Architecture Portfolio

SOANA SIJU

SOANA SIJU VENGASSERIL

BIRTH NATIONALITY CONTACT

LANGUAGE

16/11/2000 Indian +91 8310368585 soana.vengasseril@gmail.com

English - fluent Hindi - basic Malayalam - native

EDUCATION

Manipal School of Architecture and Planning l 2019 - 2024

Bachelors in Architecture - Minor in Urbanism

Delhi Public School Bangalore North l 2008 - 2019

CBSE 12th - 87% l CBSE 10th - 10 CGPA

WORK EXPERIENCE

Balan and Nambisan Architects l 2023

Indiranagar, Bangalore

- development of architectural working drawings

- 3D visualisation

- worked on carpentry drawings & interior design

- worked with consultants (lighting, kitchen, structural)

- attended client meetings & site visits

- material selection, architectural styling & photography

CERTIFICATION

Adobe Photoshop - Essentials for Architects

Udemy l October 2022

Research Proposals - Initiating Research

Coursera l UC Davis l 2021

Introduction to Psychology

Coursera l Yale l 2020

PUBLICATION (On-going)

Architectural Thesis: Nurturing Roots; Enhancing elederly well living with multisensory dementia care

Semester 10 l 5th year l 2023 - 2024

Dissertation: Role of multisensory design in dementia care

Semester 9 l 5th year l 2023

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

NEWDE.in l Start Up Owner l 2021 - 2023

Clothing Brand l Oversized Tshirt

- Graphic design

- Social media

- Team management

VSO l Voluntary Service Iverseas l 2020 - 2023

- Attended the 3rd National Conference on Youth in Social Change

- Visit to Asha - Old Age Home

Fueladream l Fundraise l 2018

Raised money for Dystrophy Annhilation Reserach Trust

Culltural team l Footbal team

SOFTWARE

AutoCad

SketchUp

Enscape

Revit

Twinmotion

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe InDesign

Autodesk Forma

Autodesk Sketchbook

Feather 3D

nurturing roots

paper dreams

the bier library II, sarjapur

bridging urban living with nature SOL, kanakpura

other projects & miscellaneous academic

2019-2024

internship

2023-2024 1 4 2 5 3 6

Nurturing Roots: Enhancing Elderly Living with Multisensory Dementia Care

Typology: Senior Living

Thesis Semester; 5th year

Year: 2024

Programme: Autocad, Autodesk Forma, SketchUp, Enscape, SketchBook, Photoshop

Location: Nellunkunte, Bangalore

Site Area: 13.2 acres

Existing Vegetation: 340+ mango trees

abstract

“Nurturing Roots: A Multi-Sensory Approach in Senior Living and Dementia Care” explores using multi-sensory design in senior living, especially for dementia care. It focuses on creating supportive environments in a mango orchard site in Bangalore North. The design integrates villas among mango trees, prioritizing tree preservation and natural harmony. In the dementia care block, sensory elements like balcony spaces and textures are used to create therapeutic environments. The project aims to promote holistic well-being for seniors, fostering familiarity and connection with nature.

Proposed Site

The proposed site in Nelukunte district spans 9.2 acres of mango farm with an additional 4.3-acre vacant plot nearby.

Situated at the urbanizable zone border, the site is primed for transit-oriented development, amidst significant growth including the MAHE Institute and residential projects. With established infrastructure and direct road access, it’s well-suited for senior living with dementia care facilities.

Shadow Analysis

8:00-9:00 am - Towards West 1:002:00 pm - Directly below 4:00 - 6:00 pm - Towards east Utilizing shaded regions for morning walk open gardens enhances comfort and promotes outdoor activity

Sun Hour Analysis

8:00-18:00 North facing Minimise large openings towards north, Utility spaces or area less frequented.

Mango Orchard

Around 340 mango trees are arranged in a 10m x 10m grid across the orchard site.

height - 10m folioage - 6m spacing - 10m

Grid layout based on existing vegetation.

Zone 1: Administrative; 350 msq

Zone 2: Residential Units; 3000 msq

Zone 3: Assisted Living; 2400 msq

Zone 4: Leisure; 1600 msq

Zone 5: Commercial; 200 msq

Zone 6: Preserved Area; 22,000 msq

The design is inspired by the grid pattern of the mango plantation, fostering a radial inward flow. It prioritizes wheelchair accessibility for all pathways, entrances, and facilities. Sensory gardens featuring fragrant flowers, textured plants, and colorful foliage are incorporated. Meditation spaces nestled within the orchard offer residents peaceful retreats for relaxation and reflection. Additionally, commercial space is included to sustain revenue generation through ongoing fruit plucking activity during the season.

- Repetition and Simplicity: The design prioritizes simplicity to reduce confusion among dementia patients.

- Sense of Control and Independence: The layout aims to provide residents with a sense of control and independence.

- Sensory Room: Incorporation of a sensory room activates multiple senses, potentially slowing the progression of dementia.

- Sensory Aspects: Flooring changes at entrances/exits and balconies in each room provide sensory stimulation while ensuring safety.

- Inward-Facing Layout: Layout allows staff to monitor residents while creating a sense of security.

- Central Courtyard: Breaks in hallways lead to a central courtyard, maximizing natural light and ventilation.

- Integration with Mango Orchard: Villa units are designed within the existing grid pattern of the mango orchard, preserving all trees without the need for cutting.

- Two Typologies: Typology 1 features a linear form with living rooms projecting between trees, while Typology 2 adopts a courtyard layout around a central mango tree.

- Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Connection: Each villa incorporates mango trees, blurring the distinction between indoors and outdoors.

- Radial Inward Layout: The overall layout directs towards a central dining area, providing equal access to all residents.

- Wheelchair Accessibility: All units are wheelchair accessible, ensuring inclusivity and convenience for all inhabitants.

Bridging Urban Living with Nature; Residential Apartment Building

Typology: Hi-Rise Towers

Semester 7; 4th Year

Year: 2022

Programme: Autocad, Revit, SketchUp, Enscape, Photoshop

Location: Udupi, Karnataka

Site Area: 11.6 acres

User group: High Income Group

This project, situated in Udupi across an 11-acre site, presents a unique challenge: designing for a higher-income demographic, a minority within the area. With the goal of maximizing the site’s potential without sacrificing quality, the design approach prioritizes efficiency while placing nature at the forefront. To break the monotony of tall towers, bridges adorned with lush greenery connect the structures, creating a harmonious blend of architecture and nature. The concept revolves around cantilevered terrace gardens, seamlessly integrating outdoor elements into every apartment. Balconies vary in height, alternating between double and single levels, adding visual interest to the facade. This design concept aims to provide a luxurious living experience while embracing the beauty of the surrounding environment. abstract

Sustainable design:

Green cover oriented towards drains

Rainwater collection for irrigation

Self-irrigating drip system

Low maintenance

Gravity-driven water flow to nearby tanks

Area of the site: 47257 msq

Total built up area: 94,000 msq

Built up area(per floor): 718 msq

Common area(per floor) :400 msq

Super built up area(per floor): 1120 msq

Paper Dreams; An Origami inspired Kindergarten for Young Explorers

Typology: Kindergarten

Semester 3; 2nd Year

Year: 2020

Programme: Autocad, SketchUp, Enscape, Photoshop

Location: Manipal, Karnataka

Site Area: 4840 msq

User group: Nursery (3-4yrs), LKG(4-5 yrs), UKG(5-6 yrs)

abstract

Imagine a kindergarten where architecture meets creativity, inspired by the graceful folds of origami paper. Nestled in the heart of Manipal, this design is all about balance and simplicity. Symmetry reigns supreme, from the layout to the facade, creating a harmonious environment.

The site is carefully divided into zones, ensuring peace in sleeping areas while allowing for lively activities elsewhere. But what truly sets this design apart is its interactive facade. Wooden panels, like giant colorful puzzle pieces, not only delight children but also serve a practical purpose. They rotate to create ever-changing facades, offering shade and promoting natural ventilation.

In this space, learning and play intertwine, fostering a sense of wonder and discovery in young minds. It’s more than just a building; it’s a sanctuary for imagination to flourish.

Interactive facade:

This facade consists of wooden panels that can rotate and are colored on one side. Children can play with these panels, creating diverse and engaging facades with different color combinations. Additionally, the panels serve dual purposes by acting as shading devices for the openings on the wall and promoting natural ventilation, akin to a louvered system. This concept not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the building but also encourages children to actively engage with their environment while providing practical benefits.

The design was inspired by origami art. Origami is created through paper folding techniques. It can be seen that the master plan, floor plan and the elevation resembles that of unfolded origami, they all have a sense of symmetrical balance like that of origami.

The Bier Library II

Typology: Brewery Semester 8; 4th Year Year: 2023

Firm: Balan and Nambisan Architects Team: TL Shruti Sanghavi, Ar. Vidhyaa Bhaarathi Programme: Autocad, SketchUp, Enscape, Photoshop

Location: Sarjapur, Bangalore

Site Area: 6810 msq, 1.7 acres

Worked on: Area statement, Facade detail, Door - window schedule, Flooring, Wall finishes, Elevation dwg, Planter details, Staircase detail, Structural detail, Rendering, Lighting dwg,Material selection, Client meeting

SÖL

Typology: Brewery

Semester 8; 4th Year Year: 2023

Firm: Balan and Nambisan Architects

Team: TL Shruti Sanghavi, Ar. Vidhyaa Bhaarathi Programme: Autocad, SketchUp, Enscape, Photoshop

Location: Sarjapur, Bangalore

Site Area: 6810 msq, 1.7 acres

Worked on: Feel of space, Concept development, Zoning options, 3D Visualisation, Floor plan, Client Meeting, Brewery details

A Mediterranean-inspired brewey in Bangalore, the clients wanted to embrace neutral tones, light woods, and lush greenery, SOL offers a unique day bar experience. Featuring outdoor spaces, live grills, live music, water bodies, and a pet park, it’s a haven for beer tasting, breakfast cafés, and relaxation.

CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITIONS

Proposed plan overlayed over original plan

SCHEMATIC FLOOR PLAN

Developed proposed floor plan

Conceptual development

of space l Zoning

Structural detailing

Feel

Carpentry drawing Architectural styling & photography