architecture portfolio- undergraduate works

ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIOSelected Works: 2011- 2016

AKSHAYA NARAYANAN

SERENITY IN SECLUSION: GILARDI HOUSE

“The invincible difficulty that the philosophers have in defining the meaning of this word(Beauty) is unequivocal proof of its ineffable mystery.

Human life deprived of beauty is not worthy of being called so.”

- LUIS BARRAGAN

Date of Birth:

Address:

Contact:

Email:

04.02.1993

973/5, Bharathan Towers, Lakshmanaswamy Salai, K.K.NagarChennai- 600 078

+91 7358767429+91 4424852920

[email protected]

AKSHAYA NARAYANAN

Education:

Work Experience:

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Publishing Work:

Competition Entry:

Hobbies:

Bachelor of Architecture (Interior Design)2011-2016MEASI Academy of ArchitectureChennai, India

Trainee ArchitectChristopher Charles Benninger ArchitectsIndia HousePune, India

Jan 2015 - October2015

Intensive Training Course - Arches,Vaults and Domes Auroville Earth Institute, UNESCO Chair Earthen Architecture

Software: AutoCAD, Google Sketchup,Revit Architecture, Lumion Adobe: Photoshop, Indesign, Illustrator, Microsoft : Word, Powerpoint, Excel

Model Making, Pen and Ink Rendering

English, Hindi, Tamil, Italian(Basic)

The Great Architectural Debate: Great City, Great ConversationsArchitect and Interiors India

Worked with team- Architecture for Modern India : Christopher Benninger

Arcowiz Design Trophy 2014

Berkeley Essay Prize Competition 2014

Reading, Writing, Travel and Photography

ARCHITECTURAL WRITING

Sanctity vs Sanitation

The Great Architectural Debate: Great City, Great ConversationsArchitect and Interiors India

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CONTENTS

I.T Office, ChennaiPg: 36W

26/11 Memorial, MumbaiPg: 42

Adaptive Reuse: Nana wada,PunePg: 8

Management Institute,PunePg: 46

Photo DocumentationPg: 58

Resort, PuducherryPg: 22

Rural Documentation & Primary SchoolPg: 26

Boarding School, PanchganiPg: 48

Auroville WorkshopPg: 52

Library, ChennaiPg: 38

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01| ADAPTIVE REUSE- NANAWADA, PUNETHESIS DISSERTATION AND PROPOSAL FOR A SKILL DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE

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STUDY ANALYZING TRAFFIC PATTERNS, HISTORICAL / LISTED MONUMENTS AND THE ZONING OF PLOTS IN BUDHWAR PETH(Left to Right)

ANALYTICAL DIAGRAM TO STUDY THE CONDITIONS AND MICRO-CLIMATE OF SITE

SITE STUDY/ ANALYSIS

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BUDHWAR PETH -HISTORY• ESTABLISHED IN 1703 BY AURANGAZEB

• REDEVELOPED IN 1761 DURING PESHWA REGIME

• COPPERSMITHS AND POTTERS OF THE AREA WERE DISPLACED DURING CONSTRUCTION OF THE IMPORTANT STATELY WADAS / MANSIONS

• PRIMARILY A COMMERCIAL ZONE

• 1795-95 WAS THE PEAK OF ITS GROWTH

• NO OF HOUSES DECLINED DURING 1805-06 FROM 627 TO 359

TIMBER FRAMED STRUCTURES WITH BRICK INFILL, WITH THE EXTERIOR DISPLAYING A BRILLIANT EXPOSED BRICK PATTERN

TULSHI BAUG TEMPLE PRECINCT KNOWN FOR COLORFUL SETTLEMENTS

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1860 s

2009 onwards

1906-07

• Built by Nana Phadnavis- Peshwa Prime Minister

• Served as his residence and office

• Timber Frame, brick infill, verandas decorated with paintings, Cypress shaped columns

• Burnt down in a fire

• Small portion survived

• British constructed a neo-Gothic structure on the site for housing a school

• Intervention to protect the collapsed wada

Peshwa Neo Gothic

User Profile• Local artisans

• Conservationists and Historians

• Public(students, history enthusiasts, tourists)

BUILDING TIME-LINE

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THE CONCEPT FORMThe extension proposed, was planned to fit into the missing chunk of the existent rectangle. The building footprint is matched with that of the Maharashtrian wada that collapsed.

The extension planned had to satisfy two requirements : To engage the building with the bustling street lifeTo harmonize with the scale of the existing building

VISUAL AXISThe side facing the street has been designed as a transparent screen that offers a straight view into the building’s courtyard, encourages an interaction of the inside with the outside .

PROPORTION & VOLUME Buildings proportions have been drawn from the traditional Wada Architecture The extension is linked to the Neo-Gothic building through a cuboid -The Stair Tower.

STRUCTURAL SYSTEMThe extension is a framed structure comprising of a grid of MS beams and columns. Minimal intervention was made to the old structure A concrete free system was derived

EXISTING

EXTENSION

CIRCULATION

OPEN TO SKY

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The Ground floor encourages PUBLIC interaction with the both the old and the new buildings and has spaces such as the Cafeteria, Souvenir Store, Resource Centre and a Courtyard for installations and performances apart from the Gallery.The extension is a Gallery for the display of the indigenous artifacts, handicrafts and hand-looms that are produced by the Artisans in the workshop.

The First floor of the Building is a Semi-PUBLIC zone wherein the Gallery’s second level is located. From here the Audio Visual room might be accessed where periodic documentaries are played for the Pubic. The northern wing of the floor mainly comprises of the offices, documentation center and a staff room all of which are inaccessible to the Public on a general basis.

The Second Floor is the most PRIVATE where workshops or respectable spaces for the Artisans to work have been provided. The roof of the Gallery is also accessible from this level, and the double height volumes and sloped Mangalore tile roof offer potential for good working environment.

EXISTENT

PHYSICAL MODEL PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE OLD AND PROPOSED STRUCTURE

EXTENSION

CIRCULATION

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Steel Joists 200 mm deep

Weathering course Brick Laid on Edge

250 mm deep I-Beam

Madras Terrace Roof

Jack Arch Roof

Rolled Steel Joists

Floor on Damp Proof Membrane

Lime Concrete Brick Segmental Arch

Mangalore tiles Ridge piece

Steel Purlins at 330 mm c/cSteel Ridge

Mangalore Tile Roof

Parapet Detail

Brick Parapet Wall

Brick coping withing niche of the old structure with damp proof membrane

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DISPLAY SYSTEM DESIGN

THE GALLERY

The interior has been kept minimalist and transparent with slender steel columns clothed in wood, glass and polycarbonate panels.

The double height space of the Gallery comprises of a richly carved wooden false ceiling inspired from the old structure that existed in its place.

A marble finished folded plate stair, lit from the sides is a stand alone structure that helps connect the people vertically and promotes interaction of the user with the street life outside through its glass wall.

Display systems in the Ground floor have also been designed to draw maximum attention to the artifact.

ALUMINUM PATCH FITTING

LIGHT SOURCE MOUNTED ON MS MEMBER

INFORMATION BOARD

PLATFORM FOR ARTIFACT DISPLAY

MONOLITHIC STONE BASE

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THE GALLERY SHOP

A shop for Heritage products and memorabilia from the region, the store comprises of a wide display of the various artifacts , handicrafts , clothes and other memorabilia that are hand made and produced by the artisans themselves.

It occupies an area of 148 SQ. M and themed in a way to produce a calm atmosphere that draws maximum attention to the Exhibits.

An amalgamation of different shades of wood, with glass and elements of traditional Maharashtrian Architecture such as the decorative arches and columns have been retrofitted into this space to help create connect with the past in a contemporary time.

Keeping in mind the minimalist approach to display system design, the units were detailed to ensure minimum holes were drilled into the walls

Wood, Steel and Glass were primary materials used for this purpose

PRESSURE MOUNTED STEEL ROD FIXED TO WALL

TENSILE RODS ATTACHED TO BOARD USING L CLEAT

12 mm THICK PLYWOOD WITH LAMINATE

18mm THICK PLYWOOD WITH LAMINATE

GLASS STOPPER

TENSILE STEEL RODS ATTACHED TO BASE USING L CLEATS

10 mm THICK TOUGHENED GLASS STEEL FRAMEWORK

18 mm THICK PLYWOOD WITH LAMINATE

DISPLAY SYSTEM DESIGN

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WOODEN JALI TO CONCEAL WALL MOUNTED AC UNIT

DISPLAY RACK

UPPER UNIT INSPIRED FROM THE TRADITIONAL ARCH

RACK FOR DISPLAY OF PHOTOGRAPHS

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THE CAFETERIA

This project involved a renovation and reinterpretation of an area inside the Nanawada Building earlier functioning as a class room. The Space is proposed to serve as a Cafe that serves to 40 people from a Satellite Kitchen

The Jack arches have been kept in tact while the rolled steel Joists were painted Code red. Flooring and Furnishings such as the jali have been inspired from some commonly found Maharashtrian motifs.

A steel conduit grid has been incorporated on top for lighting. The beam itself was clothed on a wooden box that also doubles up to conceal the electric and the ac conduits. The theme is a mixture of the Maharashtrian, the Colonial with modern designs for the Furniture.

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WOODEN SEAT ATTACHED TO VERTICAL SUPPORT USING STEEL CLAMP AND MORTISE TENON JOINERY

MARBLE COUNTER SUPPORTED ON WOODEN BASE

This seating, draws from the arcades of the corridor outside, as well as the arcade that exists inside. A wooden seat attached to a vertical member that forms into a single unit that creates a frame.

12MM PLY WITH LAMINATEMS BEAM - 300 X 300

AC CONDUIT GROOVE WITH MS CAPPING

SEATING DESIGN

BEAM CAPPING DETAIL

JOINERY DETAIL-FLOORING

12MM THICK LIME MORTAR - 1:2:2WATER PROOF MEMBRANE

WOODEN PARQUET FLOORINGWOODEN PIECE WITH STRIP LIGHTING

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THE WORKSHOPS

The Bamboo and Cane Workshop was conceived to provide a respectable space for the various weavers spread across a 2km radius in this area. Often without proper shelter for their workshops these artisans are forced to carry out their work and business on the streets.

The double height space was broken down with the provision of a mezzanine floor. An exhibition area within the workshop encourages workers to display special products.

With the idea of Bamboo products made in a Bamboo environment, the interiors comprises of different forms of Bamboo as flooring, panels , screens and light scones to create awareness about the versatility of the material amongst the workers

The Warli Art Workshop aims to provide respectable working conditions for the Warli Artists’ Community. The space was conceived to provide and ‘Earthy’ ambiance, hence an extensive use of terracotta in the form of flooring, wall panels and even fixtures were incorporated withing this space.

The workshop also comprises of an exhibition space for the Artists to display their work periodically and hence promote the craft in new unexplored ways.

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02| BAY RETREATSTUDIO PROJECT: BEACH RESORT, PUDUCHERRY

The Beach Resort project comprises of the hotel block, independent villa units hierarchically arranged along the sea facing side of the side.

CONCEPT AND PLANNING :The challenge involved optimizing sea view for the hotel and the villas while creating an environment of retreat by integrating the built and the unbuilt . The sea facing side of the site, hence comprises of all these structures. The rooms of the hotel all have a view of the Bay of Bengal, while ancillary functions, services, restaurants and cafe about the central courtyards have a free plan that is a merger of the inside and outside. The rooms (grey) have been raised on stilts to

provide unobstructed views of the sea from the lobby and the courtyards at the ground floor level.

The core (red) is central to the two blockTerrace garden on the second floor was introduced over the restaurant.

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GROUND FLOOR PLAN FIRST FLOOR PLAN SECOND FLOOR PLAN

TRANSVERSE SECTION THROUGH THE HOTEL BLOCK

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1. SUITES2. COURTYARD3. CAFETERIA4. FINE DINING RESTAURANT

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A calm, harmonious ambiance was worked out for the basic suite. Cool colours with dashes of orange were provided to break the monotony. Glu Lam beams, that are part of the structure itself have been exposed for a contemporary interior.

The 24-Hour Cafe located near the lobby in the beach resort is designed to accommodate 50 people .

The ambiance is kept warm and vibrant while the openings have been maximized to bring down the barrier between the interior and the exterior .

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03| ARIYAKUDI VILLAGE, TAMIL NADUA RURAL DOCUMENTATION AND PRIMARY SCHOOL PROPOSAL

Ariyakudi, a Chettinadu(Community of Traders) Village in Tamil Nadu comprises of a diverse society. As a part of the studio project, the village was documented for its planning, culture and people.

The activities conducted involve studying the various organizations of the houses, the streets and the symbolically significant structures in this village.

Apart from this, a proposal for a primary school was put forth that would be a new landmark socially while merging with the existential Architectural language of this village.

OPPOSITE PAGE:A COLLECTION OF VARIOUS SKETCHES CAPTURING SCENES FROM THE VILLAGE AND INTERESTING ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS

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TYPICAL LAYOUT OF THE BRAHMIN HOUSE

AN ISOMETRIC SKETCH OF THE STREET

A STREET ELEVATION

LINEARITY IN ORGANIZATIONLinear organizations express a direction and signify movement,extension, and growth

They could be terminated by a symbolically important spaces. In this case , the street was terminated by the towering place of worship - The Thiruvenkadamudiyan Temple.

Linearity in the smallest module- The modest household 1. THINNAI2. COURTYARD3. STORE ROOM4. BACKYARD

Linearity in the grouping- The streets of the Village

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THIRUVENKADAMUDIYAN TEMPLEThis 500 year old temple , was noted for its most remarkable planning and sequencing of spaces A sharp linear axis exists while the path unfolding from the gateway (gopuram) to the sanatorium (garbhagriha) constantly changes visually and spatially to make the experience of this structure truly magnificent.

EAST ELEVATION

PLAN- TEMPLE COMPLEX VIEW OF THE GOPURAM

LONGITUDINAL SECTION

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SHIKSHA, ARIYAKUDI VILLAGE, TAMIL NADUSTUDIO PROJECT: PRIMARY SCHOOL

Based upon the rural documentation of the village, a primary school with a noon meal center was proposed for the village .

CONCEPT AND PLANNING :It comprises of a nursery and a primary school , with adequate space for outdoor activities for the children.The local Architectural language of pitched roofs in combination with Madras terrace creates a contemporary setting.The project aims to create a series of interlocking courtyards and classrooms to provide an amicable study environment for the children and a second home for them.

Each module has progressive spaces from open (courtyard) to semi-open(verandas with sloped roof) to closed classrooms .

Linear and diagonal axis of courtyards to create a sense of suspense

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1. ADMINISTRATION WING2. MAIN COURTYARD3. KINDERGARTEN4. RESTROOMS5. KITCHEN AND NOON MEAL CENTRE6. PRIMARY CLASSROOM CLUSTER (WITH COURTYARD)

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COLUMN DETAIL TIMBER WINDOW DETAIL NOON MEAL CENTRE - MANGALORE TILE ROOF

RIDGE PIECE

TILES

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PRIMARY CLASSROOM - MADRAS TERRACE ROOF

TIMBER JOISTS OVER BEAM

TWO COURSE BRICK LAID ON EDGE

WEATHERING COURSEView of the classrooms with the common courtyard, the sliding, slatted windows are painted in bright colours , that reflect the vernacular style.

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WEST ELEVATION SHOWING THE THE ENTRANCE

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04| AXONSTUDIO PROJECT: I.T. OFFICE, CHENNAI

TRANSVERSE SECTION

The project revolved around the design for an Information Technology company in Chennai.

CONCEPT AND PLANNING :The project was conceived as a series of planes with aletnating cantilevers of green belts that doubled up as a breakout space for each floor of the office. An open floor plan was adopted for the workspaces with an off centered Service core to ensure unhindered movement and optimum interaction.

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PART PLAN : WORKSPACE

PART SECTION: WORKSPACE

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05| THE BANYANSTUDIO PROJECT: LIBRARY, CHENNAI

The project involved the design of a library for an Arts college.The structure was developed on the existing plot abutting the campus.

CONCEPT AND PLANNING :Based on the concepts of octagonal planning , the structure was planned on a 5m x 5m grid.The stack rooms - octagonal in shape are alternated with the rectangular reading rooms, to form an open floor plan. The central atrium helps bring in more natural light into the building while also serving as a lounge for reading magazines and periodicals. The elevation comprises of brick and slate exposed concrete slabs.

SECTIONS TO STUDY THE ARTIFICIAL LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS FOR COMFORTABLE READING

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EAST ELEVATION: AN AMALGAM OF BRICK AND STONE

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GROUND FLOOR PLAN FIRST FLOOR PLAN SECOND FLOOR PLAN

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1. ATRIUM- LIGHT READING SECTION 2. BOOK ARRIVAL3,5. STACK ROOMS 4. READING ROOM 6. ADMINISTRATION / WORK AREA (BOOK REPAIR)

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06| PYLONCOMPETITION ENTRY: A MEMORIAL FOR 26/11 MUMBAI TERROR ATTACK

A competition entry for the Mumbai 26/11 attacks, this project aims to erect structures in memory of those who lost their lives but also as a remainder to the nation , most specifically the citizens of Bombay of the unity they showed in fighting the catastrophe.

CONTEXT AND PLANNING :The site was located on the edge of the Marine drive in Bombay, hence the proximity to water was used well to create a landscaped garden integrated with concrete structures that rose from the ground to merge with the garden creating an environmental symphony.

The objective was to provide a powerful yet pleasant experience to this landmark in Mumbai

SUCCESSIVE STAGES OF THE TOWER OF HOPE:GROUND LEVEL: An Open space with a light wellMID LEVEL: View of the ruins from the attackTOP LEVEL: View of the city skyline and the water, signifying the presence of hope

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THE GALLERY:

Designed as a module of two units linked by a glass bridge,The gallery comprises of a winding ramp within. The exhibit, the ruins from the catastrophe are kept in the centre, so that they can be viewed at any point during ascend and descend.

THE LIBRARY:

Designed as an independent unit, the library/ resource centre is a concrete shell. While the form of the structure, emerges from the ground as seen in the section, the roof itself doubles up as a breakout space where one could take a stroll.

PLAN: LIBRARY

SECTION THROUGH THE LIBRARYSECTION THROUGH THEGALLERIES

PLAN: GALLERIES

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SECTION THROUGH THE SITE

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07| KIRLOSKAR INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED MANAGEMENT STUDIESDRAWINGS FOR THE ADMINISTRATION BLOCK, PUNE, CCBA

The Kirloskar Institute of Advanced Management Studies is nestled amidst the Sahayadri mountain range, in Dhamane (30kms from Pune). The first Phase buildings comprise of the administration, PGP classrooms, hostel buildings and the dining area.

The buildings maintain a harmonious language throughout with the help of concrete walls, lofty turrets and interesting wall murals.

Courtyards and corridors have been integrated in a manner to serve as spaces of interaction.

EXPLODED ISOMETRIC VIEW

PLAN- GROUND LEVEL

PICTURES FROM SITE

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1. CORRIDOR2. CONFERENCE ROOM 3. FACULTY ROOM4. ADMINISTRATION 4. KUND

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08| NEW ERA HIGH SCHOOLBOARDING SCHOOL, PANCHGANI, CCBA

The New Era High School located in Panchgani is an ongoing project of Christopher Charles Benninger Architects.

The project primarily comprises of six blocks namely the administration, the academic, boy’s hostel, girl’s hostel, staff quarters and the dining .The exercise involved drafting working drawings -Unit plans of the Matron’s pantry and toilet in the boy’s hostel along with drawings for a proposal to convert the loft space into a study room.

SITE PLAN

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The severely contoured site offered several challenges.The exercise involved designing the dormitory for the boys’ hostel block along with a study at the attic level

Opposite page:1,2. Pictures taken on site

BOYS ‘ HOSTEL PLAN

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09| ARCHES, VAULTS AND DOMESCONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES USING EARTHEN BLOCKS

The training course organized by the Auroville Earth Institute involved an intensive study on the different types of arches, vaults and domes

Theoretical studies on optimization and funicular diagrams were conducted which in turn helped in the practical assessment of the workshop.Different types of earthen arches, vaults and domes were constructed using a structural form work.

Line of Thrust

STABILITY PRINCIPLES

Failure due to central loading Failure as pier is too thin

Corrections Corrections

Masonry Arrangements: Equilateral Arch

Funicular study diagrams for an equilateral arch

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HOW DO YOU DESIGN A HEALTHFUL ENVIRONMENT? In your city, find a building or a public place that helps create a healthful environment. Describe the features of the healthful environment that you admire and why. Tell us what you believe the architect did specifically to make the healthful environment work as it does.

Then find a building or a public place that offers an unhealthful environment. Describe the features of the unhealthful environment that you do not admire and why. As an architect, describe specifically what you would have done differently, including working with what governmental and civic resources to Improve the situation.

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10| BERKLEY ESSAY PRIZE COMPETITION, 2013

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The Mylapore Temple TankThe temple tank (locally known as oorani) at Mylapore, Chennai stands unaffected by the ripples of clatter around it. Its subtle yet powerful existence, establishes that strong connection man always found solace in – earth, water and sky .Established by the Pallava rulers, it was a water reservoir, attending to assorted requisites of the religious structure crowning it. Today, it is home to a flourishing bazaar and supports an amalgamation of environments catering to the social and economic needs of the lower income groups while integrating local culture and religion (staging music and dance festivals) that is fast eroding. The tank has appropriate facilities of water disposal and sanitation. It is naturally replenished during the monsoons thereby acting as a self-sustained unit. The tank and its guardian trees also help establish an ecological balance, a dire necessity in this heavily populated region. Healthy environment offers flexibility while accommodating the changing trends and demands of time. Hence, the tank has functioned as a vital bridge between the social, economic conditions (in terms of revenue for the trade around it) and as a religious landmark. A blend of vernacular architecture with remarkable methods of engineering and construction, the oorani is a seamless example of a healthful environment.

Public Toilets on Marina BeachThe Marina beach in Chennai bears a whooping population of 15,000 visitors every day. The provision of hygienic and healthy environments becomes crucial. The existing public toilets fail to oblige. The reasons being their location on an inept site, at the junction of the pedestrian walkway and car park, their lack of

facilities to handle such large crowds. The building itself doesn’t encourage users to maintain hygiene, creating an unhealthy environment.

Design proposal:Public toilets cater to people from various strata of the society; hence the choice of materials used in construction play a pivotal role. Usage of locally available materials can be studied to construct structures that are secure and create cool interiors against everlasting summers in the city.

Systems with minimal water consumption can be installed to reduce water usage and disposal. The dry composting system is one such example .Coupled with rainwater harvesting system, it may ensure persistent water supply.

Relocation of toilets to a more secluded zone, with appropriate open to sky spaces will promote natural ventilation and daylight (primary aspects in a healthy environment). An isolated public toilet draws little attention. Instead its integration with green, community spaces could help boost local culture and the revenue of the food stalls and smaller establishments in its vicinity. This flexibility of design could help perceive this structure in new light as healthful and interactive.

A comparative study of these contrasting places has matured my thought process on healthy environments. Its delicate yet powerful existence can transform the lifestyle of human beings. It establishes a harmony between man and nature. As I draw end to the essay a perplexing question lingers on my mind -Are we moving closer to Architecture or just building every day?

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PUBLICATION AND WRITINGA Report on Z-Axis 2015- Architect and Interiors India

“Owing to the diverse range of visiting architects from across the global, the conference proved to be an enlightening platform for students. The architects’ varying approach to design and their sensitivity in dealing with the growing concerns of urbanism provided food for thought. Despite being from different backgrounds, the common denominator among the bigwigs was their passion for humanity and their zeal to make great cities great places, ultimately uplifting and empowering people through architecture.

It’s not about style or fluidity in design but about the art of place making at the community, neighbourhood as well as city level. It’s vital to give up building superficial icons and wake up to the need of our society and our failing cities.

In a world where the most consistent growth are in the negative aspects of pollution and population, Z-Axis International Conference attempted to not just address these issues but also to encourage dialogue. As we left the auditorium, bags packed with inspiration, ideas and autographs, we realised that a symposium of this sort probably sowed the seeds of a revolution that architecture today genuinely deserves. “

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PREVIOUS PAGE (Left to Right):

Jama Masjid, Ahmedabad; Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur; Haveli, Mandawa

1,2. Acchitagarh Fort, Nagaur3. Laxman Jhula, Rishikesh4. Blue City and Meharangarh Fort Precinct, Jodhpur 5. Lighthouse Hotel, Gale6. Ladia Ram Haveli, Mandawa

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AKSHAYA NARAYANAN+91 [email protected]

architecture portfolio- undergraduate works

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