Architectural Portfolio

Purnima Das

This portfolio is a collection of selected works accumalated from my time at the CEPT University of Ahmedabad, Inspiration Architects, Cochin and Ash and Maple Designs,

Thane. Most works exhibited were accomplished as part of a design team and some were

solo works.

Urban Intervention: Jamalpur, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 2009.

Design Thesis The Hub: a place to stop, look and listen. Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, 2010.

Research ThesisStudying the Sacred Architecture in Public Spaces of Matho, Ladakh.

Live ProjectsRestoration of an old family house: Palakkad, Kerela.

Extension to Laurie Baker’s House, Trivandrum.

Portable House, Kochi, Kerela.

Interiors of a 2BHK for Mr. Sathe, Thane, Maharashtra.

Various Projects

These educational programs will vary from conventional schooling methods for children to arts and crafts based workshops intended to provide opportunities for women and elderly to lead more sustainable lives and become more independent by leaving the domestic realm. We intend to integrate the diverse program across the site by creating different spatial conditions and mixing functions both vertically and horizontally.

Concept: The intention behind our proposal was to provide a variety of functions interspersed across the site to create a network of human interaction. This intervention will have only minimum impact on the lifestyles of those residing on the site currently, but will improve their quality of living.

These improvements will come as a result of the increased community and public interaction in living, education, commerce, and recreational activities. Implicit in the improvement of quality of life is the expansion of educational programs offered in the area for people of all ages and backgrounds, together.

Urban Intervention: Jamalpur, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 2009.

Urban Design

The site sits on the lake edge giving vistas of the hills around and the Powai Lake with the new constructions happening around it. The never-ending blue and green relaxes the eye, allows a person to stare into nothingness, gives time to think and self inspect.

Area of ConcernTo revitalize the lake and the ecosystem of IIT CampusTo provide a better living standard for students

The hub is a place where young, chaotic energy will be put to productive use. Dealing with freedom is difficult, but the produce of a free mind is beautiful. It will help students develop a lager overview to the world through exposure, participation and interaction. It will sensitize them to environment, culture and heritage. It shall provide for a space for chance happenings. Sensations away from the institutes academic structure and freedom for independent thought. Will allow them to explore their interest and learn to use their theoretic brains in today’s practical issues.

Site Insertions:

1. Recreational centre for Under graduate students

2. Recreational centre for Post graduate students

3. Students Pavillion

4. Innovators Club

5. The HUB

The Hub: a place to stop, look and listen. Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, 2010.

Design Thesis

Site Map of IIT Bombay with design interventions highlighted.Initial Understanding of the Site.

An archival space was also proposed for students and professors’ extracurricular projects, which include a large variety of innovations and games. Thus encouraging them to break out of the box and take inspiration from their predecessors.

A Vet equipped with a small clinic will also impart basic wildlife information to the students; this will increase the interaction between students and animals on campus. Again taking them as close as possible to the ecosystem they live in.

The hub is not only for students and professors but also for the citizens of Mumbai. A place where a public forum can take place.

Exhibitions will also be held of students works, which would involve the citizens in the progress of IIT as an institute and allow for their expertise to come together to give rise to larger and creative workforce.

Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, 2010.

Design Thesis

The Hub: a place to stop, look and listen.

Conceptual Ideas Ground and First floor Plans.

Final Design Ground Floor Plan. 3D Render of the Design made on Sketchup.

The study looks for scientific explanations to understand the Principles on which the design of the structures depend.These public nodes; Sacred landscapes is an evolution through time and generation of families whohave added and still continue to build this landscape.

The landscape of Ladakh is adorned by several religious structures which apear at regular intervals. These religious structures represent the faith and beliefs of the society and their religion. Thus the people gather around these religious structures making it simultaneously a public space.

Studying the Sacred Architecture in Public Spaces of Matho

Research Thesis

Ladakh, 2011.

Section through facing prayer wheels across the road in Matho, Ladakh.

Section through a Mani Wall, with a Stupa and a Prayer wheel at the entrance of Matho Stupas at the entrance of the village of Matho

Section through a huge complex of mani wals and stupas in Matho.

The house approximately 80 yeard old made in wood and bricks, had to moved and restored. This activity involved a complete study of the wooden joineries in the building, understanding the assembly of the parts and numbering each element so that they can be put together again.

Each element had to go through cleaning and chemical restoration those which had disintegrated had to be replaced with newly designed elements.

The project involved designing en extension of two extra bedrooms to the existing 2BHK house designed byt the renowned Architect Laurie Baker. The extension had to follow the language of the house. The bedrooms were for the young siblings of the family and the rooms had to overlook the small pond in the compound.

The area was a restriction and the extension floated over the pond. This was achieved by using post and beam structure which reduced the footing are.

Restoration of an old family house: Palakkad, Kerela. Extension to Laurie Bakers House, Trivandrum.

Urban Design

Working Drawing of the proposed Design. Key plan of the existing house.

The portable house was a joint venture by KFRI, Kerela Forest Research Institute and design firm Inspiration. The intention was to develop a house which is both economic and durable. This design allows easy transportation and quick installation. It can be transported as a box of 40sqft plinth area, which unfolds into 200sqft of living space.

In cases of disasters it can act as a relief structure.This design if mass produced can be available at an affordable price of 1.25 lacs thus can be used as rehabilitation housing for slum dwellers and migrant labourers in urban areas.

A extension of a toilet has also been proposed for a customised portable house. This aids the design and makes it habitable. Two units can be combined to form a house for a big family. These were also proposed to be used in resorts near beaches as temporary shelters.They are also being custom made as offices for ongoing site projects and as extension for many offices.

Portable House, Kochi, Kerela.

Live

Projects

Plan showing how an unit can be used.

Plan showing how a unit can have an attached toilet, and two such units together.Step by step diagramatic understanding of the unfolding of the structure.

Interiors for a 2 BHK flat in Thane.

Interiors were done using modular tecnology. The idea was to provide a lavish yet simple and chic look without comprimising on cost but econimcal for the client.The design sticks closely to simplicity and efficiency in design. This was established by using a muted colour pallete and the minimal and ergonomic organisation of furniture.

Interiors of a 2BHK for Mr. Sathe Thane, Maharashtra.

Live

Projects

Plan and Section for the proposed design.

Designing a Public Forum at Horniman Circle Next to Asiatic Society, Mumbai.

The design was to provide open spaces for the citizens of the busy metropoiltan city to gather and discuss major issues regarding the world, people and nature. The motive of the design was to inculcate the habit of reading and understanding from the experiences from the past. The building included an extension to the Asiatic library , an amphi theatre, conference rooms and audio visual room.

Design exercise in Tensile structures.

Creating a module that can be repeated to form a stadium enclosure.

Various Projects

Designing an Artists Camp in Tellichery Kerela

A space to stay and work for artists.