Foldsdesignstudio

02/07/2024

UNFOLD 0.3 - Member of Jury

Monish Siripurapu is an Architect and 'Antrepreneur', founder of Ant Studio, an innovative architectural practice dwelling in the intersection of Art, Nature and Technology, and carving its name with experiments in the field of sustainability and computational design technology. He is also the founder of CoolAnt, a sustainability think tank innovating Climate-Responsive Building Envelopes through nature-based energy efficient cooling solutions.

CoolAnt has received national and international recognition for its work. The startup’s pitch was recently aired on season 3 of Shark Tank India. Their low-carbon cooling systems have won them the National Energy Efficiency Innovation Award (NEEIA), by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), felicitated by President Droupadi Murmu in 2023. CoolAnt has also won the Asia Pacific Low Carbon Footprint Challenge, the Clean Energy Challenge by ‘What Design Can Do’, and was funded by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).

Monish is a TEDx speaker and has also presented his work at the TMK knowledge forum at the G20 summit at Bali, Science Museum London, Google’s Anthropocene, UCL Bartlett, CEDIM Mexico, IAAC Barcelona, Construction symposium Ekaterinburg in Russia etc. amongst others. His team has presented their research in conferences like UIA Copenhagen, CATE and ENERGISE. He was a keynote speaker at the World Environment Day New Delhi, 2018 and has also lectured and exhibited his work in various IIT’s and IIM’s in the country. His works have been published across well renowned platforms such as History Channel, CNN, World Economic Forum, Architectural Digest, Inhabitat, and ArchDaily.

02/07/2024

UNFOLD 0.3 - Member of Jury

Carlos BAÑÓN is an architect at the intersection of digital design, Advanced Manufacturing, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the realm of architecture. As the Director of the Architectural Intelligence Research Lab (AirLab) at the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), he pioneers the integration of AI in architectural practices. A partner at Subarquitectura and a holder of an M.Arch. with distinction, Bañón's work prominently showcases the integration of AI into sustainable design and construction techniques.

He has taught in renowned institutions such as MIT and EPFL, imparting his unique AI-driven design perspectives. His research delves into 3D Printing Architecture, AI-enhanced Sustainable Space Making, and Design for the Circular Economy. Additionally, his book, “3D Printing Architecture: Workflows, Applications, and Trends,” provides a deep dive into the relationship between AI and modern architectural practices.

Having been honored with the Singapore President Design Award in 2022, Bañón's work has also been featured on multiple editions at the Venice Biennale and Seoul Biennale of Architecture. Among other international recognitions, his designs have received the London Design Museum's Design of the Year for his Tram Stop in Alicante, two Olympic Medals recognising innovative design in sports facilities, and have been nominated for the Mies van der Rohe Prize.

12/06/2024

Rupa Renaissance IT Park, situated in Turbhe MIDC, Navi Mumbai, stands as a testament to sustainable architectural innovation.

The first four floors of the IT Park serve as parking spaces for the users. Recognizing the potential increase in temperature due to vehicle pollution, the design team prioritised sustainability and environmental friendliness in the facade's construction. To address this, high-density bricks were sourced from Mysore. These bricks were cut to size on-site using a specially developed machine capable of processing 500,000 pieces.

Covering almost 100,000 square feet of the facade with brick in an urban IT park setting posed significant challenges. One major concern was the growth of algae due to the tropical climate. To mitigate this, a nano-coating solution was employed. Each brick was dipped into the coating liquid, sealing all six surfaces to prevent algae growth and enhance durability.

A significant technical challenge was the attachment of bricks to the facade with only a 10mm surface area available for connection. This was resolved through the use of specialized adhesives that provided a strong bond on both vertical and horizontal surfaces. The resulting facade is both robust and aesthetically pleasing.

Ventilation of the parking floors was ingeniously achieved by incorporating brick jali details with a minimalistic design. This not only facilitated airflow but also created beautiful shadow patterns throughout the day, influenced by the sun’s path. The jali bricks were cut in half and placed on a horizontal 10mm sliced brick in a vertical arrangement, achieving a seamless and minimalist design detail.

Impact
The use of high-density bricks significantly reduced the internal temperature of the building by almost 6 degrees Celsius. This eco-friendly building sets new standards for IT PARK developments in Navi Mumbai.

20/05/2024

The design journey commenced with a conceptual sketch, where initial ideas were translated onto paper. This preliminary phase allowed for the exploration of form, function, and aesthetics without the constraints of digital precision. The sketch served as a foundational blueprint, capturing the essence and vision of the project.

The sketch was digitized and meticulously refined through computational modeling. Advanced software tools facilitated the transformation of the 2D sketch into a detailed 3D digital model. This stage involved rigorous geometric and structural analysis, ensuring that the design was both feasible and optimized for fabrication.

The finalized digital model was then prepared for fabrication using state-of-the-art digital tools. 3D printing technology played a pivotal role in this process. The model was sliced into precise layers, enabling the creation of a highly detailed physical prototype. The additive manufacturing process ensured that even the most intricate details were accurately replicated.

To enhance the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of the final product, stone infill methods were employed. This involved filling the 3D printed framework with carefully selected stone materials, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern technology. The stone infill not only reinforced the structure but also added a tactile and visual richness, elevating the overall design.

The integration of digital fabrication techniques with traditional materials resulted in a unique and innovative creation. This project exemplifies the seamless convergence of art, technology, and craftsmanship, demonstrating the potential of modern design methodologies to bring complex and imaginative concepts to life.

10/04/2024

The CoralMimic Installation represents a harmonious blend of nature's intricate beauty, cutting-edge computational design, and precision crafting using CNC machines. Inspired by the organic elegance of coral formations, this installation serves as a testament to the seamless integration of biomimicry and advanced technology in architectural design.
Courtesy Ar. Sunil Gambani
Bandra Mumbai.

21/01/2024

01/08/2018

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