Depth Angle Section Truss

600mm Depth I-Section

50mm Screw Hook 10mm Diameter Suspension Cable

Floor Screw 15mm Timber FloorBoards 100mm CLT board Cap Nut 200mm Depth C-Section

200mm Depth C-Section

600mm Depth I-Section 10mm Thick Gusset Plate 10mm Diameter Nut

200mm Concrete Column

250mm Depth I-Section

10 mm x 300 mm Angle Plate 200mm Depth C-Section

22mm Diameter Nut 100mm C/C

10mm Timber Floor Board 100mm Thick 5mx4m CLT board 200mm Depth C-Section 200mm Concrete Column 5m C/C

600mm Depth I-Section 10mm Thick Gusset Plate 10mm Diameter Nut, 500mm C/C 600mm Depth I-Section

05

Commune in Pelhar Pelhar Dam, Vasai Virar Landscape Studio Semester VI

The intervention site is located in the vicinity of Pelhar Dam within the Vasai Virar region. The primary objective of the project was to design a self-sustaining commune to accommodate 20 people. This endeavor places a significant emphasis on harmonizing the natural land- scope and respecting the ecological landscape. The commune programs not only provide for living quarters but also have provisions for agricultural activities, viewing decks, yoga platforms walking trails flower-lined paths, and cycling routes near the dom. These amenities serve dual purposes: firstly self-sustenance of the community while also enabling tourism which in turn contributes to the sustainability of the commune Adding to the sensitive nature of the site, the project includes several environment-friendly elements that would enrich and protect the site. This incorporates the practice of agroforestry which promotes the sustainable cultivation of bees and crops. Retention ponds integrated into the practice of taming and bioswales with the presence of a Riparian Edge.

Site Study

Master Plan

The two residential buildings are dormitories for males and females. The ground floors are used as market where all the excess farm produce will be sold; on the other side we have a community kitchen. The buildings are built using hempcrete for walls and regular concrete for columns and slabs Behind the building we have a community gathering space which will be surrounded by phytoremediation plants used to treat the grey water from the building. The grey water is treated and used again for flushing stored in the UGT. The rainwater is carried down from the roof through a reed bed for filtering and finally emptying in the well on the northern side of the building The farmlands are designed to cater to the needs of a minimum of 25 people.

The plants that require comparatively less water are grown on the higher contour level as against the plants which require more water that are grown on the lower levels. The farm edges have natural fencing which add to the local produce as well as the aesthetics of the farm.

The pond has been created to collect the excess water and letting it slowly seep into the ground while creating a beautiful experience for the users around. Set beside the trail under the trees,it acts as a place where people can sit and appreciate nature. It provides a one to one experience with the nature giving them a sense of comfort and relaxation in the form of people sitting there dipping their feet in the pond or plucking freshly ripened fruit from the trees or just simply sitting on a bench and enjoying the beauty of the nature around.

06

The Make of a South-Indian Temple Town Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu Study Trip Exhibition Semester VI

The third year study trip to Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu explored the construct of a South Indian temple town and looked into the centrality of the Thillai Nataraja temple in its dynamic context. The temple is established as a constant by locating its spaces, history, myths, and legends amidst the city that unfolds around it, with every fragment of its evolution tethered to its past. The documentation of this study trip was exhibited through a panel, marking several smaller narratives through the town in addition to an intricate model of the very temple the town revolves around.

This exhibition probes into one of the vital governing aspects of a South Indian temple town, in detail. The form of the temple is understood through its intricate ornament along with a comprehension of its tectonics with respect to its historical context. Additionally, the fabric of the city it is situated in is delineated through the same lens, producing an explicit installation of the diverse town. The narrative of the exhibition is derived from its people and their relations with the different fragments of the town they populate. A frenzy of spaces and events untwined with the help of stories, myths, and legends presented by various characters, consequently streamlining the chaos of this dramatic temple town. The adopted mode of representation of the exhibition is through the creation of a fabric. An elaborate composition of the setting of the town is generated through the stitching of small details of the built form of the city, thus revealing a distorted God’s eye view of a South Indian temple town. The fabric helps locate the people and stories of the town therefore bringing out its identity.

The fabric of the town attempts to simulate the essence of the temple by means of its colour. The colour chosen to render the town emanates from the colours of the Gopuram. Additionally, the variation of the different colours of the built form of the town also influences the palette chosen for representation. The colour helps give character to the town by amalgamating the temple, its details, its people, and the fabric that they sit in.

07

26 Ways of Seeing Bhopal Bhopal Landscape Studio Exhibition Semester V

Studying the flow of water from the upper Lake. The project explains the journey of water through textures and landscape. The macro level consists of the entire catchment areas, the watersheds and the flow of rivers through Bhopal. The study consists of different layers including the vegetation, land use, cityscape, elevation and so on.

The water knows no boundaries hence we are focusing on the flow of rivers, canals and other water bodies beyond the political boundaries of Bhopal.

08

Drawing as Building Patiala, Punjab Technology Studio Exhibition Semester IV

Regional Architecture is very important in our context due to our geographical and cultural diversity. The exhibition highlighted the regions and its perspective of architecture and culture where one can also experience the complexity of the history of architecture.

The analysis below is of two selected buildings in the city of Patiala that had been documented by the students in the previous years study trip to Patiala.

09

Reading the Construct Almora and Chakrata, Uttarakhand Elective Work Semester II

Decoding the construct of built forms of Almora and Chakrata . The study involved learning about the climatic conditions of the regions , the construction techniques , materials used in the regions as well as the stories behind them. The substructure and the superstructure were studied using the data collected using the previous batch study trips developing into a detailed study of joineries and structural systems of the buildings.

10

Suspended Bamboo Staircase Technology Studio Exhibition Semester IV

11

Allied Design Works Children’s Playground Allied Design Studio Semester IV

The project is an imaginative spacial exploration through creation of over 100 platonic shapes coming together to form a larger volume of space and experiences

Paper Scrolls Stand Study Trip Exhibition Semester III The studio involved the study of tensegrity, construction techniques and explorations involving the same. The study led to designing a piece of tensile furniture to be used everyday.

12

Building the Imaginary School Introductory Workshop

Within the concealed corners of KRVIA, secret spaces remain unknown even to the faculty. Here a parallel world thrives, animated by the students initiative as they seek refuge from the ordinary. Monotony gives way to startling discoveries, transforming the school into a realm of exploration and the revelation of hidden gems. These spaces designed for work, dining, conversation and relaxation seamlessly integrate into the school. This network coexists alongside the institution revealing itself to those who venture to find it. The drawing seeks to uncover this network that unites these concealed nooks throughout the school, both day and night.

13

Exhibitions Curated

Online and Offline

Offline Exhibitions

Colloquium Dissertation 2022-2023

Representing the Sacred

Online Exhibitions Made on KunsMatrix

Design Esquisse 2023

26 Ways of Seeing Bhopal

14

Miscellaneous Research and study

Aranya Housing Study

Art Deco Study

Architectural Design Studio Semester VI

History Semester V

C-Ward Study

Peter Zumthor

Technology Studio Semester VI

Elective Works Semester V

14

Miscellaneous Graphics and Sketches

Cover pages for Aranya Study Book

Design Esquisse 2023

Elemental Bibliography Sketches

14

Miscellaneous Model Works

IIM Bangalore

AD Studio Design Model

Volley Ball Court of Movement

Concrete Bicycle Parking

Bridge Truss Model

Horse Stable

Architecture Design Studio Model explorations

Landscape Studio Contour Model

Agnophora House

AD Studio Design Model

Shake Table Test Model

Raj Shah Contact info - +91 9769808756 Email - rajpshah3@gmail.com