Uthra Varghese Architecture Portfolio

UTHRA VARGHESE ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO 2014 - 2017

UTHRA VARGHESE

Date of Birth

g00051285@aus.edu areweone@hotmail.com (+971) 50 7751822 P.O. Box 12276 Abu Dhabi, UAE

June 10th 1996

General Education 2013 - Present | American University of Sharjah | B. Arch 2013 | The International School of Choueifat | Abu Dhabi

Digital Skills

Analog Skills

Rhinoceros 3D Chaos Group V- Ray Autodesk Autocad Autodesk Revit Adobe Photoshop Adobe Illustrator Adobe InDesign Google SketchUp Grasshopper (Beginner)

Free- hand Drawing Painting Physical Modeling

Experience Art History Teaching Assistant for Dr. Martin Giesen | Fall 2015 - Spring 2016 Architecture Intern at Shankland Cox | Summer 2016 AIAS- American Institute of Architecture Students Board Member | Fall 2016- Spring 2017

Achievements Dean’s List American University of Sharjah (Spring 2016- Fall 2016) Honorable Mention at the Paris Pavilion: The Art of Peace Archasm Competition Merited the Trinity College of London Piano Exhibition Award Middle East | 2010

Study Abroad Seeing and Drawing in Italy with Prof. Brian Dougan | Summer 2014

CONTENTS

01

Performing Arts Center

Spring 2016

02

Aggregate Archive

Fall 2017

03

Retreat

Fall 2014

04

Inhabitation

Spring 2015

05

Community Center

Fall 2015

06

Live | Work

Spring 2015

07

Vector Active Structure

Spring 2016

08

Paris Pavilion | The Art of Peace

Spring 2016

Circulation Within Project Circulation Within Project

PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

Program Program Axonom

Circulation Within Project

Location: American University of Sharjah,U.A.E. Academic Year: Third Year Spring 2016 Prof. Carmen Jimenez

Access in relation to site to Access inrelation Access in relation to site

site

Narrative Diagrams Public and private zoning

Sloped separation between zones

Ramps added to delineate spaces

Vertical circulation zones at both ends

Encolsed spaces added to the form

Volumes added when space intersects with a ramp

Birds Eye View SITE PLAN AND NARRATIVE

PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

The site is located on the campus of the American University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. The project involves adding a new building that is linked to the existing Performing Arts Center on campus.

The project explores fluditiy of space and program.

Relationships are created between various elements of the program. These relationships are then divided and represented as open spaces versus closed spaces. The project aims to divorce from the grid layout present on site but at the same time integrate functions of space and provide connectivity between them.

Procession plays an important role in the project, allowing access from different points on site. Ramps connect spaces and create different levels of experience. Volumes are introduced on the ramps to provide enclosures for private activities within the program.

The proposal consits primarily of monolithic materials such as concrete but the volumes are constructed with timber panels.

The program consits of a variety of interactive spaces required on a college campus. The theatre being the primary space along with the cafe. The program also consits of more private spaces such as offices, conference rooms, rehearsal rooms, study space, innovations labs and entrapreneurship labs.

Exploded Axonometric Drawing

Roof Plane

Conference Room

Second Level

Entrapeneurship Lab

Theater

First Level

Ground Level

Structure

Service Core

Site

UTHRA VARGHESE | 51285 | PROF. CARMEN JIMENEZ

EXPLODED AXONOMETRIC

Kitchen Store

Rehearsal Offices

GROUND PLAN | FIRST LEVEL PLAN

Band Room

Choir Room Lobby Rehearsal Room

Ground Level

A.

Cafe

Theater

First Level

B.

0 1

5

1: 200

Innovation Lab

SECOND LEVEL PLAN | TOP LEVEL PLAN

Entrapreneurship Labs

Second Level

C.

Offices

Conference Room

Study Space

Top Level

D.

Entrapreneurship Labs

0 1

5

1: 200

Overall Section 1:50

Part

0.1 m 0.5 m

A. Pre-Cast Concrete Wire Mesh Gutter Rigid Insulation Waterproof Membrane Hollow Core Concrete

16 m

c.

Timber Panel Purlins Rigid Insulation Steel Channel

11 m Floor Finish 0.5 m

Concrete Column

Glass Railing

B. 7.5 m 0.3 m

Mullion

Glass

0.8 m

Gravel

Concrete Footing

Earth

Plan

AGGREGATE ARCHIVE Location: Hatta, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Academic Year: Fourth Year Fall 2016 Prof. George Katodrytis

AGGREGATE ARCHIVE

The words pixilation, bits and dots were chosen as reactors to begin the project. This lead to abstract material exercises and experiments in order to create proposals. After multiple surface manipulation studies were conducted a specific material was chosen- plastic drinking straws. The straws were cut to measured lengths and then stitched together. The material provides a specific light quality and creates and distorts views allowing for different illusions. It is lightweight in nature but strong and durable when aggregated. The method of stitching and the material properties of the straws allows for movement and alterations of its form.

In terms of program, the project functions as an archive within the mountainous region of Hatta. The project responds to the site conditions by extending and anchoring itself within the mountain as it cantilevers over the lake. The bifurcation allows for users to walk through the space and view the landscape from a different perspective. The small tubes provide the storage space necessary for archiving purposes.

The proposal reacts to the wind and light conditions present on site. The project aims to add an ephemeral form without disturbing the natural landscape and allow visitors to experience man-made work along with nature.

PLAN | SITE PLAN

Section A

Section B

Collage of Physical Model on Site

Perspective Approach to the Project

Exterior Perspective

Interior Perspective

RETREAT Location: Socotra, Yemen Client: Botanist at Columbia University Academic Year: Second Year Fall 2014 Prof. Amin Alsaden

te Plan

0 1

5

1:200

SITE PLAN AND INFORMATION

The project is about light and lightness. Even though the project is made from a heavy and opaque material, its planar geometry attempts to catch light in various intensities in order to dematerialize the structure visually through light. In addition to their role in capturing light, the planes also define, along with glass panels, the individual spaces of the project.

RETREAT

These spaces are distributed carefully across the main level, and contained within the two large horizontal planes, thus suspended lightly above the ground. The lower level planes support the main level and are placed four to six meters apart for structural reasons. The project was designed on a grid where openings are introduced only when walls are present. There are no openings in the circulation path, allowing for the experience of travelling from dark areas to light open spaces. One travels from more public areas to more private ones closer to the ocean.

Views of the interiors and exterior landscape are blocked and revealed by the planes at different points. Similarly, views of private spaces inside the retreat have been blocked therefore allowing for privacy and reflection. The overall openness of the proposal allows the client to experience the wind and atmosphere of the natural surroundings and most importantly the light.

Exterior Perspective

Roof Plane

Main Level Planes

Main Floor Level

Ground Level Planes

Site

EXPLODED AXONOMETRIC Exploded Axonometric

GROUND FLOOR PLAN Ground Level Floor Plan

0

1

5

1:100

Section A

Main Level Floor Plan

0

1

5

1:100

MAIN LEVEL FLOOR PLAN | SECTIONS

Interior Perspective

West Elevation

eflection Space

WEST ELEVATION | SOUTH ELEVATION

PARTI DIAGRAM | LIGHT DIAGRAM | CIRCULATION AND VIEWS DIAGRAM

INHABITATION Academic Year: Second Year Spring 2014 Prof. William Eirik Heintz

INHABITATION

The brick studies explored in the wall project were applied to create atmospheric conditions for a bathing space. Procession and experience are the key elements of this project and are represented through a series of perspectives. Light versus dark, open versus closed, cold versus warm were different variations that created contrasting spatial conditions. The entry is a bright open space that welcomes the client. The changing room is a stark contrast, dark and more enclosed allowing for privacy. The final bathing space has shaded area as well as open area to allow for natural light to warm the water. Brick manipulation and changes in height condition provide a variety of experiences for the users.

B

A

A B

PLAN AND SECTION

site the Military Camp. Furthermore, there are other residential communities that are located in the vicinity.

COMMUNITY CENTER Location: Sharjah, Al Muwaileh Client: HH Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin UNIVERSITY CITY TheAl Qassimi Mohammad Year: Third Year Muwaileh areaAcademic is situated Fall 2015 alongside University CItyFarr and Prof. Marcus

right opposite the Military Camp. Furthermore, there are other residential communities that are located in the vicinity.

Site Analysis

Pedestrian Circulation

Pedestrian Accumulation

Light Diagram

Vehicular Circulation

Vehicular Accumulation

Noise Diagram

0

ARC 301 | Project 3 | Al Muwaileh Community Center

50 100

200

350 (m)

The site is located in the residential area near the decommisioned Muwaileh military camp in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. The area has progressed over the years and continues to expand as construction projects emerge. The project is an infill site with only three main facades. The community center hopes to cater to the issues of a multicultural society by providing a center for culture and learning.

COMMUNITY CENTER

The project is inspired by traditional Arish architecture that is indigenous to the Arabian Peninsula. Opacity, transparency and translucency can be explored with this concept and applied to the program if and when privacy is required.

The skin plays an important role in demarcating the function of each space; this is carried forward into the design of the landscape using different concrete pavers and grass.

The building is cantilevered to provide shaded outdoor seating areas in response to site conditions. This is supported by the idea of bringing landscape into the building.

The program consist of a variety of public and private spaces including a performance hall, multifunctional space, cafĂŠ, office, study rooms and an exhibition space.

The catalyst is a music center which includes music classrooms, choir room and a media library. The project aims to provide universally accesible spaces with different conditions for the entire neighborhood to enjoy.

Interior Perspective

Program Axonometric

Concept Statement

Multifunctional Space The project is inspired by traditional Arish architecture that is indigenous to the Arabian Peninsula.

Opacity, transparency and translucency can be explored with this concept and applied to the program if and when privacy is required. The skin plays an important role in demarcating the function of each space, this is carried forward into the design of the landscape using different concrete pavers. The building is cantilevered to provide shaded outdoor seating areas as a response to site conditions.

Study Rooms

Catalyst: Music Center

Offices Meeting Space Service/ Storage

Public Space: Music Center

Concept Render

Performance Hall

Exhibition Space Lobby Cafe Washrooms Vertical Circulation

ARC 301 | Project 3 | Al Muwaileh Community Center

PROGRAM AXONOMETRIC

18 M

3M

Exploded Structure Axonometric

he auditorium ance of 1.0 m.

6M

Girders 1.5 M

Columns with Footings

Toilets 16 sq. m

Beams

58 M

Cafe 44 sq. m

29 M

Exhbition Space 90 sq. m

Floor Slabs with Metal Decking

STRUCTURE AXONOMETRIC

Trusses

Concrete Core Large Gathering

Small Gathering

Ground Floor Plan

Small Gathering

Media Library 90 sq. m

Choir Room 85 sq. m

Multifunctional Space 130 sq. m

Music Classroom 42 sq. m

Open to Below

Open to Below

Meeting Room 25 sq. m

Open to Below

Open to Below

Storage 12 sq. m

Office 15 sq. m

Study Space 125 sq. m

Performance Hall 250 sq. m

Performance Hall 250 sq. m

Office 15 sq. m

Office 15 sq. m

Plan

Third Floor Plan

3 | Al Muwaileh Community Center

ARC 301 | Project 3 | Al Muwaileh Community Center

Fourth Floor Plan ARC 301 | Project 3 | Al Muwaileh Community Center

Kitchen 18 sq. m

15.0 M

11.0 M

7.5 M

Exterior Perspective 4.0 M

ARC 301 | Project Section 3 | AlA Muwaileh Community Center

Section B

Exterior Night Perspective

ARC 301 | Project 3 | Al Muwaileh Community Center Section B

SECTION A | SECTION B

Elevations

North Elevation

South Elevation

West Elevation

ARC 301 | Project 3 | Al Muwaileh Community Center

0 1

5

1: 200

Diagrammatic Site Plan with Circulation

ARC 301 | Project 3 | Al Muwaileh Community Center

CIRCULATION ON SITE DIAGRAM

Skin Studies Studies Skin

Skin Studies

ARC 301 | Project 3 | Al Muwaileh Community Center ARC 301 | Project 3 | Al Muwaileh Community Center

ARC 301 | Project 3 | Al Muwaileh Community Center

Live

5.

Work

Circulation Zone

Open/ Closed

Private/ Public

LIVE - WORK Location: Dubai, Al Bastaqiya Client: Local Artist Academic Year: Second Year Spring 2015 Prof. William Eirik Heintz

Site Plan

3D Narrative

1.

Live

5.

Site Plan

SITE PLAN

The project is located in Al Bastakiya, a heritage site in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This historical neighborhood consists of housing units built in the style of traditional Arab architecture. The houses are primarily courtyard houses that are separated by narrow lanes known as sikkas. The live-work project aims to incorporate some of the traditional elements of the Arab dwelling in an attempt to modernize it.

LIVE - WORK

The client is an artist that requested spaces for exhibition and studio work as well as residential quarters. The project was conceived as a bridge that connects two volumetric bars. These volumes were then clearly zoned into public, semi-public and private zones that respect the local need for privacy in the dwelling. The bridge being the most private part of the house but with access from both the work space as well as the residential space. The zones were further defined by thick walls that were carved out in the private space and thin walls in the private zone.

The courtyard is also split to into two. A more private courtyard that allows views to the kitchen and studio and a more public courtyard for exterior exhibition space. The intersection of the bars provides an opportunity to create views from the bedroom to the courtyard but also to the main plaza on the exterior.

2.

1.

Live

Work

Circulation Zone

Private/ Public

Open/ Closed

Live

PARTI DIAGRAMS

Work

Circulation Zone

Ope

1

2

3 5

6

5.

4

6.

First Level Floor Plan

0

1

5

1:100

GROUND FLOOR PLAN | FIRST FLOOR PLAN |

0

3.

3.

Section A

Section A

4.

4.

Section B

SECTION A | SECTION B

VECTOR ACTIVE STRUCTURE Group Members: Divya Mahadevan, Gopika Praveen, Zahra’a Nasralla Academic Year: Third Year Spring 2016 Prof. Faysal Tabbarah

ARC 342 | UTHRA VARGHESE | 51285

Tension Cables

PARIS PAVILION | THE ART OF PEACE Honourable Mention Archasm Competition Group Members: Reema Abu Hassan, Tasnim Tinawi Spring 2016

Time Frame: Over Several Days

Time Frame: Over Weeks

Northeast Elevation Showing the Completion of the Pavilion

Visitor's pinning up their own notes to the strands

Visitor's detaching small texts from the strands

PARIS PAVILION | THE ART OF PEACE

The proposal aims to showcase the act of peace by creating an interactive pavilion that is realized through the community’s collective efforts.

Small texts that inform of the significance of peace are attached to undulating optic fibers that are illuminated once the note is detached. The brightening of the fibers alludes to a person’s enlightenment about the historic importance of peace. This features throughout the pavilion and allows people to contemplate the true meaning of solidarity and share this with others. At the end of pavilion, visitors are welcome to contribute by recording their experiences and insights about peace at the gallery. The process of detaching and attaching the notes are manifested as the installation comes to life and “light”.

The program of the pavilion provides spaces that allow for various interactions amongst visitors, as the exterior is also used to maximize public activities around the framed elements. The frames that hold the strands of fiber also support translucent glass panels that provide enclosures, serve as shelves and work spaces.

The united efforts of people from different cultural backgrounds are used to convey peace in the illuminated pavilion in Paris, the city of lights.

PRIMARY FRAME

FIBER OPTIC STRANDS

SUSPENDED GLASS PANELS

EXPLODED AXONOMETRIC | TOTAL AREA 500 SQM | HEIGHT 5 M

UTHRA VARGHESE American University of Sharjah, UAE g00051285@aus.edu areweone@hotmail.com (+971) 50 7751822 P.O. Box 12276 Abu Dhabi, UAE