Selected Works 2019 - 2023
“Architecture is a means of celebrating life while making a positive impact through the built environment......”
I believe that it has the power to leave behind memories and emotions that gives an identity to the space. An idea in Architecture becomes a whole by stitching together different pieces throughout the design process and execution.
01 | Bronzeville Art Factory
Kahler Slater Studio, Fall 2022
02 | Intangible Connections
Barcelona Studio, Spring 2022
03 | The Beacon
High-rise Studio, Fall 2021
04 | Italian Tradition Market
Limpid Box, Code Competition 2019
05 | Home First Shelter
Gensler, Summer 2022
06 | Experimental Envelopes
High-performance Elective, Fall 2022
Adaptive Re-use of Singer Pavilion, Chicago
Kahler Slater Studio, headed by Trina Sandschafer Fall 2022 Earl Prize Honorable Mention
Collaborators: August Behrens, Mara Charpentier, Richa Maru
Once an abandoned and dark psychiatric building, the Singer Pavilion is primed to be the heart of the Bronzeville Lakefront, Chicago. It is now radically transformed to be an open and powerful space for artists. A scattered artist community has been given a new place for making; to share resources and learn alongside like-minded creatives, in the adapted structure of the Singer Pavilion. The program reflects the idea of ascension and empowering the nascent artists of Bronzeville. Through the strategic removal of roofs and floors, new spaces emerged for artistic exploration, community collaboration, and engagement. The team found that by encasing the building in a high-performance glass facade, artists and the original Gropius architecture become a visible part of the community, while also improving the functionality of the existing building. Inviting nature and people in, the expanded skin on the south facade integrates with the master plan and activates the street edge. Being a part of the living building challenge, the project engages in placemaking and focuses on energy, water, and materials. Together these create a healthy and happy place that is also equitable. The adaptively reused structure promotes creativity and collaboration in the artist community, thus empowering them to make a living out of their passion.
The existing Singer Pavilion located in the Bronzeville neighborhood of Chicago is abandoned and unused. It consists of 4 floors and a basement with a clear height of about 9 feet. The T-shaped building, designed by Walter Gropius, was built to serve as a psychiatric building. It is the only building retained in the new master plan and hence is considered to be great cultural value to the community. The main strategy for the radical re-use of the building involved preserving the exterior of the building and renovating the interior volumes. The new design, therefore, served as a space of creation, learning and exhibition for the artist community.
Abandoned and dilapidated building
Ascension of artistic spaces from the ground to the roof
Increasing the height by carving out the ceiling
Protection to the artists’ space by adding a new roof
Introduction of natural light and visibility by removal of roof
Preserving the building in a high-performance glass double skin
Programmatic addition of new volumes for the artist community
Inviting nature and people by expanding the skin on all sides
Exploded Axonometric of the Design Strategy
Diffused north light NEW ROOF
ROOF REMOVAL
Rain water management
Encapsulating graffiti
Micro climate
Preservation
Artist community
Enhanced interaction
Economic empowerment
Ground activation
1- Market place
2- Restrooms
3- Storage + Kitchen
4- Food Market
5- Event space
6- Dining
7- Winter garden
8- Outdoor plaza
Art Incubator- A massive maker-space for a variety of learning experiences
Open studio- A flexible artist space for the learning and exhibition
Art Factory- Gradual Revelation of the Old Skin Enclosed in a New Skin
Faces of the past for a renewed future
Restoring Ecological Networks
Native ecologies brought back and integrated as a network in the urban fabric
Restoring Ecological Networks
Native ecologies brought back and integrated as a network in the urban fabric
Cultivating Social Systems
Circulation and Social engagement revitalized through accessible design
Reclaiming the Forgotten Identities, Barcelona
Barcelona Studio, headed by Sara Bartumeus
Restoring Ecological Networks
Native ecologies brought back and integrated as a network in the urban fabric
Cultivating Social Systems
Collaborators: Marcus Benoff, Srishti Agarwal
Circulation and Social engagement revitalized through accessible design
Re-establishing Physical
The vertical and horizontal dimensions city reimagined for improved connectivity around
Cultivating Social Systems
Circulation and Social engagement
revitalized through accessible design
A long history of changing land use, paired with vast cultural heritage differences over time, has given the multiplicities of Cerdanyola and Ripollet varied histories. An area of Ripollet, around N-150’s passage between it and Cerdanyola, is often referred to as the “forgotten neighborhood.” This stems from its residents having minimal if no connections to its deep cultural history. The deforestation of mountainous area over time, the presence of the Ripollet and Riu Sec Rivers paved the way for the area to become a rich agricultural region. With time, the corridor through the mountains where the rivers flow became an important railroad passage, around which industries developed. This in turn led to smaller, growing urban settlements, which became Cerdanyola and Ripollet as seen today. Further with time, the N-150 corridor, which served as the main industrial corridor, was replaced with the nearby expressway. The expressway, as well as the limited number of bridges across it, has led to a disconnect within Ripollet, as well as with Cerdanyola. Engaging the residents and local tourists with the neighborhood’s past histories through re-framing tangible elements of the neighborhood, as well as focusing on re-figuring the intangible elements, is the goal of this project. Re-framing views, forming a nexus between the human dimension and the history, and reworking social, ecological, and physical connectivity are some of the strategies used to achieve this.
Re-establishing Physical Connectivity
The vertical and horizontal dimensions of the city reimagined for improved connectivity all around
Re-establishing Physical Connectivity
The vertical and horizontal dimensions of the city reimagined for improved connectivity all around
Restoring Ecological Networks
Restoring Ecological Networks
Conceptual Cartography of Ripollet and Cerdanyola
[IN]TANGIBLE
Restoring Ecological Networks integrated as a network in the urban
Cultivating Social Systems
Restoring Ecological Networks
Native ecologies brought back and integrated as a network in the urban fabric
Native ecologies brought back and integrated in the urban fabric
Native ecologies brought back and integrated as a network in the urban fabric
Cultivating Social Systems
Restoring Ecological Networks
Restoring Ecological Networks
Restoring Ecological Networks
Restoring Ecological Networks
renewed future
Native ecologies brought back and integrated as a network in the urban fabric
Native ecologies brought back and integrated in the urban fabric
Native ecologies brought back and integrated as a network in the urban fabric
Native ecologies brought back and integrated in the urban fabric [IN]TANGIBLE CO
Cultivating Social Systems
Circulation and social engagement revitalized through accessible design
Cultivating Social Systems
Circulation and social engagement revitalized through accessible design
Cultivating Social Systems
Circulation and social engagement revitalized through accessible design
Cultivating Social Systems
Circulation and Social engagement revitalized through accessible design Networks Cultivating Social Systems Circulation and Social engagement revitalized through accessible design
Circulation and Social engagement revitalized through accessible design
Re-establishing Connectivity
Re-establishing Physcial Connectivity
Cultivating Social Systems
Re-establishing Physical Connectivity
Re-establishing Physical Connectivity
The vertical and horizontal dimensions of city reimagined for improved connectivity around [IN]TANGIBLE CO ECTIONS
Circulation and Social engagement revitalized through accessible design
Circulation and Social engagement revitalized through accessible design
The vertical and horizontal dimensions of the city reimagined for improved connectivity all around 3
The city re-imagined for improved connectivity
The vertical and horizontal dimensions of the city reimagined for improved connectivity all around
Phase 1 development
Phase 2 development Phase 3 development
Phase 3 development
The cartographic analysis of the two neighborhoods leads to the establishment of intangible connections through a three-phased development plan. The phases of development are formulated based on a matrix of ecological, social, and physical connections. The first phase focuses on the physical and visual connectivity between the two neighborhoods, especially along the N-150 highway. The second phase enhances the pedestrian connection between the two cities. This phase also suggests the radical reuse of abandoned industrial buildings to strengthen the social and ecological networks. The last phase suggests the possibility of establishing of community center, cultural or religious center in different pockets of the city. Therefore, the strategic interventions aim to bring back the values of the past into forgotten neighborhoods.
Urban Reforestation
Urban Agriculture
Ecological Connections
Increased Vegetation
Residential- Industrial Street Design
Physical Connections
Sense of Space
Wellness and Connection with Nature
Social Connection
Bios-wales
Permeable Pavement
Visual Pavement Pattern
Adaptive Re-use
Memory of Agriculture
Memory of the River
Re-vitalized River Corridor
Restored Riverside Agriculture
Urban Markets- Living Museum
Industrial Revitalization
Collective Spaces
Art and Cultural Memory
Intangible Connection Across The Two Neighborhoods
Playscapes and Gardens
Incorporating the essence of Chicago into the Vertical Tower
High-rise Studio, headed by Paul Armstrong
Collaborators: Anumol Thomas, Radhika Dhekne
Tall buildings are often the landmarks of the city and therefore contribute to urban quality and livability. For the high-rise studio, the site was located on the north riverbank of the Streeter Ville district, Chicago. The corner site offered premium views of the city and was well connected to the highly interactive river walk. The prime locality has a high demand for hotels and residential units. The project intended to explore the relationship to a complex physical context while engaging issues of details and construction expressing the big ideas and concepts. The concept for the Beacon aimed at incorporating the horizontal engagement and essence of the city into the vertical tower. The form of the tower was organically developed to increase public interaction at the river-walk and lower plaza levels. The strategic placement of the public staircase at the east corner of the site connected the river-walk with the lower upperlevel plazas of the tower. The vertical circulation was primarily designed in such a way that it could increase social interaction which is often lost in high-rise towers. One of the design features introduced into the tower was the idea of the sky garden being accessible to all user groups. Sky gardens were not only a sustainable design strategy for natural lighting and ventilation but also recreated the essence of the natural landscape experienced in the city of Chicago. Overall, the tower was designed to have high energy efficiency and act as a sustainable model in the urban environment.
Site area: 36,000 sqft
A Contrast in the influx of pedestrian and vehicular movement at different levels
Segregation of user groups into public, hotel, and residences. Strategic insertion of mechanical floors
Structure Development
Cylindrical massing of 1,200 ft tall tower to maximize the views of the city in all directions
Shift in floor plates to create sustainable and interactive sky gardens at the NE and SW corners
Development of an elliptical form and change in orientation to cut off the wind loads
Increase in the overall engagement and livability of the tower in response to its context
Sectional Perspective of The Podium
Along The River Walk
Re-enhancing the traditional delicacies of Italy
Limpid Box, Co-founder and Design Lead 2019 Code Competition Honorable Mention
Collaborators: Abhinav Narayan, Arundhati Bhargav, Neha Murali, Tejas Tammaiah
Italy is characterized by its history, culture, and traditions. The city of Bologna, in Italy, has a rich and strong context with sentimental ancestral values. The brief emphasized increasing tourist attraction by showcasing local arts and delicacies in the old Roman theatre of Bologna. The Roman theatre was approximately built in 88 B.C. and consists of a basement and 3 floors with a central atrium. The ruins in the central space of the theatre form the major attraction. Therefore, the project aims at re-vitalizing the interiors of the old ruins of the Roman theatre with minimal changes to the existing structure. The adaptive reuse strategies involve creating a dynamic interior and circulation pattern in contrast to the rigid planning of the theatre. Each space is designed to translate old cultural values into a contemporary style. The design also enhances the human emotions and memories of the space through the exhibition of local arts and crafts. The selection of materials, color, and texture in the project play an important role in promoting the interactions between users and the exhibits. The portfolio showcases the design of the theater’s ground floor, which was ideated and detailed as a part of my contribution to this competition.
The above diagram represents the transition of four major zones. The existing empty shell has been transformed into experiential corridors with a strong emphasis on dynamism and human scale. Each zone aims at reviving and showcasing the cultural intricacies of Italy in a contemporary way. The linear and curvilinear design elements in different spaces tend to impart different feelings or emotions. Comparatively, spaces with higher interactions are more dynamic in nature than formal areas such as cafes, restaurant, etc.
Visualization
Sleeping Space
This design fosters the transitional journey of the user's life by creating a sense of belonging through curated moments of interaction and privacy. The revitalization of the homeless shelter celebrates the opportunity for continual flourishment through flexibility and modulation.
The design fosters the transitional journey of the user’s life by creating a sense of belonging through curated moments of interaction and privacy. The revitalization of the homeless shelter celebrates the opportunity for continual flourishment through flexibility and modulation.
Revitalizing the homeless shelter to celebrate transitional journey
Gensler San Jose, Intern Project Summer 2022
Collaborators: Niki Zhou, Olina Wu, Paola Castaneda, Tabeer Tariq, Yijun Wang
The Home First Shelter (Boccardo Regional Reception Centre) is the largest homeless service center in Santa Clara County, California. The shelter operates year-round, 24 hours a day, providing shelter, transitional housing, and critical services to those in need. Gensler’s team at the San Jose office was responsible for the redesign proposal of the shelter. As a part of the summer 2022 Internship program, the six interns proposed a re-design option under the meticulous guidance of the talented professionals at Gensler San Jose. The client required a clear division between the men’s and the women’s sleeping areas, along with sufficient storage. The maximum allowable headcount for the shelter is 240. Another challenge in this project was to redesign the exterior courtyard with shading structures. As socially responsible designers, our role was not just to fulfill the client’s requirement but also to make the place harmonious and flourishing with minimal interventions. Hence, our project emphasized the idea of a transitional journey and instilling strength through human-centric design strategies. Circulation, Materials, Colors, and textures were all designed to improve interaction as well as maintain privacy for those who need it. The redesign proposal focused on minor detail that imparted a sense of calmness as well as enthusiasm to the space.
*This project was a part of professional internship program at Gensler San Jose and all work is attributed to Gensler.
Boccardo Regional Reception Centre (BBRC) is located just south of downtown San Jose and is the largest homeless service center in Santa Clara county. The institution operates year-round, 24 hours a day, providing shelter, transitional housing, and critical services to those in need. The project goal was to revitalize the space with minimal interventions and provide a transition towards betterment. Instilling strength, and willingness and providing opportunities for continual growth have been the focus of strategic design interventions.
Experimentation of primary interface between interior and exterior
High Performance Elective, headed by Scott Murray
Building performance and efficiency are important factors that need to be considered in the design process. With the ever-increasing challenges such as global warming, climate change, etc. sustainability of the built environment has become extremely crucial. Building Envelope, in this regard, is an important architectural component with great potential for building performance. The seminar focused on the theory, design, and analysis of building envelopes with an emphasis on experimental approaches in the realms of energy performance, geometry, fabrication, and user experience. Initial experiments were conducted using extensive research and mid-journey to generate visuals. Further, the class focused on phase-wise experimentation of envelopes to understand the designing technique and process using the cove tool. The phases were divided into three stages. In the first phase, 30, 60, and 90% window wall ratios were developed for three different climate zones in Champaign, Rio de Janeiro, and Reykjavik. This phase helped to understand the orientation, % of WWR, and its effect on Spatial Daylight Autonomy, Annual Sunlight Exposure, and Energy Use Intensity. In the second phase, the same factors were studied with the introduction of shading devices. In the last phase of experimental envelopes, the 30% WWR model was developed in detail and the EUI breakdown was compared concerning changes in envelope materials and PV panels. The objective of this seminar was to understand the design process and the energy performance factors that impact the overall sustainability and performance of the building.
Champaign, Illinois (Climate Zone 5)
Illinois (Climate Zone 5)
30%
Window/ Wall Ratio DEVICES
Window/ Wall Ratio DEVICES
Champaign, Illinois (Climate Zone 5)
Site: Champaign, Illinois
PHASE 1
PHASE 1
PHASE 1
PHASE 1
30%
Site B: Rio de Janerio, Brazil (Climate Zone 1)
The first phase of experimental envelopes is an iterative process of designing 30% window to wall ratio to arrive at balanced SDA, ASE and EUI.
Prototype 2: 30% Window/ Wall Ratio NO SHADING DEVICES
Prototype 2: 30% Window/ Wall Ratio NO SHADING DEVICES
Prototype 2: 30% Window/ Wall Ratio NO SHADING DEVICES
Prototype 2: 30% Window/ Wall Ratio NO SHADING DEVICES
Prototype 2: 30% Window/ Wall Ratio WITH SHADING DEVICES PHASE 2
Champaign, Illinois (Climate Zone 5)
PHASE 2
30%
Phase 1: 30% WWR, Without Shading Devices
PHASE 2
PHASE 2
Prototype 2: 30% Window/ Wall Ratio WITH SHADING DEVICES
Prototype 2: 30% Window/ Wall Ratio WITH SHADING DEVICES
Window/ Wall Ratio DEVICES
Window/ Wall Ratio DEVICES
30% Window/ Wall Ratio SHADING DEVICES
30%
Prototype 2: 30% Window/ Wall Ratio WITH SHADING DEVICES
PHASE 1
PHASE 2
Site: Champaign, Illinois
PHASE 1
Prototype 2: 30% Window/ Wall Ratio WITH SHADING DEVICES Site B: Rio de
Prototype 2: 30% Window/ Wall Ratio WITH SHADING DEVICES
Prototype 2: 30% Window/ Wall Ratio NO SHADING DEVICES
The second phase experiments with the addition of shading devices, PV panels, and change in envelope properties to reduce overall EUI.
Prototype 2: 30% Window/ Wall Ratio NO SHADING DEVICES
South-East
PHASE 2
PHASE 2
PHASE 2
PHASE 2
Prototype 2: 30% Window/ Wall Ratio WITH SHADING DEVICES
Change in Envelope Properties
North-West North-West
Addition of PV Panels
Phase 2: 30% WWR, With Shading Devices
Prototype 2: 30% Window/ Wall Ratio WITH SHADING DEVICES
South-East South-East
South-East
PHASE 2
Prototype 2: 30% Window/ Wall Ratio WITH SHADING DEVICES Site B: Rio de Janerio,
Prototype 2: 30% Window/ Wall Ratio WITH SHADING DEVICES
TAKTL Korsa Prefabricated limestone panel
Gap for cavity ventilation
External Aluminum shading device
Wind load and bearing application (Intermittent)
3” Extruded polystyrene (XPS) at R-5/ inch
TAKTL Korsa Prefabricated Limestone Panel
TAKTL Korsa Prefabricated limestone panel
TAKTL Korsa Prefabricated limestone panel
Gap for Cavity Ventilation
Gap for cavity ventilation
Gap for cavity ventilation
Exterior Aluminum Shading Device
External Aluminum shading device
2”x6” @24” o.c. Stud Framing
2”x6” @24” o.c. Stud framing
1/2” Painted Gypsum Wall Board as Interior Finish
1/2” Painted gypsum wall board as interior finish
Triple Pane, Low- e- glazing with 50% Frit
Triple-pane, Low-e glazing with 50% frit
Wind and Load Bearing Application (Intermittent)
Wind load and bearing application (Intermittent)
External Aluminum shading device
3” Extruded Polystyrene XPS at R-5/ inch
3” Extruded polystyrene (XPS) at R-5/ inch
Wind load and bearing application (Intermittent)
2”x6” @24” o.c. Stud framing
3” Extruded polystyrene (XPS) at R-5/ inch
1/2” Painted gypsum wall board as interior finish
2”x6” @24” o.c. Stud framing
Triple-pane, Low-e glazing with 50% frit
1/2” Painted gypsum wall board as interior finish
Extruded Aluminum mullion
Triple-pane, Low-e glazing with 50% frit
Interior bulk head
Extruded Aluminum mullion
Extruded Aluminum Mullion
Extruded Aluminum mullion
Interior Bulk Head
Interior bulk head