ishani gunasekara design portfolio (jul 2015)

2012-2015I. GUNASEKARA

BACHELOR OF ENVIRONMENTSBACHELOR OF ENVIRONMENTS(MAJOR IN ARCHITECTURE)(MAJOR IN ARCHITECTURE)

DESIGNPORTFOLIOPORTFOLIO

design portfolio Ishani Gunasekara (2015)

ISHANIGUNASEKARA

PORTFOLIODESCRIPTION

PERSONALSTATEMENT C

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This portfolio demonstrates my learning experience and passion for architecture and the design of spaces. It showcases selected works from the Bachelor of Environments course at the University of Melbourne as well as work experience conducted in Sri Lanka.

Projects of various scales and design briefs have been included and are expressed through drawings, models, images and digital representations. I am dedicated to taking a researched and optimistic approach to design and enjoy attempting and investigating unconventional design solutions and processes.

The way people inhabit and alter the world around us has always intrigued me, therefore a lot of my inspiration is drawn from the way we use space. I am also inspired by the architecture of nature and desire to place innovation at the forefront of my designs. I am motivated to positively impact our built environment through conscious and sustainable design and to make a signifi cant contribution to the practice of architecture.

page 2 of 19

My love for design developed through a passion for art from a young age. I have always been intrigued by the way people inhabit and change their environment and desire to be a part of this complex process. Having recently graduated with a major in architecture, I am currently completing a master in urban design. With experience in an architectural practice, I hope to enhance my skills in the fi eld of architecture and gain a broad and practical understanding of the process of architecture.

I fi rst encountered the creative atmosphere of an architectural practice at ‘David Edelman Architects’, where I undertook year 10 work expeirnece (2008). After graduating from a Bachelor of Environments, I was keen to experience architecture in a real world application and took up a six month internship in Sri Lanka. It was an amazing cross-cultural experience which allowed me to explore my heritage and the impact of Sri Lankan culture on architectural design. I worked with a team of designers at a distinguished architectural practice (MICD Associates) and was able to engage in various stages of the architectural process including documentaionon, interior design and digital modelling.

While undertaking the master of urban design, I hope to continue being involved and up to date with the fi eld of architecture and am determined to pursue a career which incorporates both fi elds.

e-mail:[email protected]

phone:0411 871 095

- Producing and amending drawings- Choosing and documen ng fi nishes, furniture and fi ngs- Digital modelling for presenta ons- Working individually with clients

- Interior design of a cafe (design exercise)- Filing and prin ng

Mar 2011 -Jun 2014

Jul 2015 -present

2005 - 2010

Aug 2014 -Feb 2015

Feb 2014 - Aug 2014

Dec 2008(1 week)

Nov 2009 -Aug 2014

• Architecture Internship - MICD Associates (Sri Lanka) Architecture and Interior Design

• Design So ware Profi ciency

• Languages

• Ar s c

• Quick to learn and implement computer programs• Analy cal thinking

• Philosophy - studied a university breath track (6 subjects)

• Resourceful

• Music (played drums and piano) - High school band leader

• Imagina ve

• Documentaries• Visual art and sculpture

• Architecture and spa al design

• Travelling and exploring new places

• Hands-on skills

- AutoCAD- AutoCAD Architecture- Rhino 3D- Grasshopper Plug-in- Sketchup

- Lumion Render- Maxwell Render- Revit

- Photoshop- Illustrator- InDesign

- English - fl uent- Sinhalese - na ve- Indonesian - (VCE subject)

Sketching, pain ng (water colour, oils, acrylic), pastel

- Technical Drawing- Sketching- Model making

• Bachelor of Environments - University of Melbourne Major in Architecture

• Master of Urban Design - University of Melbourne Currently enrolled

• VCE year 12 - Sacred Heart Girls’ College, Oakleigh ATAR score of 94.9

• Art Gallery Volunteer - Highway Art Gallery Front of house

• Hospitality - KFC, Oakleigh Team member

• Architecture Work Experience - David Edelman Architects Year 10 work experience

educa on

experience

design skills

other skills

interestscontact


CONTENTS

page 3 of 19

Mystery Theatre(Large scale project)

A multi-purpose theatre buildingPage 4

Page 8 Page 12 Page 14 Page 16Page 18

(Medium scale project)Designed using digital modelling

program: Rhino and prametric applications

(Small scale project) Design of a boathouse along Yarra

River, inspired by the style of Tadao Ando

ARCHITECTURE DESIGN STUDIOS LANDSCAPE AND URBAN DESIGN STUDIOS PROFESSIONAL

(Large scale project)Redisigning of the Union Lawn

Precinct at the Universtity of Melbourne

(Large scale project)Retrofi tting public land to a

neighbourhood region locatied along Darebin Creek.

(various)Selected works from architectural

work experience in Sri Lanka

Gateway Installation Boathouse Precinct Design Park Renewal Work Experience


ARCHITECTUREDESIGN STUDIO 4 - SPARKS (2014)Individual Project

The Conan Doyle Mystery Theatre is a multi-purpose Theatre complex set in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. It seeks to engage a variety of users and provide different levels of interaction for theatre patrons and other visitors. The building is to primarily showcase murder mystery plays and is therefore inspired by the genre and in particular famous series ‘Sherlock Holmes’ by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The building is intended to be an enigmatic and memorable space, creating subliminal connections to the haphazard roof structure of Federation Square as a landmark in Melbourne City. It seeks to leave a lasting impression through its sculpted facade, which faces Southern Cross Station.

The design brief requires a 500 seat proscenium theatre (William Desmond Theatre), a 250 seat cinema / lecture theatre (Harry Plimmer Cinema) and a Black Box Studio (Cuyler Hastings Studio) with necessary backstage rooms. The ground level consists of the main restaurant and bar while the theatre workshop is located in the basement. The upper level hosts a function hall with serving spaces, a board room and a private bar which diversifi es the use of the building.

CONAN DOYLEMYSTERY THEATRE

Maxwell render of sketch-up model Maxwell render of sketch-up model Lumion render of sketch-up modelWilliam Desmond Theatre (500 seats)

Perspective from Southern Cross Station steps

Public Restaurant - view from the barRestaurant entrance - view from Bourke Street

page 4 of 19


General form derived from sketch models

A fi nal iteration around which the basic form of

the building is designed.

The option to cluster and stack the building

elements resulted in more complex form and

interesting spaces.

An initial concept to strip away layers of a generic

rectangular form until only the necessary elements of

the building remained

The design evolved from the placement of the theatres as its core purpose. The public and spill spaces are positioned around the three theatres based on needs for access and function. The interior structure is simple and readable, inspired Frank Ghery’s approach to desgn from the‘inside-out’. The skin or façade of is design withthe itention to make an impression on viewer and create a sense of enigma and is informed by Federation Square as a Melbourne icon. The overall design seeks to conceptualise the contrast between the dramatic and analytic notions of crime fi ction.

DESIGNDEVELOPMENT DIAGRAM

SKETCH DIAGRAMS - FORM DEVELOPMENT

DESIGN CONCEPT

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

Cluster Form development

Strip away Balance and composition

Basic form of the plan is based on the site

Sketches developing ground plan based on site 3D visualisation of ground plan extruded

Forms were subtracted to create

entrances and open spaces

Shape was extruded to 3-dimensioanlly

visualise the placement of theatres

Facade was digitally sculpted and

tessellated to create the undulating skin

The theatres blocks were positioned, allowing for

a revision of spaces and cantilevering

SITESITE

page 5 of 19


Semi-convered deck, extension of bar below

The digital facade was exploded and fl attened in Rhino 3D and templates were created to construct the physical model

Access from interior to balcony area above

Views over busy CBD area

Private / function bar

Public bar

Bar stairs

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1

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3

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2

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Theatre Spaces

Foyer / spill areas

Public restaurant and bar

Theatre backstage / service

Management offi ces / private function areas

Accessible by general public

Accessible by staff or guests

1

32

45

3D VIEW OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SPACESSPATIAL FUNCTIONS

NORTH ELEVATION

Entrances

Observation / viewing zones

500 seat theatre

250 seat Cinema

250 seat Black Box theatre

Restaurant Entrance

Cantelevers over walkway below, to intrigue passers-by

With open area for outdoor seating

Black Box

As a Melbouren landmark, it hails the entrance into the city centre form Flinders Street Station. The theatre is designed to have a simlar impacts on Southern Cross as an interstate train station. The glass and metal facade of the theatre design creates a subtle link to the haphazard glass cover and outer structure of Fed Square.

Precident:Federation Square, Melbourne

FACADE DEVELOPMENT

page 6 of 19


HARRY PLIMMER CINEMA / LECTURE HALL

WILLIAM DESMOND THEATRE

BACKSTAGE

BAND ROOM THEATRE WORKSHOP SPACE

BACKSTAGEFOR

BLACK BOX STUDIO

FUNCTION HALL

THEATRE STAFFOFFICES

THEATRE MANAGEMENTOFFICES

KITCHEN / SERVICEAREA FOR HALL

STAFFTOILETS

STAFFTOILETS

STAFFTOILETS

STAFFTOILETS

STAFFTOILETS

THEATRE - MAIN FOYER

RESTAURANT

RESTAURANT /PERFORMANCE AREA

RESTAURANTENTRANCE

CINEMA -MAIN FOYER CINEMA -

LOWER LVL ACCESS

BIO-BOXCINEMA / BLACK BOX STUDIO -MAIN FOYER

PRIVATE BAR FUNCTION HALL - MAIN FOYER

OUTDOOR BARAREA

Ground Floor Plan

Third Floor Plan

First Floor Plan

Fourth Floor Plan

Section A-A

Section B-B

Basement Plan

Second Floor Plan

PLAN AND SECTION KEY 1. Band room 2. Carpentry workshop 3. Technician’s offi ce 4. Entrance foyer 5. Restaurant 6. Bar 7. Outdoor dining / bistro 8. Cafe 9. Restaurant extension / performance space10. Kitchen11. Kitchen storage12. Ticket counter and building reception13. Bottom tier theatre entrance14. Stage15. Rehearsal room16. Changing rooms17. Loading bay18. Industrial elevator19. Theatre main foyer20. Control Room21. Theatre main entrance22. Outdoor bar23. Box offi ce24. Theatre staff areas25. Cinema main foyer26. Ticket counter27. Cinema entrance28. Building management offi ces29. Cinema and Black Box foyer30. Black Box31. Theatre storage32. Cinema access33. Projection room34. Function hall foyer35. Function hall lobby36. Function Hall37. Function bar38. Lobby39. Boardroom40. Kitchen / serving space

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CUYLER HASTINGS STUDIO

FUNCTION HALL

HARRY PLIMMER CINEMA

THEATRE MANAGEMENT

STORAGE

CONTROLROOM

WILLIAM DESMOND THATRE

ACCE

ESS

CORR

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page 7 of 19

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WYNDHAM CITYGATEWAY INSTALLATIONARCHITECTURE DESIGN STUDIO 3 - AIR (2013)

The installation on the PrincesFreeway will be an intriguing project to commuters travelling to and from the Wyndham City District. In response to the council proposal, the installation create a signifi cant impact on the viewer, establishing a memorable and identifi able landmark. As a viable project for Wyndham City Council to pursue, the installation is projected to be commissioned by the service station on the site and is subtly used to advertise as well as express the situation on the fast-growing city.

Through the integration of digital modelling and fabrication techniques and experimentation in material prototypes, the elusive form generates interest and conversation beyond the physical experience of the design and contributes to the broader architectural discourse by utilising modern form-fi nding techniques.

A tensile structure with a minimal and relaxed surface as the design basis was suitable for the form fi nding process, driven by parametrically designed digital techniques.

Group ProjectPartner: Sheng Ying AngI was involved in design development and material testing; supported presentation, playing a greater role in digital modelling.

Inspiration from ‘Minimal Complexity Prototype’by Vlad Tenu Aluminium can prototype model Developing tessellated surface

Areal View of design at the site

PRINCESS FREEWAY

CALTEXSERVICESTATION

PRINCESS FREEWAY

page 8 of 19


Shrinkwrap petrol station

forms to create a base mesh

Create openings in the

mesh

‘Weld’ into a single brep, to be

used in the physics

simulation tool(Kangaroo)

‘Inflate’using digital

physics simulation

Explode faces and extract top

and bottom surfaces, to

create the top and underside of

the canopy

Extract top face to make the

top face of the petrol station

canopy

Tessellate by adding a

pyramid form to each face

Add control points to control

the hight of these pyramids

Tessellate each surface

using the Weaverbird tool

Add pyramid-shaped tessellation using

the Weaverbird tool

Turn each face into a smaller

mesh face and triangulate

Extract bottom faces to create underside

of the canopy

In the Rhino platform

In the Rhino platform Weaverbird,

Stellate tool

Kangaroo, Mesh to

Springs tool

DIGITAL MODELLING DEFINITION DIAGRAM TECHNIQUEPROTOTYPES

RECYCLABLE MATERIALS

FORM-FINDING PROCESS

DIGITAL FORM-FINDING

Several prototype models were created based of selected

iterations of the digital modeling process. Using the card cutter

and laser cutter, connection and assembly techniques

were tested using plastic sheet material.

Infl ated chip bags (image 1), aluminium sheets cut by the

CNC router (image 2) and aluminium cans (image 3) were

used to experiment with form and connectivity.

Using Rhino 3D as thebasic modelling program, the design was be developed through the algorithmic modelling plugin: Grasshopper and inc orporate the physics simulation componentKangaroo to derive form, while the Weaverbird plug-in was used to enhance tessellation techniques.

Petrol station form to be shrink-wrapped

Openings create anchor points for physics simulation Infl ation Extract desired surface Image 1 - Chip Bags

Image 2 - Aluminium sheet

gImImImImmmmmImmmmmmagagagagagagagagagagagagaagagagageeeeeeeeeeeee 3333 33333333333 33 33 -- uunununnnununndededededdededeeeersrsrsrssrsrsr ididididdddidddidididdididdde e e e ee ee eeeee ofofofofffofofofoffofofofofffffffff aaaaaaaaalululululuulululullulll mimimimimimimmimimiiiiimiiiiimiminnininnnininiiniiniininnininnnnniiumuumumumumumumumummumumummumumumumumumumumuuummmummm ccccccccccccanananananannnnnnnnnnnnn

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2 3

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page 9 of 19


3D TESSELLATED ROOF STRUCTURAL METAL FRAME EXOSKELETON SUPPORT BRANCHES

PLAN VIEW

ELEVATION VIEW

To achieve structural rigidity while maintaining the elaborate form, the design was split into three main tectonic components.

The ends of the installation and the central point connects the service station canopies together

Vehicles will move throughand under the structure,allowing them to experience the interior space and see the underside of the drink can structure.

page 10 of 19


Render of design on site Aluminium can prototype with rivets Detailed model with silver boardThe design will seemingly wrap around the service station canopy and reach down to the ground at the canpy ends.This would be an intriguing attraction along the freeway and provide a unique spatial experience in an unlikely space.

The construction of the proposal using aluminium cans was further experimented with using various forms of connection.The templates were derived from unrolled digital models in Rhino and their sizes were based around the size of a fl attened drink can.

The detailed model was constructed using the same template as the aluminium sheet prototype and shows the close-up effect of the studded surfaces at a 1:5 scale. The welded aluminium frame would determine the plane of each studded pyramid, controlling the overall form of the structure.

Site Model, SE Eleva onpage 11 of 19


ARCHITECTUREDESIGN STUDIO 2 - WATER(2012)Individual Project

STUDLEY PARKBOATHOUSE

Based on Tadao Ando’s idea of a ‘threshold space’, the boathouse is designed to be a transitional zone between contrasting environments on either side of the site. On one end, a wide main road runs along the higher area of the Kew landscape while the other side of the site declines into the picturesque Yarra River.Using a similar design approach to Ando, the building remains cohesive to its environment and celebrates its surroundings by transitioning users into the site and stirring a sense of anticipation and drama through spatial design techniques.

North Elevation (View from Yarra)

Restarurant and Balcony perspective

East Elevation (Entrance and cafe)

Sketch diagram

page 12 of 19


UPPER FLOOR PLAN

LOWER FLOOR PLAN

SubtractionRectangle from two 3x3

grids

Repetition Scale Rotation IntersectionRffrf o

SITE PLAN

Entrance Perspective

Control of light Circulation

SECTION A-A

Light

Dark

Used spaces

Connecting spaces / movement

PLAN AND SECTION KEY

EntranceReception

ElevatorRestaurant

Balcony areaKitchen

Outdoor diningCafe

StairsOpen space / outoor cafe

Boat StorageKiosk / boat hire

ToiletsOffi ce

1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.10.11.12.13.14.

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page 13 of 19


UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNEUNION LAWN PRECINCTLANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE DESIGN STUDIO 3(2013)

The design seeks to transform the site, creating a diverse range of landscape forms which are usable throughout the year.A juxtaposition between the concepts of ‘excavation’ and ‘mound’ have been used to implement a multi-layered design.

The mound is a landscape form that rep-resents ‘protest’ of the land, in elevating above the relatively fl at formation of the rest of the site.It is approachable and egalitarian in al-lowing access from most of its boundary.

The excavates areas are designed as semi-private zones, to accommodate needs for lunchtime seating and also provides open spaces for community ac-tivities within the university and through the Carlton area. Part of the excavated areas are shelter by cantilevering parts of the mound.

Individual Project

+0m+0m+0m+0.5m+0 5m+0 5m

+1m+1m+1m+1m+1m+1m

+1.5m+1.5m+1.5m

2m+2m2m

+2m+2m+2m

+2mmm +2m++

+1.5+1.5m+1.5m

-1.5mm

-1m

-1m

-1.5m

+0.5m

Original ground level




+1m+1m+1m+0.5m+0.5m+0.5m

RAYMOND PRIESTLEY

UNION HOUSEUNION HOUSE

BALDWIN SPENCER

ARCHITECTU

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ROADMASSON

TIN ALLEY

Excavated publicspace

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Paved Forcourt

Paved Forcourt

Paved terrace

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Section

Site Plan

Section of landscape facing Union House

‘Univer-city’ redesigning the Union Lawn Precinct

page 14 of 19


Users can treat each space as a semi-private area, while being able to observe and connect with their surroundings.The contrasting topography of the mound and excavation creates a sense of intrigue and provides spaces that can be explored and personalised

Mound and Excavation (lines of vision)

Mound

Existingplane

Excavation

Section of landscape facing Raymond Priestley Building

Steep Slope

TransitionZones

Used spaces

Public resting areas

1m below original ground levelSloping green vegetable patch

Semi public areas

Private areas

1.5m below original ground level

Bike /occasional vehical path

Relatively fl at

Public resting areas

Semi Public areas

Private areas

Medium Slope

page 15 of 19


DAREBIN CREEKPARK RENEWALECOLOGY OFURBAN LANDSCAPES (2014)

Individual Project

Located along the bank of Darebin Creek, the projects was to develop a plan to retrofi t public land within the defi ned region with different measures to improve the biodiversity habitat values and ecosystem services/processes of the area.The site has potential to improve the quality of space in the neighbourhood and ensure a more sustainable future for the local ecosystem and biota that rely on it.The water drainage system seeks to improved the environments by implementing ‘Water Sensitive Urban Design’ principles to the drainage system, and improving the amount and types of local vegetation of the open space and residential area, generating a more sustainable and healthy ecosystem.

Region to retrofi t public land

Map outlining recreational and conservational additions to the open space.

DAREBIN CREEK

MAI

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OAD

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Key

1. Green Boulevard

2. Underwater rainwater transfer from pipes to fi ltration pond

3. Surface runoff directed to treatment pond

4. Stormwater Treatment Pond

5. Creek diversion to pond, and diversion of treated water back to creek

6. Native grass and wetland area

7. New cycling track

8. New walking track

9. Picnic/ recreation area

10. Children playground

11. Pedestrian/ bicycle bridge

12. Stone wall barriers and Stony knoll area

13. Enhanced River Red-gum forest

page 16 of 19


Submereged drainage

Native Grass and sand - biofiltration system

Redued walkay size - minimal impervious surfaces

Stormwater from roofs directed to drainage system

The bio-filtration patches provide an opportunity for plants such as the Matted Flax Lily and Glaucous Flax Lily which were native to the area, but removed to continue in its natural setting once again. It particular nutrient absorption qualities, which will enable them to filter stormwater more effectively than others.

By installing a low stone fence (like historical remnants in the area) between the road and Red-gum area, a clear boundary can be established around the conservation area. This will also deter people from continually entering the area. The rock fence can also serve as habitat from ground-lying fauna such as lizards.

The vegetation surrounding the basin will act as a secondary buffer zone, providing habitat as well as filtering runoff, making the environment more habitable for water-reliant species such as the Growling Grass From (a species of national conservation significance found in the area).

Submerged DrainageNative grass and sand

bio-filtration system

Canopy-level green belt

Reduced walkway size, minimise impervious surfaces

Stormwater from roof directed to drainage system

Site analysis

Section of Green Boulevard along streets

page 17 of 19

Visualsation of Park Renewal


Using Google Sketch-up and Lumion Render, the images for the ‘Jetwing Sea Hotel’ restaurant and bar areas were produced.

An existing plan and photographs of the restaurant was used to build the digital model and showcase the interior design to the client.

Lumion Render was used to generate high quality images and add lighting the model.

The hotel is an architectural icon in Sri Lanka. Its unique interior is characterised by a unique ramp which runs through the building, connecting its spaces.

After visiting the site, I was required to model the ramp and create a digital view of an interior design idea to clad the ramp with timber.

The model was built in sketch-up and derived from a plan, rough section drawings and images of the site.

The timber planks were to be of uneven shape and size, so I was able to use Rhino and Grasshopper to quickly generate the cladding.

WORK EXPERIENCE, SRI LANKASELECTED WORKSARCHITECTURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN INTERNSHIP (AUG 2014 - FEB 2015)ATS Consultants (MICD Associates), worked with a team of designers (www.micda.com)

Jetwing-Sea HotelInterior renova on(MICD Associates)

Tangalle Bay HotelInterior Reova on(MICD Associates)

page 18 of 19

Perspective of bar / lounge

Perspective of restaurant Original plan of bridge

Model of bridge and hotel structure

Modelled design proposal (uneven timber cladding)Perspective of dining terrace


The design was of a heritage building being developed into a boutique hotel.

With existing plans, I created sections and elevations and worked with the interior design team to choose fi nishes for the new sections of the building.

I was excited when asked to produce some preliminary ideas for the construction of beach cabanas at a small property.

Based on the knowledge I had gained through my work experience, I produced several options which are currently being considered by the client.

Access to upper levels(through spiral staricase)

Access to lower levels

Bou que Hotel(MICD Asociates)

Beachside Cabanas(Personal Project)

Access to upper levels(through spiral staricase)

Access to lower levelss

page 19 of 19

Elevation showing existing building and extension Site plan showing four cabanas

Section Elevations

Selected fi nishes Plan of ground level room


Thank you for viewing my portfolio,

e-mail:[email protected]

phone:0411 871 095

contact

IshaniGunasekara

ishani gunasekara design portfolio (jul 2015)

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