Graduate Portfolio- Selected Works

PORTFOLIO AYUSHI SAWALKA Selected Works 2016 | 2024

sawalka2@illinois.edu ayushisawalka03@gmail.com (+1) 447-902-1904

TABLE OF CONTENTS 01 Empowering Thresholds

Designing Capilarities in Sant Boi Del Llobregat | Spain | Fall’23

02 Keiken

Curated Museum for Japanese Culture and History | Kyoto | Spring’22

03 Project ‘C’

Regenerative Carbon Sequestering Tower| Chicago | Fall’22

04 Swap[ed]

Sustainable Microhome Design Competition | Amsterdam | Summer’23

05

High Performance Building Design

Computational Simulation using Design Builder V7 | Illinois | Fall’23

06 Professional Experience

Compilation of projects undertaken in the role of a Jr. Architect |2021-2022

07 The Vad Canvas

Explorations and Iterations of critical writing and digital design| 2022

01

Empowering Thresholds

Designing Capilarities in Sant Boi Del Llobregat | Spain | Fall’23 Mentor- Prof. Sara Bartumeus In collaboration with Daniela Paez Castro Graduate Design Excellence Award- Honorable Mention

The city of Sant Boi is situated on the banks of the Llobregat River underneath the massís de Garraf mountain range.

Through the 1960s, sprawl developed alongside forestry and mountain roads, leaving fragmented vegetation pockets. Through mapping vegetation patterns and urban tissue, specific nodes and streets are pointed out, connecting the fragmented pieces to a coherent body, generously stitching through the city. Strategies for new typologies and sustainable development are implemented to create local arenas for interaction on a small scale and a large-scale masterplan stretching from the entrance at the Llobregat River through the city to the massís de Garraf.

S02: Edge................................... 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9 S03: Street.................................. 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 S04: Neighborhood.................... 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 10

1. 70% shading

2. play with densities

3. creating living hubs

4. promoting sustainable mobility

5. improving water infiltration

6. letting the ground breathe

7. opening green doors

8. enhancing walkability

9. uncovering perspectives

10. blurring boundaries

A

D A

B

D

B

C

C

Personal Cartography

Goals | Strategies

N

Intervention Toolkit

Schema N

Living streets and Connecting Edges Design Concept

THE VERTEBRAL COLUMN The routes and microcentralities branch out as arterial capillaries from this central spinal cord

Navigating the Landscape

ADDITION OF CAPILARIES Metal and wooden routes are added on top of existing topography as connection to the forest from the city

SUBTRACTION OF GREEN TISSUES Vegetation spaces and green pockets are carved out from built infrastructure to add porosity

Repurposing the parking lot with porous design elements

Systemizing the microcentralities with urban infrastructure

Master Plan

Revitalizing the urban fringe with public activities

Blurring the boundaries with pavements and seatings merging with the forest

Plan

Elevation

Activating the existing concrete wall with seating and carving out green pockets

02

Keiken C-Harshini

Curated Museum for Japanese Culture and History | Kyoto | Spring’22 Mentor- Prof. Botond Bognar In collaboration with Harshini Varanasi Academic + Submission for Chicago Women in Architecture Awards

KEIKEN, (translated as experience) is a journey of a visitor in a well curated museum for Japanese culture and history. Located in the small neighborhood of Kyoto, Japan the project focuses on designing and integrating the traditional Japanese Zen Garden within the built space. The project also focuses on the interaction of the built space with the unbuilt outdoor and transitional spaces. As designers our intent was to create an experiential museum with the elements sound, touch, and visual aesthetics. The use of wood as a material along with traditional shoji panels, surrounding the built around the water helped in curating the sensorial experience.

The design concept evolved from the vibrant traditional Kyoto streets and alleyways, creating an experiential journey.

A vernacular setting with modern architectural elements

It is beautiful how the temporary display opens up to the black zen garden, where one can peacefully take a pause and catch back on some reflections

Bridged Tales: A Tapestry of Japanese Heritage Design Concept

C-Harshini

STREETS AND ALLEYWAYS Spaces seamlessly transition between inside and outside, establishing threshold spaces that move from open to semi-open and closed volumes.

C-Harshini

INFUSING ZEN BETWEEN THE BUILT Harmonizing nature within the built environment, fostering a gradual transition from gathering space to smaller intermediate pocket gardens.

Spaces gradually unfold, creating a sense of suprise and anticipation

Ground Floor Plan

The inside-out transition elevates the experience-one anticipates what’s next like typical japanese tradition

The levels created add much context and playfulness to the site, making the experience more enchriched

The visual connection inside the block not only helps break the mass and volume but also provides a space for inte

Permanent Gallery

eraction

Exploded view showing structural components

Water Body

Tea House

Zen Garden

03

Project ‘C’

Regenerative Carbon Sequestering Tower| Chicago | Fall’22 Mentor- Prof. Paul Armstrong In collaboration with Maitri Savani and Gandhi Thumala Academic + submission for CTBUH competition 2022 and Evolvo Skyscraper

70% less embodied carbon 150% less energy consumption 50% less water consumption 100% renewable energy The project focuses on designing a carbon negative tower on the principles of regeneration.With the proposal of mass timber for the 102 storey tower, the challenge to move towards a sustainable future is undertaken. Amidst the skyscrapers of downtown Chicago, with a variety of typologies, to be distinct and attract visitors particularly to our tower, was a theme that was catered at all levels from the podium to the observatory on the top floor.

The tower is designed with a concept of a living building ecology with elements such as urban agriculture, rainwater harvesting, natural lighting, cross ventilation, grey water re-cycling, and green roof along with public green spaces guiding the various parameters of the design.

Building Ecology

Strutural Diagrid penetrating the spaces therby framing the walls and the rooms

A Beyond Net-Zero Mass Timber Skyscraper Design Evolution

Vertical Typology Zoning

Lift Zoning

Building Services

A seven storey high atrium for interaction between users

Plaza Level plan

Podium Level plan

Hotel Level plan

Residential Level plan

Integrated Building system through sectional perspective

Curtain Wall Details

Amenity Level

Typical Floor Level

Dynamic Wind Analysis To See how the tower is Beyond Net Zero, Scan below!

We have only 18 years left for the global average surface temperature rise to reach 1.5 deg C! Only 1 % chance that we can limit to 1.5 deg C! LET US BE THAT 1 %

Deck Level

04

Swap[ed]

Sustainable Microhome Design | Amsterdam | Summer’23 In collaboration with Sree Bendalam, Urvi Verma and Harshil Jain Submission for MicroHome Design Competition 2023 by Buildner

Venice of the North- Amsterdam races against time as the rising seas threaten to swallow historic canals by 2030!

Located on one of the canal’s of the city, SWAP(ed) is a groundbreaking microhome concept designed to serve as a sustainable solution addressing the need of floating houses in the near future that redefines spatial organization, embraces unique aesthetics, incorporates new technologies, and showcases innovative materials to solve the economic, or social and cultural problems.

A house that doubles up as a small gathering space

Outdoor work area during the day

Or Swaped as lounge/ deck for tourists to engage

An off-grid modular structure that accommodates a hypothetical young professional couple with a total floor area of 25 sqm.

A sustainable design that looks to solve economic, social, and cultural problems through the establishment of new architectural methods.

05

High Performance Building Design Computational Simulation using Design Builder V7 | Illinois | Fall’23

In collaboration with Sree Bendalam, Myeongwon Chae and Samruddhi Shirdhankar

This project aims to provide with analytical and theoretical methods for evaluating building performance using sophisticated computer models for Campus Instructional Facility (CIF) Building. It focuses on improvement of energy efficiency of the building considering the site assessment and inputs from the energy model. Site study covers building construction, interior loads, HVAC systems, zoning, and data analysis. Techniques like thermal imaging and hobo data collection are used for this. The initial findings, calibrations, and studies of energy performance are done using Design Builder, which is a whole building energy simulation tool.

HVAC Modelling and Analysis

Energy Consumption Analysis

Day Light Analysis

To read the entire detailed analysis report and probable solutions to make the building more energy efficient, Scan below!

06

Professional Experience

Compilation of projects undertaken in the role of a Jr. Architect Snehal Shah Architect, Ahmedabad, India

As a junior architect in one of India’s most renowned firms, I worked on multiple projects ranging in different typologies.

Beginning with a mid rise educational project, I slowly moved to working on temple complexes, a multispeciality hospital,retrofiitting of the historic Mahatma Gandhi’s Ashram amongst many others. My role as an architect in the firm included designing, working directly with principal architect and contractors,heading a project, site visits, client meetings and pitches to client, costing and technnical detailing. I was fortunate to be given the responsibility of a team leader on multiple ocassions as well as handlding basic administrative work for the office. My frequent exposure to site visits- twice every week, helped me understand the practical nuances of construction and helped me develop real time problem solving skills.

K-12 Educational Building

Wall Section Details

07

The Vad Canvas

Explorations and Iterations of critical writing and digital design| 2022 Life Studio Graduate Award- Manifesto

As an architect with an insatiable curiosity and a passion for innovation, I thrive on exploring diverse design software to bring imaginative concepts to life. My journey in architecture extends beyond the confines of traditional practices, as I find inspiration in traversing the globe. Traveling not only broadens my design perspective but also allows me to immerse myself in varied cultural and architectural landscapes, shaping my approach to creating spaces that resonate with a global aesthetic. Additionally, my commitment to continuous learning and intellectual engagement is evident in my hobby of researching and writing on a myriad of topics related to architecture. This multifaceted pursuit enhances my understanding of the built environment, providing a holistic foundation for my design endeavors.

The twisted musuem | Rhinocerous

Qatar Stadium | Rhinoceros + Grasshopper

The Dune Shed | Rhinocerous + Grasshopper

Transformable structure | Rhinoceros

Research Driven and Award Winning Publications 01. Manifesto- User Driven Architecture

Architecture must be created with the user as the focal point, and it is therefore imperative to design with an emphasis on the psychological needs of the user group and their perceptions of space. Architecture is meaningless without its inhabitants. The basic purpose of architecture should be to serve the user and meet their requirements. We invest a lot of time designing spaces but not enough time in understanding the user who will ultimately experience the space. As architects, the space we design leaves an impact on the user’s mental and physical health and well-being.

Full article available on: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DglOl-PBU_kdznAY_yYAUTHNdA5_-wWU/view?usp=sharing

02. Research Paper- James R Thompson Center- A Postmodern Masterpiece

This paper is a constructive argument and exploration of the history and significance of the Thompson Center, with the examination of the discourse surrounding the building, concerning the prevailing postmodern style during that period in the urban context of Chicago. Postmodernism is an architectural style that emerged in the late 20th century and is symbolic of the rejection of the modernist principles of functionalism and rationalism. It often incorporates elements of historical styles, decorative features, and a sense of playfulness and irony, which is well reflected in Jahn’s Center.

Full article available on: https://drive.google.com/file/d/16eFSQXdMoXtxA6EcnSwyhnKf4aJKvsZC/view?usp=sharing

03. Research Paper- A Modern Maritime Icon of Valencia’s Transformation

In the world of architecture, innovation and creativity often push the boundaries of traditional design principles, challenging established norms and conventions. One such example is America’s Cup building also known as ‘Veles e Vents’ building, designed by renowned British architect David Chipperfield, is a modern maritime landmark located in Valencia, Spain. This research paper aims to delve into the history, design, and significance of this architectural masterpiece, shedding light on its cultural context, impact on the urban landscape, and its recognition as a global architectural icon.

Full article available on: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AsxIkEPdj41cRWEEmbl4VfpAgRbk8lOq/view?usp=sharing

OILOFTROP AYUSHI SAWALKA

“If you weren’t an optimist, it would be impossible to be an architect” Thank You for taking a moment to review my mini portfolio.

It represents just a few examples of 6 years of work and I hope you enjoyed it!

sawalka2@illinois.edu ayushisawalka03@gmail.com (+1) 447-902-1904