KALA-GRAM

ARCHITECTURE IN MOTION

By harshini varanasi

Master’s in Architecture

University of Illinois Urbana Chamapign

I am passionate about community-centric design and placemaking and keenly interested in material experimentation and fabrication techniques. I perceive architecture as creating spaces that enhance the well-being of the community and surroundings, which has become my design motto- to create spaces for and with the community that are context and environmentally responsive.

MUSeum OF GOSPEL MUSIC

Instructor - Prof.Thomas Leslie

In collaboration with Kabir Dole.

Design Brief- Restoration and Preservation

Site - Chicago, Illinois

This of our design proposal for Museum of Gospel Music, located in Bronzeville Chicago which is the birthplace of Gospel Music. The project was a crucial historic landmark to the neighborhood as the proposed building sits within the existing walls of the old Pilgrim Baptist Church, which was designed by the famous architects Sullivan and Adler and built in the 1890s. The significance of the existing walls was imperative to our design by creating spaces so that the users experience the relationship between the old and the new through a journey.

The design idea evolved from the history of gospel music by creating an experience for the users while also reflecting the spiritual aspect of the gospel music through architectural elements. Another strategy that was used for the planning aspect was flexibility and adaptability by creating open plans.

FACADE.
RAMP.
FRAMING.
EXPERIENCE.

KIEKEN

Instructor - Prof.Botond Bognar

In collaboration with Ayushi Sawalka.

Design Brief- Museum for Japanese culture and history.

Site - Kyoto, Japan

The intent of the studio was to design an experiential museum in Kyoto, Japan, reflecting the culture and traditional architectural elements of Japan. The project focus on desiging and integrating the traditonal japanese garden within the built space. .

The design concept evolved from the vibrant traditional Kyoto streets and alleyways , creating an experiential journey. Spaces flow inside and outside, creating threshold spaces moving from open to semi-open and closed volume.

Integrating nature within the building and gradually transitioning from a bigger community gathering space to smaller intermediate pocket gardens, nature flowing inside out of the built spaces.

INSIDE OUT.
Inside out
CONNECTIVITY.
FRAMING

THE WAVE

Instructor - Prof.Niloufer Emami

In collaboration with Samruddhi Shirdhankar & Bryant Nunez

Project - Detail & Fabrication

The intent of the design was to achieve a seamless and organic geometry that will act as a decorative perforated courtyard wall that resonates with the surrounding landscape.

We wanted to create a feasible and reusable mold for fabrication and fabricate complex curvatures which are achievable using 3D printing. The designed sunscreen can be used as a courtyard wall, internal partition wall, and as an aesthetic sculptural element.

MOLD DESIGN AND FABRICATION

A feasible and reusable mold was designed for fabrication and to fabricate complex curvatures which are achievable using 3D printing.

CASTING.
ELEMENTS.
AGGREGATION.
SCALE..
SCALE.

SERIOUS PLAY - SPRING 2024

Reimagining Children’s Museum

Instructor - Prof.Joseph Altshuler

In collaboration with Chrivin & Amanda

Project - Detail & Fabrication

Experience the quintessence of roller-coasters in our innovative architectural design, inspired by the Synthetic landscape, Archigram, and Cedric Price's Fun Palace. With adaptable modules and vibrant supergraphics, we foster community connection through versatile spaces celebrating innovation, indeterminacy and inclusivity.