Rohit Ahuja_Architecture Portfolio

ARC HITECTURAL DESIGN PORTFOL I O

RO H IT AH U JA

CURRICULUM VITAE Rohit Ahuja August 19, 1991

Email: rohitahuja19@gmail.com

Languages : English (native), Kannada, Hindi

Phone: +91 98453 73181

Registered Architect under the Council of Architecture, India

www.linkedin.com/in/rohit-ahuja-architect

Portfolio h t t p s : // i s s u u . c o m / r o h i t a h u j a 1 9 / d o c s / portfolio_2018_rohit_ahuja_02

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/4uoyg1fy7k42tc3/ AAB8WRp04v2NuvkQnFLIZD5da?dl=0

SKILLS 3D modelling and Drawings Rhino + Grasshopper Autodesk Maya Sketchup Revit AutoCAD Rendering Vray (3DS Max, Rhino) Keyshot

Adobe Suite Photoshop Indesign Illustrator Premiere Microsoft Office Word Powerpoint Excel

Architectural Fabrication Physical model making 3D printing Laser Cutting CNC milling 3D scanning

EDUCATION SEP 2016 - JAN 2018

Architectural Association School of Architecture Master of Architecture Design Research Laboratory [AADRL], M.Arch Architecture and Urbanism London, UK Tutor: Shajay Bhooshan, Alicia Nahmad Project Title : Dense.Community, Negotiating hyper dense environments

AUG 2009 - JUL 2014

M.S.R. Institute of Technology Bachelor of Architecture (honors) Bangalore, Karnataka, India GPA : 9.00/10.00 Thesis : Centre for Intellectual and Literary Exchange

PROFESSIONAL JUL 2014 - JUL 2016

Project Architect z axis design studio Bangalore, India

In-charge of design and complete development of some of the projects in the firm. Created designs and construction drawings along with 3D models. Responsible for coordination between parties, communicating with the site and meeting with clients.

Worked primarily on residential and commercial projects, having completed four during my tenure with three still on-going.

JAN 2014 - MAY 2014

Architect Intern z axis design studio Bangalore, India

Responsible for the design of three apartment projects along with technical drawings and 3D modelling. Worked on the renovation of a house, providing technical drawings and site inspections.

AUG 2013 - DEC 2013

Architect Intern Venkataramanan Associates Bangalore, India

Worked as part of a team designing high rise apartments. Developed technical drawings at various stages of different projects.

JUN 2012 - AUG 2012

Architect Intern S&S Associates Bangalore, India

Brief assistantship working on detail drawings and facade design of houses.

AWARDS APR 2014

Holcim Awards z axis design studio Sustainability in Architecture Project : NU hospital, Ambur, India

OCT 2012

National Association of Students of Architecture [NASA] ZoNASA Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India First place, design trophy Team competition for the design of a sub-urban mall in the town of Channapatna, Karnataka.

OCT 2012

ZoNASA Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India First place, overall Competition with various schools of architecture throughout the country.

JAN 2010

ZoNASA Manipal, Karnataka, India Second place, overall Competition with various schools of architecture throughout the country.

AXIS AMAIRO Residential Apartments Project: Axis Aamairo, Apartments Location: Bangalore Total site area : 9500 sft No. of apartments: 20 Total built-up area : 30,000 sft Status: Complete This is a four storey apartment building located in JP Nagar, a residential area in south Bangalore. The only thing interesting about its environment is a large nursery to the north of the site. This is taken into consideration in the design, providing maximum views towards the nursery. The building takes the shape of the irregular site, to both maximise the use of the land and add an interesting aesthetic to design.

Project Architect z axis design studio In-charge of the complete design and development of the project. Work entailed designing multiple schemes, drafting of working and technical drawings, 3D modelling, research, site inspections, and coordination of all the parties involved in the project.

N

First Floor Plan

The low budget apartment had to be as economical and was required to occupy as much as the site as possible. The building follows the boundary of the site, which was a parallelogram. Fitting the requirements of the client, each floor housed five apartments around a central lift lobby. The bedrooms and living rooms all faced out from either the north or south elevations to provide maximum sunlight.

The south elevation faced the road while the north faced a large nursery. This is usually a challenge for dense buildings in urban environments. Fortunately we took advantage of the site to achieve this.

2.40

The shapes of both the panels and CNC cut motifs were derived from the shape of the site. This not only fulfilled its primary function of shading but also created an interesting play with light and shadow.

The shapes were modified to be the same size and was derived from a grid. The screen gradually changed from a 75° angle to a sharper 60° angle along with its orientation.

5 5 2.2 2.2

To tackle the harsh sunlight observed in the summer months, the idea was to have movable screens to shade the balcony from the southern sun.

1.95 1.95

2.40

Module 01

Metal framework behind

Module 02

3.15

5.22

4.02

3.15

1.48

18.60 [62']

6.12

3.15

9.05

0.78

1.53

6.37

3.97

4.25

3.15

3.00

8.11

2.67

.015

0.15

2.70

4.22

South Elevation

oht/lift machine room to further detail

C

E

D

STAIRCASE HEAD ROOM LVL. +18.75m

3.00 [10']

LD

D3

DD1

lift as per specification

LD

STILT FLR LOBBY LVL. +0.30 M

parking

lobby

lift as per specification

3.15 [10'-6"] 18.60 [62']

1.05 [3'-6"]

3.15 [10'-6"]

D2

living/dining

foyer

lobby

3.15 [10'-6"]

DD3

balcony

2.40 [8']

DD1

LD

3.15 [10'-6"]

1.05 [3'-6"]

living/dining

foyer

1.05 [3'-6"]

2.40 [8'] 2.40 [8']

DD1

lift as per specification

1.05 [3'-6"]

DD3

balcony

D2

balcony

parking

2.70 [9']

foyer

DD1

D3

0.15 [6"]

living/dining

D2

living/dining

foyer

LD

DD2

bedroom

D3

DD1

lobby

0.90 [3']

balcony

DD3

lobby

0.90 [3']

foyer

DD1

balcony

2.40 [8']

0.90 [3']

2.40 [8']

1.05 [3'-6"]

2.40 [8']

1.05 [3'-6"]

living/dining

living/dining

lift as per specification

DD2

bedroom

balcony

D2

0.15

STILT FLR PARKING LVL. NGL. ±0.00 M +0.15 M

foyer

D3

DD1

foyer

LD

0.90 [3']

FIRST FLOOR LVL. +3.00M

living/dining

DD3

lobby

DD2

bedroom

balcony

DD1

lift as per specification

2.85 [9'-6"]

foyer

.15 m

.60 m

0.90 [3']

2.40 [8']

1.05 [3'-6"]

living/dining

LD

1.05 [3'-6"]

1.05 [3'-6"]

lift as per specification

DD2

2.40 [8']

SECOND FLOOR LVL. +6.15 M

J

I

lobby

bedroom

balcony

1.05 [3'-6"]

THIRD FLOOR LVL. +9.30M

H

water tank

TERRACE LVL. +15.60M

FOURTH FLOOR LVL. +12.45M

G

F 1.95 [6'-6"]

B

SECTION A-A A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

Section A-A’

HVP CREST Commercial and Office Project: HVP Crest, Commercial building Location: Bangalore Total site area : 95,120 sft No. of floors: 5 Total built-up area : 2,125,50 sft Status: Complete The project involved the design of the exterior facade of a commercial building on ITPL main road, Whitefield, Bangalore.

Through the course of our design process, we decided to give the building an external skin, which ultimately led to incorporating a layer of glass panels set 600mm from the building walls.

The panels vary in size - 3 modules having widths of 600mm, 1200mm, and 1800mm.

The heights for all were 3800mm, except for the ground floor, which was 4500mm. The panels were held in place by a framework of ISMCs running the length of the facade.

These in turn were anchored to the building’s beams for support.

Project Architect z axis design studio In-charge of the complete design and development of the project. Work entailed designing multiple schemes, drafting of working and technical drawings, 3D modelling, research, site inspections, and coordination of all the parties involved in the project.

expansion joint

1.80

1.20

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0.60

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   

3.70

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South Elevation

 

East Elevation

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Glass Panels Detail

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West Elevation

Elaborating on the idea of glass panels, we tried out another concept of utilizing video display panels. These were to be used on the front facade of the building. Ideas ranged from having the complete front facade enveloped in video panels, emitting a constant stream of colours and patterns; to having a small portion of the front facade having video panels displaying information such as the weather or traffic.

SECTION CC SCALE- 1:15

compound wall clad with lapathor black granite

19mm thk granite planter trough as per specification

1.80

cinder fill

water trough wall clad with lapathor black granite

0.40

0.60

0.30

0.20

water collection trough clad with lapathor black granite

4" thk PCC bed

0.125

0.10

0.125

0.15

+99.51 M LVL

0.20

SECTION DD SCALE- 1:15

overflow feature wall clad with multi-tile cladding

WPC on which granite slab is to be laid

1.50

cinder fill

1.80

water trough wall clad with lapathor black granite water collection trough clad with lapathor black granite

0.15

0.15

0.15

0.30

Det. A

0.40

0.60

0.25

4" thk PCC bed

0.125

0.10

0.125

0.15

0.33

+99.51 M LVL

Entrance Compound Wall Detail

0.20

0.20

Entrance Portal Security Cabin Detail

00mm m box sections

50mmx100mm aluminium box sections

1.40

200mmx200mm MS box sections 200mm thk deck slab roof

m thk deck oof

0.80

0.20

aluminium U channel embedded into wall/slab for fixing glass

2.10

0.50

50mmx100mm ISMC welded together

150mm thk masonry wall

1.50

100mm thk lightweight block

name board as per specification

1.00

0.20

mx200mm MS ctions

1.40

200mm thk RCC slab

10mm thk toughened glass 2.40

2.40

hk toughened

table counter as per specification

0.75

0.75

0.90

150mm thk lightweight block

100mm thk PCC bed

0.20 0.10

0.30

0.30

0.20

cinder fill 0.30

0.20

thk PCC bed

0.10

0.20

200mm thk RCC slab

existing curb stone

g curb stone

SECTION AA

SECTION BB

SCALE- 1:25

SCALE- 1:25

We also designed the entrance archway of the residential block, adjacent to the commercial building. The design solution was austere yet elegant. We decided on reusing the aluminium sections originally on the south elevation of the commercial building. The security cabin was prudently integrated within the archway to allow for easy verification of both vehicular as well as pedestrian traffic.

LINK ORNATE Row Housing Project: Link Ornate, Row Housing Location: Bangalore Total site area : 7430 sqm No. of floors: 4 Total built-up area : 11,200 sqm Status: On going Row-housing consisting of 21 villas, 18 of which are identical. The project is located to the north of the city, outside the main city limits. The main challenge was bringing in natural light, as two sides of every house are adjoined by its neighbouring houses. The solution was incorporating large skylights over triple height spaces to bring in light to all levels.

Project Architect z axis design studio In-charge of the some of the design and development of the project. Work entailed refining schemes, drafting of working and technical drawings, 3D modelling, research, site inspections, and coordination of all the parties involved in the project.

SKY LIGHT LIFT 1.65 X 1.65 M

COURT UP

RAIN SHOWER

PEBBLE BED

DRESS/PANTRY 2.70 x 2.25 M

EN-SUITE 3.35 X 2.25 M

DN

HOME THEATRE/BEDROOM 5.80 X 3.55 M

UP

BALCONY 1.65 X 3.55 M

TERRACE GARDEN 8.40 X 6.00 M

SKY LIGHT

Second Floor

Family room

LIFT 1.65 X 1.65 M

COURT

RAIN SHOWER

DRESS 3.70 X 1.80 M

EN-SUITE 3.40 X 1.80 M

UP DRESS 2.70 x 2.25 M

EN-SUITE 3.35 X 2.25 M

FAMILY 5.00 X 4.30 M

DN

BED ROOM 2 5.05 X 4.00 M BED ROOM 1 5.80 X 3.55 M

BALCONY 1.50 X 4.00 M

BALCONY 1.65 X 3.55 M

COURT BELOW

DN

UP

FOYER 5.20 X 1.50 M

LIVING 5.00 X 6.00 M

screen

BED ROOM 3 3.55X4.15 M

LAWN COVER

COURT BACK YARD 5.00 X 6.00 M

DECK

DINING 4.05 X 3.55 M

FRONT YARD

PLANTER

KITCHEN 4.45 X 2.40 M

LIFT 1.65 X 1.65 M UP screen

UTILITY / DRYING YARD

POWDER 1.20 X 1.50 M

First Floor

EN-SUITE 1.50 X 2.95 m

Ground Floor

N

B

A

6.00 M

4.80 M

TERRACE SERVICES +10.65 M (111.25 lvl)

3.30

SKY LIGHT

HOME THEATRE +7.35 M (107.95 lvl)

BALCONY

BED ROOM 1 +4.05 M (104.65 lvl)

3.60

10.65

3.30

12.30

BALCONY

DINING +0.45 M (101.05 lvl)

BACK YARD

COURT YARD +0.45 M (101.05 lvl)

3.05

ROAD LVL ±0.00 M (100.60 lvl)

B

A

To break the monotony of the elevation emerging from the repetition of identical houses, we proposed a facade of square panels along the entire length of the row houses. Three different options were developed, repeating after every third house. We were careful to keep the panels in front of balconies and windows less dense, so light was not inhibited from entering.

3.14

TOP OF RETAINING WALL +0.45 M (101.05 lvl)

6.00 M

4.80 M

TERRACE SERVICES +10.65 M (111.25 lvl)

10.65

12.30

HOME THEATRE +7.35 M (107.95 lvl)

BED ROOM 1 +4.05 M (104.65 lvl)

TOP OF RETAINING WALL +0.45 M (101.05 lvl)

KITCHEN +0.45 M (101.05 lvl)

BACK YARD ROAD LVL ±0.00 M (100.60 lvl)

One of the most interesting features of the house one central staircase. These varying heights creat higher than the rest of the house. The play on levels courtyard located in the centre of the house illumin

F

E

D

C

5.20 M

4.80 M

6.40 M

3.30

TERRACE GARDEN +9.00 M (109.60 lvl)

BED ROOM 2 +5.70 M (106.30 lvl)

4.80

FAMILY

BED ROOM 3 +1.50 M (102.10 lvl)

FRONT YARD

LANDSCAPE +0.90 M (101.50 lvl)

3.50

)

±0.00 M (100.60 lvl)

3.95

1.50

LIVING +0.90 M (101.50 lvl)

-2.60 M (98.00 lvl)

DRIVE WAY

5.20 M

F

E

D

C

Section AA

4.80 M

6.40 M

TERRACE GARDEN +9.00 M (109.60 lvl)

8.10

BED ROOM 2 +5.70 M (106.30 lvl)

FOYER +1.50 M (102.10 lvl)

FRONT YARD +0.90 M (101.50 lvl)

±0.00 M (100.60 lvl)

3.50

1.50

LIVING +0.90 M (101.50 lvl)

-2.60 M (98.00 lvl)

DRIVE WAY

Section BB

es are the split level floors, connected together by te interesting volumes, the living area being much s visually connects all the floors and the triple height nates the entire space from the skylight above.

1.65 0.70

-2.55 M (98.05 lvl)

0.75

D1

BASEMENT FLOOR

0.40

2.10

1.90

D1

W1

D1

0.90 0.20 0.60

2.05

1.20

D2

2.85

1.35

1.50

-2.55 M (98.05 lvl)

2.70

2.95

1.125

1.10

DET. 1.65 1.80 1.85

4.80 M

1.65

GROUND FLOOR

E

D

C

0.30 0.40

0.40

W2

+1.55 M (102.15 lvl)

2.40

4.30

+0.95 M (101.55 lvl)

0.75

1.20

0.80

D2

2.40

D1

0.60

2.25

D1

0.60

0.75

0.45

0.60 1.50

5.40

0.75

1.20 MD

E

D

C

B

A

3.70

D1

3.10

1.65 1.80 D1

2.25

2.25

2.40

1.05

W5

0.10

0.70

1.95

0.70 1.80

COURT BELOW build up to 0.45m

W4

1.80

1.95

0.15 0.45

E

D

C

B

A

0.35

3.50

+7.40 M (108.00 lvl)

W2

refer slab marking drawing for wall height

0.75

W6

D1

W5

SECOND FLOOR

build up to 1.00m

+9.05 M (109.65 lvl)

D1

2.25

2.25

2.40

1.05 1.05 0.60

W5

UP

FIRST FLOOR

build up to 0.45m

W3

+5.75 M (106.35 lvl)

+4.10 M (104.70 lvl)

W2

1.15 1.70 0.25

+0.50 M (101.10 lvl)

1.65

-2.335 FFL (98.265 M)

0.70 0.80

1.00

1.65 1.80

1.05 0.60 2.00

DET. 0.50

5.20 M

2.00

5.20 M 3.55

B

W2

0.30 2.00

4.80 M 2.00

DN 1.55

4.80 M 0.10

DN 1.50

5.20 M

0.20

4.80 M

0.30

1.15 1.70 0.25 4.80

0.15

2.00

UP 0.15

6.00 M

1.80

build up to 1.20m

W5

0.10

0.70

1.95

1.00

build up to 0.60m

SKY LIGHT

0.10

DN

0.40

0.35

6.00 M

5.20 M

0.15

SKY LIGHT 1.10

build up to 0.60m

4.80 M

0.60

6.00 M 4.80 M

UP

4.80 M

4.80 M

UP

COURT

0.80

1.65

1.65

E

D

C

B

A

SCHE

D1 D2 MD GD SD

DIM 0.90 3.55 4.00 1.80 0.60 4.80

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©ZA

ZA/SR/

DRAWING

N

MASON UNITS 0

DRAWING TI

PROPOSE

PROJECT

100/2 , Rich Bangalore

CLIENT

ESVE DE

PLUMBING

ELECTRICAL

M/s IS

STRUCTURA

W1 W2 W3 W4 W5 W6

NAME

WINDOWS

DIM 0.90 0.75 1.20 0.90 0.90

NAME

DOORS

R0

REVISION

NOTES: 1. Do not scale 2. All dimensio stated.

3. This drawing relevant arc engineer's d 4. This drawing No part this re-produce architects.

5. All mentione 6. Cut lintels as 7. All door and dimensions 8. All lintel bott

RAJAGOPAL ADVOCATES Office Project: Advocate's Office Location: Bangalore Total site area : 1,923 sft No. of floors: 2 Total built-up area : 1,750 sft Status: Complete Project overview A 30 year old advocate’s office in BTM layout, Bangalore, this project was a renovation: turning a well-maintained but nevertheless aging establishment to one more comparable to today’s contemporary structures.

The process comprised of two phases: the first being the construction of the upper floor, and the second phase being the renovation of the existing ground floor.

Project Architect z axis design studio In-charge of the complete design and development of the project. Work entailed designing multiple schemes, drafting of working and technical drawings, 3D modelling, research, site inspections, and coordination of all the parties involved in the project.

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lawyer’s cabin associates’ desks pantry toilets conference room shaded garden

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First Floor Plan

The use of a screening element was conceived with the first design scheme itself. The client was specific about maintaining a sense of privacy, so we incorporated the screen as a strong design element.

Through experimenting with various materials for the screen, we finally settled on using clay jalli blocks; being both easily available locally and simple to construct.

Being such an old building, external supports were needed in the form of steel sections. This not only fulfilled its primary purpose of supporting the structure, but added an interesting new element to play with. Indeed, the ISMCs offered a framework in which the jalli wall could sit.

Initial schemes consisted of having two upper floors. Upon reconsideration of the requirements, we opted for just one upper floor.

Competition project, z axis design studio Competition entry for Holcim Awards for Sustainable Construction Project: Nephrology and Urology Hospital Location: Ambur, TN, India Team of five members under the supervision of Sharath MA, and S Krishna Swaroop, z axis design studio I worked on the design and planning of the hospital’s operating rooms, ICU, and emergency facilities, including drafting plans and 3D modelling. Researched on climate and topogrophy of Ambur, various systems of water recycling, and different stratgies of harnessing solar power.

Location Ambur, TN, India 12.78°N, 78.7°E Average elevation: 316m Between Bangalore and Chennai Topography Valley, relatively flat Site 2034.75 m2 Corner plot abutting NH46 to the east Service road to south Coconut plantations to the north and west View of picturesque Jawadhu hills to the east Climate Tropical climate High temperatures during summer, wet winters Predominant north east monsoons during October and November. Dry south west wind in summers.

NU HOSPITAL AMBUR, INDIA The built form is designed as a Passive Solar building in response to the hot and dry climate of Ambur. By virtue of orientation, strategic positioning of spaces, thermal buffers, cross-ventilation, evaporative cooling, screening mechanisms, etc. the building tries to accommodate the heating, cooling and energy loads of a hospital building. Being responsible for the environment, the building uses strategies to harness abundant sun for generation of electricity and heating; recycles and reuse waste water as well as harnesses rain water to rejuvenate ground water levels. The walls and fillers in the slabs are compressed stabilized earth blocks which are cast on site out of the precious earth dug for basement. Other materials used are sourced within 250Kms of the site. Over all there is a conscious effort to bring down the carbon foot print and embedded energy of the built, which in general is inherently high for a Hospital building.

DENSE.COMMUNITY Shared Living Dense.community looks at an alternate solution to housing using the idea of shared living as a paradigm, focusing on fostering community building through a data driven approach.

Through forming interactive communities, we aid in sharing space and resources and in turn achieving higher densities than traditional housing schemes make possible. Density through community building.

Pre-war London held the highest population ever recorded in the city’s history till it was finally overtaken in 2015. The present density of inner London, however, is still a far cry from what it was, having a population of approximately 1.5 million people lesser than 1939. With its population steadily rising, London’s current trend seems to be housing people outside the centre. We see this as an opportunity to redensify the centre of London. We propose that a city centre that once held a population of 1.5 million people more, can accommodate this population once again with an architecture that supports a dense London.

Academic research project, team work The 12 month thesis is conducted in teams of 3.

While each of us focused more on our particular contributions to the project, all aspects of the research and development of the design were undertaken by all 3 of us. My role focused on the spatial planning and development of the primitive layout along with some of the modelling. All team members worked on the fabrication part of the project.

Team: Rohit Ahuja, Sooraj Poojari, Yuki Matsuda Tutors: Shajay Bhooshan, Alicia Nahmad Course: Design Research Laboratory Architectural Association School of Architecture

Motivation We look at inner London’s lack of density as an opportunity for a sustainable architectural solution.

Density is the main problem for housing in London. Through better use of its land, London can accommodate its rising population.

1939 London Population: 8.6 Million Inner London Population: 4.8 Million

2011 London Population: 8.6 Million Inner London Population: 3.3 Million

2041 (Projected) London Population: 10.0 Million Inner London Population: 4.0 Million

Perception Of Density We use perception of density as a design tool to tackle living in high dense environments. Research on social density perception dictate that the more synergistic a community, the less dense the space it occupies is perceived as.

The same space with the same number of people is perceived as less dense when the people in it are known as opposed to being strangers. Spatially, a space can be made to seem less dense if there are multiple entrances and different pathways to negotiate your interaction.

Population density of London

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Traditional housing systems maximise privacy but not density.

Current models of shared living increase density but also the level of interaction.

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No. of floors: 4 No. of people in 4 floors: 16 Actual density: High

No. of interactions: Low Perceived density: Low

No. of interactions: High Perceived density: High

Community: Minimum to none

Community: Non-synergistic

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Time based enables us to control the perception of density.

The communities formed are synergistic No. of floors: 4 No. of people in 4 floors: 20 Actual density: High No. of interactions: Time based, individual preferences Perceived density: Low Community: Synergistic

Traditional Housing

Current Shared Living

Community Based Shared Living

Evolution of Depth-map A depth-map indicates the number of steps it takes to get to the most private space from the most public. The more number of steps, the higher the privacy of the space is. The studies above illustrate the depthmap for different spatial arrangements. The branching, tree-like arrangement gradually evolved to a semi-lattice arrangement. This highly connected layout is desirable when negotiating interaction of people, by providing multiple entrances to spaces.

Density Perception Scheme

Pocket Home Scheme

Evaluative Measures We used space syntax connectivity depth map and agent movement analysis to measure how connected a space is. This enabled us to predict which spaces would be more private, and which more social. This gradation of privacy was used in the spatial logic, resulting in the more connected spaces being shared spaces and the least connected ones as private spaces. Using isovist, we qualitatively measured the areas of these spaces, designing the interconnected shared spaces to be larger than private spaces.

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Connectivity depth map

Agent movement analysis

Connectivity depth map

Agent movement analysis

Extrapolating this design idea onto traditional housing systems, we evaluated how we could improve those designs. Referring pocket homes, a development company specialising in dense urban living, we measured the size and connectivity of their housing and proposed a shared living module that surpasses the density they achieved while increasing the quality of the space. Enlarging the most connected space, the corridor, produces a gradient of spaces ranging from public, semipublic to private. Rather than having disparate private and common spaces, this intermediate semi-public space allows residents to customise their level of interaction.

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Single room ensuite 10.5 m2

Single room 7 m2

Single room studio 14 m2

Couple room 14 m2

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Open Plan: Social

Sectional Variation: Intermediate

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Planar and Sectional Variation: Private

Spatial Organisation The formation of synergistic communities is influenced by two conditions, social organisation and spatial organisation. The spatial orgainsation is determined by choices each resident makes with regard to their private and shared spaces, such as the size of their room, the spaces they would like to share, and the time of day they use that space. The choices extend further to the size of their preferred community and the level of privacy.

Interaction levels are highly dependent on the organisation of the community. Using a depth-map, this interaction can be negotiated, where open plan clusters would be more social, and layouts which require more number of steps to reach a private space from a public one, would be more private.

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Workspace Kitchen

Primitive Layout

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The process begins by collecting user data relating to spatial and social attributes of individual residents to form synergistic communities. This information is translated into a primitive layout forming the initial spatial planning of the building. The layout is tested and evaluated using connectivity depth maps and agent movement analysis to determine connectivity of different spaces. The more connected a space, the more social it becomes. The arrangement of primitives goes through another cycle based on the evaluation parameters.

Once users have provided their social and spatial preferences, communities are formed based on their compatibility. The more compatible the people in a community are, the more synergistic it is, leading to a lowering of perceived density.

Cluster size 6-8 Facilities Gym Room type Single Small

Cluster size 6-8 Facilities Gym Room type Single Small

Cluster size 6-8 Facilities Gym Room type Single Small

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Clustering of residents based on spatial and social compatibility

Cluster size 6-8 Facilities Gym Room type Single Small

Cluster size 6-8 Facilities Gym Room type Single Small

Bedroom Dining Living Bathroom Workspace Kitchen

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Primitive Layout

Bedroom Dining Living Bathroom Workspace Kitchen

Architectural Geometry

Workspace Kitchen

Minimal Surface Topology These geometries have unique characteristics like having visual connectivity to spaces that are not physically accessible or spaces being next to each other in plan but not in section, allowing for more privacy in the same boundary. These characteristics have implications on how a space is perceived.

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Primitive To Geometry Minimal surfaces have the inherent property of forming two spaces from one surface. This not only aids in density, as space is used efficiently on both sides, but also lowers density perception.

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Smooth Mesh

Low Poly

Smooth Mesh

Architectural Proposal The studies undertaken in both the planning layout and the architectural geometries culminate in the final design proposal. The aim was to achieve a higher density than the new proposal on this site while fostering synergistic communities. This was made possible through increasing the actual density while lowering the perceived density on three scales- unit scale, building scale, and site scale. The spatial logic of how these communities connect and interact are governed by connectivity depthmaps on all three scales which resulted in translations in the architectural geometry.

Study Models The geometries were tested and developed to enable a balance between the structural feasibility with the desired spatial qualities. Horizontal and vertical topologies developed independently and slowly merged to provide more meaningful geometries.

On consulting with AKT II, who guided us through the structural aspects of our project, we came to understand the implications our spatial connections had on the built form. This led to studies on how spaces translate in a minimal surface, culminating in our understanding of diagonal transitions for both structural and spatial properties.

A series of 3D printed models were studied to better understand how the digital models responded in the physical world. Further research on the geometry was explored in the fabrication section of our project.

Fabrication: Residency at Autodesk BUILD Sp

As part of developing the prototype for our fabrication system at Autodesk BUILD Space. The aim was to develop a suitable

Since we were dealing with minimal surfaces, we looked at m settled for a tension based system using chain-link fabric form

Tension flow model

Two types of boundary frames

pace, Boston

m, the studio spent a month in Boston taking part in a residency technique to be able to physically fabricate our digital models.

methods that could generate double curved surfaces. We finally mwork.

Location of nodes to attach fabric surface

Location of fabric pieces of the surface

Digital to Fabrication Work-flow

The minimal surface was first modelled digitally. Edg optimised to produce 4 variations in edge length, allow using N-cloth in case of any displacement.

The surface was then planarized and flattened. The pla then stitched together. 48 individual pieces of cloth ma

The minimal surface bounding frame was laser cut so fixed together at every chain-link junction. Finally, the ch achieve the physical fabricated version of the digital mo

Node Detail

1st step: Low-poly

Optimisation of edge lengths

2nd step: Sm

Most optimal edg this geometry. Ho variations in segm

3D Curved Frame

ge lengths of the 2.3mm thick steel cable were then wing for easier fabrication. The model was then tested

anarized surfaces were laser cut onto fabric which were ake up the surface of the model.

o as to maintain precision. The fabric and chain were hain and fabric were fixed to the frame and tensioned to odel.

mooth mesh

3rd step: Surface subdivided to form fabric segments.

ge lengths for owever, too many ment length

Standardised edge lengths to allow for easier fabrication process

Geometries like the Schoen surface have a bounding curve which is three dimensional.

Complex curvature is split into single curvatures and assembled together at specific angles making the complex curvature. The fabric form-work is fixed to the bounding curve.

The frame is constituted of 46 pieces of steel pipe, individually bent to achieve the desired curvature. The fabric used is polyurethane, for its low elasticity and heat sealing properties.

The 90 pieces of fabric were planarised, cut, and heat sealed together.

MATERIAL BEHAVIOUR The workshop explores material behaviour with physical models using plaster and stitched fabric. After a series of experiments, we came across an interesting topology of pinches and folds. Our team focused on allowing plaster to flow through continuous tunnels and pinching patterns. Thus within this workshop, we created a catalogue and systematically analysed the behaviour of plaster.

The course of our project led to the development of certain topologies which we used as parameters for our models. The first was the pinch, where two layers of fabric were stitched together over a third layer. This technique eventually progressed to creating tunnels at the pinching points. Controlling the position and number of folds aided the process of forming pinches and tunnels. Further systems were shaped by the various patterns of stitches incorporated in the casts. The ribs and spines were developed as a result of this.

Academic research project, team work

Cast 04

Team: Basant E., Jeffrey W., Suchart O., Rohit A. Tutors: Mustafa El-sayed, Apostolis Despotidis Course: Design Research Laboratory Architectural Association School of Architecture

Detail of Cast 19 main spine

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back rib

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supporting rib

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pressure point

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ENCODED MATTER This workshop aims to achieve real-time CNC milling using agent based coding. Flock behaviour is duplicated using Processing as a means. Parameters such as separation, cohesion, and alignment form the basis for this behavioural pattern, and gradually other parameters are added to change and modify the influence and response of agents.

Our goal was to experiment with the behaviours of a single agent and ultimately with multi-agents. We developed various techniques of milling during the process and implemented them at different stages. The processing codes were then reproduced in real-time onto blue foam board.

The final stage of experimentation involved the use of an Arduino board in conjunction with light sensors to form an additional parameter affecting the agents in the simulation.

We used the techniques developed throughout the course of the workshop and applied them to the light sensor feedback loop.

Academic research project, team work

CNC milled foam

Team: Rohit A., Cherylene S., Sooraj P., Lei W., Yanling X. Tutors: Robert Stuart-Smith, Tyson Hosmer Course: Design Research Laboratory Architectural Association School of Architecture

Light Sensor

Arduino Code

LED Board

CNC MDX - 540

Agent Code Processing

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Agent movement generated in Processing

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Academic project, individual work Main design project for the semester. Work entailed complete design of the building accompanied with drawings, 3D models and physical models.

Tutors: Jyotirmay C. Course: Bachelor of Architecture School of Architecture, MSR Institute of Technology

CENTRE FOR INTELLECTUAL AND LITERARY EXCHANGE Project Feasibility While India is ever expanding its malls and offices, its public spaces are not generally given the same importance.

While historical forts, temples and such spaces cater to tourists, public spaces like city squares, public libraries, museums, galleries and plazas are generally not developed as much as they can be.

In a country like India where promotion of education should be foremost in its agenda, new and better equipped public utilities would help the society.

While we may be fooled into believing that technology has penetrated all sections of society, it is important to remember that a large portion of the population may not have access to this technology and need a public space to access it freely.

Aim The aim of the project is to design a space that can re-establish the importance of a physical environment, while at the same time using the technologies of the day to make information accessible to people in new and interactive ways.

Objectives - Providing a meeting place for students for art, culture and science.

- To create an environment which is healthy, nourishing and enriching of the thought process.

- To provide contemporary facilities which are a result of current and future needs.

- Creation of an environment rooted in nature.

Site Details The design was primarily meant for the public, and to be an important part of the city, symbolic of knowledge, and accessible to one and all.

A radial form was selected to take the shape of the site and utilise its highly contoured terrain

The radial block is divided into blocks, providing access ways through the site as well as views of the lake from each block

Final design scheme. Natural slope of the site ensures buildings at the back still get views to the lake.

A radial form has been used as the main design principle of the campus design. As the contours seem to radiate from a central point, this radial planning not only creates efficiency in terms of design but also enables the built structure to harmonize with the site. Also, there is a lake adjacent to the site. A radial design allows for views of the lake from every point, creating multiple axes towards the water body.

Section through the site

Master Plan 01

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The project consists of six buildings, each one unique to its purpose while still being unified in its pursuit of knowledge. The four main blocks house the primary functions of the project.

The convention centre is used for conferences and lectures with facilities for meetings and work spaces. The exhibition and gallery block is to exhibit contemporary advancement both scientific and artistic. The workshop block with studios and lecture halls is used for short term courses. Finally, the library is meant to act as public space, a meeting point where anyone can access information. These are supported by the administration block and accommodation block.

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Ground Floor 1 Lobby 2 Periodicals 3 Active Collection 4A Reading Area 5 Toilets 6 Store Room1

First Floor 1 Digital Library 2 Children’s Section 3 Reading Area 4 Discussion Rooms 5 Office 6 Toilets

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View of Convention Centre

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∆ Reception & Lobby Pre-function Area Conference Room Kitchen Restaurant Cafe Pub Retail outlet Toilets Open Air Theatre

IT PARK

The site is 34.12 acres in area and is located near Bangalore.

The project consists of two 30 storey towers offices. Along with the towers, there is a 12000 sq space, an 8000 sqm clubhouse and a large 4800 s

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Academic project, individual work Hebbal flyover,

comprised of qm commercial sqm foodcourt.

Main design project for the semester. Work entailed complete design of the building accompanied with drawings, 3D models and physical models.

Tutors: Dinakaran K. Course: Bachelor of Architecture School of Architecture, MSR Institute of Technology

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The structure consists of large, sloping columns at the periphery of the building.

These columns are tied to the shear wall by beams to take care of the tension force produced due to the angle of the structure.

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Offices Director’s Office Conference Room Workstations Lift Lobby Fire Escape Staircase & Lift Service Staircase & Lift Electrical Room AHU Room Toilets

ROHIT AHUJA +91 98453 73181 rohitahuja19@gmail.com