Rohit Ahuja Selected Works

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, Kannada, Hindi

Phone: +91 98453 73181, +44 75637 98269

Registered Architect under the Council of Architecture, India

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

Portfolio https://issuu.com/rohitahuja19/docs/ rohit_ahuja_selected_works

SKILLS

3D modelling and Drafting Rhino + Grasshopper Autodesk Maya Sketchup Revit AutoCAD Rendering Vray Twinmotion

Adobe Suite Photoshop Indesign Illustrator

Architectural Fabrication 3D printing Laser Cutting CNC milling 3D scanning

Microsoft Office Word Powerpoint Excel

EDUCATION 2016 - 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

2009 - 2014

Ramaiah Institute of Technology Bachelor of Architecture (honors) Bangalore, Karnataka, India Thesis : Centre for Intellectual and Literary Exchange

PROFESSIONAL NOV 2020 - Present

Principal Architect Rohit Ahuja Design Bangalore, India

Designing and executing architecture and interior projects. My work includes designing and drafting of architectural proposals, drafting of technical and working drawings, 3D modelling, client relations and overall coordination with all the parties involved. Completed the renovation of two houses and two apartments, with a new build 6000 sft residence nearing completion.

NOV 2018 - NOV 2020

Senior Architect morphogenesis Bangalore, India

As senior architect, I was responsible for the design and execution of the firm’s projects. My work included designing and drafting of architectural proposals, drafting of technical and working drawings, 3D modelling, meeting with clients and consultants and overall coordination with all the parties involved. I worked primarily on commercial office projects, having been project lead for five of them, and also worked with various teams on hospitality, residential and competition projects.

JAN 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 finished later.

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.

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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00 06

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Share less space at same time

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12

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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.

No. of floors: 4 No. of people in 4 floors: 10 Actual density: Low

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

00 06

18

06

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Share more space at same time

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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.

Highest Lowest

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.

3 - 5 people

Single room ensuite 10.5 m2

Single room 7 m2

Single room studio 14 m2

Couple room 14 m2

6 - 8 people

Open Plan: Social

Sectional Variation: Intermediate

9 - 12 people

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.

Dining area

Living area Bed room 00.00

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Dining Living

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Bathroom Workspace Kitchen

Bathroom

Workspace

Kitchen

Cluster size 6-8 Facilities Gym Room type Single Small Cluster size 6-8 Facilities Gym Room type Single Small

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18 12

Bedroom Dining Living

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Bedroom Dining Living Bathroom Workspace Kitchen

Workspace Kitchen

Primitive Layout

Cluster size 6-8 Facilities Gym Room type Single Small

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18 12

Bedroom Dining Living Bathroom Workspace Kitchen

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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18 12

Workspace Kitchen

0 6

18 12

0 6

18

Bedroom Dining Living

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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

0 6

18 12

Bedroom Dining Living

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18 12

Bedroom Dining Living Workspace Kitchen

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.

View

Plan

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.

Low Poly

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 mak

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 ke 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.

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

Frame 20

Frame 30

Agent movement generated in Processing

Frame 50

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

main spine

tunnel

tunnel

back rib

back rib

supporting rib

supporting rib

pressure point

pressure point

PP

PP

PP

PP

Plaster Flow

PP

Tunnels

PP

Cast 07

Cast 14

Cast 13

Cast 19

KNOWLEDGE CENTRE IT Office Project: IT office for Salarpuria Sattva Location: Hyderabad Total site area : 25 acres No. of floors: 6 parking, 25 office floors Total built-up area : 760,000 sqm Status: On-going The project brief asked for 3 office towers, a business hotel and retail facilities. Being in Hyderabad, parking requirements deemed that 6 floors of car parks would need to be provided, which are split into 4 basements and 2 stilt parking floors which also house the retail.

The use of staggered landscape terraces create a facade in motion. The mass reads two floors at a time, reducing the verticality of the building and creating double height terraces.

Senior Architect morphogenesis Worked as part of the team designing and developing the concept and schematic designs of the project. In addition to design resolution, role as senior architect involved managing a small team and coordinating with various consultants.

The top of the podium above the two floors of stilt floor parking is designed as an urban forest, having dense vegetation interspersed with public utilities such as amphitheatres. The retail a floor below is connected to this podium in multiple locations, enabling an integration of the public spaces through multiple levels.

Commercial Towers to be arranged along the Northern & Western periphery maximizing usage

Towers subdivided for leasability. Central green to be developed over podium as Urban Forest

Green to be taken vertically to terraces

WIPRO 1MNSFT Corporate Office Project: Office for Wipro Limited Location: Hyderabad Total site area : 38 acres No. of floors: 15 Total built-up area : 150,000 sqm Status: On-going An existing campus of 9 acres is located on the northern portion of the site and a new campus was proposed adjacent to that on an area of 29 acres. The new campus was to be developed in four phases, phase one of which is currently near completion.

One of the key features of the project was to achieve a net zero energy campus. This was done through the use of passive design strategies such as evaporative cooling, addition of dry-cladded facade to reduce thermal mass and use of renewable energy such as solar panels. The building mass and orientation too were designed to maximise wind and daylight.

Senior Architect morphogenesis Acted as project lead during the WD and design coordination stages of the project, as well as CD to WD for the redesign of the podium. Worked on resolution of design, working drawings, models, coordination with consultants and client relations.

The campus is broken up into four towers, tower 1 being the shortest at 9 floors, with each tower consecutively increasing up to tower 4 at 15 floors. The four towers sit on top of a tiered, landscape podium. This elevated podium acts as the central courtyard, connecting the four towers and houses public spaces such as cafés and informal, outdoor meeting spaces. Multiple landscaped terraces cut across the towers at different levels. These spaces are intended as congregation, spill-out areas from the offices. This naturally ventilated building benefits from the staggered arrangement of the towers and the use of open spaces at both the terrace levels and the podium level. Water bodies and mist cooling fans ensure the movement of cool air throughout the covered courtyard, which is imperative in a hot and dry climate such as Hyderabad's, where peak temperatures reach 40o C.

High pressure on facades and roofs are evenly distributed due the orientation and spacing between towers. Air movement is increased as a result of the building height variation. Most of the facades are suited for natural ventilation. Wind is blocked on the lower levels. Openings at the ground level would increase air movement in the courtyards.

ALPHA 4 Corporate Office Project: Head office for Bangalore Airport Location: Bangalore Total site area : 6,050 sqm No. of floors: 5 Total built-up area : 18,500 sqm Status: On-going Designed to be the corporate head office for the Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore, the building was envisioned to be an icon of the city. Employing connecivity as the underlying strategy, the courtyard became the main focal point of the building, providing both visual and spatial connectivity.

The facade played a key role in maintaining the visual connectivity to the courtyard and the outside while also providing shade through the application of vertical fins.

Senior Architect morphogenesis Worked on the DD package, drafting the sections and elevations. In-charge of the complete design and development of the facade along with detail drawings.

Ground Floor Plan

Third Floor Plan

The strategy behind the facade was to provide denser screening in the south and west, blocking the heat, while allowing more light to penetrate through the north and east. A similar concept was followed for the facades overlooking the courtyard. Two fin modules were followed, one for the vision panel and one for the spandrel or parapet. The variation in density comes from the modulation. This passive cooling strategy along with the solar panel canopy helps regulate the temperature, reducing the load on air conditioning systems.

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North Elevation

GENERAL NOTES

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DETAIL D 1:10

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NORTH ELEVATION

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DETAIL E

WEST ELEVATION

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1:10

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-850 -300 REVISONS +0

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DATE

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DETAIL F -1600

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ISSUED TO

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ENTRANCE PORCH @6000MM ABOVE INT. ROAD LVL.

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CLIENT

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DETAIL G 1:10 -1600

ARCHITECT

ENTRY RAMP SLOPE 1:10 -300 +00

CONSULTING STRUCTURE

CONSULTING MEP

9

+6000 5

1:50 2

FACADE DETAIL 01 PART ELEVATION 1:50

Part Elevation

DETAIL H 1:10

FACADE DETAIL 02 SECTION AT 4-4

4

5

FACADE DETAIL 01 & 02 SECTION AT 2-2 1:50

CONSULTING LANDSCAPE

FACADE DETAIL 02 PART ELEVATION 1:50

South Elevation

PURPOSE

FOR APPROVAL

PROJECT

11

DETAIL I 1:10

BIAL ALPHA 4

ROHIT AHUJA +91 98453 73181 rohitahuja19@gmail.com