I’m Aarjinayakam R, a 5th-year architecture student at VIT Vellore with a passion for designing high-rise commercial buildings, urban landscapes, and large-scale infrastructure. My design philosophy revolves around pushing the boundaries of form while ensuring that functionality remains at the core of every space.
| Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India | Jul 2023 – Aug 2023 (2 months).
Worked as an architectural design associate, assisting in structural planning.
LANGUAGES
• English
• Tamil
• Hindi (Beginner)
• Architectural Intern: Jawahar Associates
| Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India | May 2023 – Jun 2023 (2 months).
Contributed to an educational institution project in Courtallam.
01. DRDO HEADQUARTERS
Project Title: DRDO Headquarters Building
Location: Kothapet, Hyderabad, Telangana
Client: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
Project Type: Government Institutional Building (Headquarters)
Floors: G+15 with helipad and control room
Project Description:
The proposed DRDO Headquarters at Kothapet, Hyderabad, is envisioned as a landmark institutional structure that reflects India’s strength in research and innovation in defense technologies. The building is designed as a 15-storey high rise, cohesive tower Taking inspiration from aeronautical design elements, the building adopts a tail-fin-inspired form a symbolic expression of flight and agility mirroring the core mission of DRDO
B U I L T F O R M E V O L U T I O N
DRDOHEADQUARTERS
TheselectionofDRDOTownshipin Kothapet,Hyderabad,asthesiteforthe DRDOHeadquartersisawell-calculated decisiondrivenbystrategic,logistical, and functional considerations. Hyderabadhasestablisheditselfasa leadinghubfordefenseandaerospace researchinIndia,housingmultiple criticaldefenseinstitutionssuchasthe DefenceResearchandDevelopment Laboratory(DRDL),theResearchCentre Imarat(RCI),andBharatDynamics Limited(BDL).BysituatingtheDRDO Headquarterswithinthisecosystem,the organizationcanleverageproximityto existingresearchandmanufacturing facilities, ensuring seamless coordinationbetweenvariousdefense research wings. This enhances efficiency in project execution, acceleratesinnovation,andreduces logistical constraints in interdepartmentalcollaborations. ThesiteinKothapetisalsohighly accessibleduetoitsconnectivitywith majortransportroutes.TheInnerRing RoadandNH65providedirectaccessto keypartsofthecityandthecountry, facilitatingthemovementofpersonnel, equipment,andresources.Additionally, theRajivGandhiInternationalAirport, locatedataconvenientdistance, ensures smooth national and internationalconnectivity.
Programmatic Breakdown: Functional Layers of the DRDO HQ
15th Floor –Helipad
The helipad, situated on the 15th floor, provides a strategic advantage for emergency evacuations, VIP transport, and rapid deployment of personnel Given its elevated position, the helipad ensures uninterrupted aerial access
In addition, the helipad’s integration with the rooftop architecture provides seamless connectivity to the helipad control room
8th Floor –Cafeteria:
Located on the 8th floor, the cafeteria serves as a crucial recreational and social space for employees
4th Floor –Demonstration Theatre: The demonstration theatre on the 5th floor is a specialized presentation & briefing space
Ground Floor –
DRDO War Room:
The DRDO War Room, located at the ground level, serves as the command centre
16th Floor: helipad control room:
Positioned at the highest level, the helipad control room serves as the command center.
11th, 12th, and 13th Floors – Conference Halls:
These floors house three distinct highsecurity conference halls
•DRDO Conference Hall – Used for internal defense research discussions.
• Ministry of Defense Conference Hall – A highly secure meeting space for policy discussions
5TH Floor: jamming units
Housing electronic jamming units that play a critical role in defense communications and threat mitigation
1st and 2nd Floors –DRDO Data Center
These floors serve as the technological backbone of the headquarters, hosting the DRDO Data Center, which stores, processes, and secures critical defense intelligence and research data Designed with redundant power supplies, advanced cooling systems, and high-level encryption, the data center ensures seamless storage and retrieval of classified information
Project Title: Visionarium – A Cultural and Immersive Arts Hub; Performing Arts Centre
Design studio: Civic design studio
Location: Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu
Project Type: Civic & Cultural Centre | Auditorium & Amphitheatre Complex
02. VISIONARIUM
Project Description:
The Visionarium in Kancheepuram is designed as a dynamic cultural hub, seamlessly integrating performing arts, immersive experiences, and architectural innovation. This avant-garde structure houses a grand auditorium and multiple amphitheaters, creating a space where artistic expression and immersive storytelling converge.
1. Cultural and Social Relevance
Theselectedsiteissituatedin anareawitharichcultural inclinationtowardmusicand performingarts.Locatingthe centrewithinacommunitythat valuesmusicensuresorganic public engagement, fosters localtalent,andpreservesthe region’sartisticidentity.A music-specificauditoriumwill resonatestronglywithan audiencethatalreadyhasan appreciation for musical performances.
2.AcousticEnvironment
Thesiteislocatedawayfrom high-noisezonessuchasbusy highways, airports, and industrialareas.Aquieter ambientenvironmentiscrucial forachievingpristinesound quality inside the music auditorium, where every nuanceofinstrumentaland vocalperformanceneedstobe heardclearly. Thisnaturalquietnessreduces the need for extensive external soundproofing, allowingthedesigntofocus purelyonrefiningtheinternal acoustics.
3. Accessibility and Connectivity
Thesiteiswell-connected throughpublictransportation, includingbuses,metrolines, andpedestrianaccessroutes, makingiteasilyreachablefor both performers and audiences.However,itavoids excessivetrafficcongestion immediately around the buildingtomaintainacalm arrivalexperience,intunewith theserenenatureofmusic performances.
4.UrbanContextandVisibility
Thesiteoccupiesaprominent yetpeacefullocationwithin thecity perhapsnear culturaldistricts,parks,or universities ratherthan chaotic commercial zones. ThispositionsthePerforming ArtsCentreasacultural landmark,whilethequieter surroundings maintain the integrity of musical performances without disruptiveurbannoise.
Programmatic Breakdown: Functional Layers of the VISIONARIUM
Grand Entry to the Auditorium – A Monumental Approach:
The entrance to the Visionarium’s auditorium is designed as an immersive transition space, setting the stage for an extraordinary spatial experience A massive cascading staircase, sculpted with fluid, organic contours, acts as both a circulation element and a gathering space
Open-Air Theatre (OAT) on the First Floor :
A Spatially Engaging Performance Zone
The first-floor Open-Air Theatre (OAT) is an architectural spectacle, seamlessly integrating natural elements with a layered, amphitheater-like seating arrangement Designed to offer 360degree audience engagement, this space becomes a dynamic venue for live performances, cultural gatherings, and interactive storytelling The fluidic, stepped seating enhances acoustics while providing spectators with unobstructed views of the central stage
PROGRAMMETIC
The presence of escalators suggests a premium design approach, elevating the functionality of the basement beyond traditional parking It serves as a key transition zone that links the parking to other major programmatic components
Auditorium:
The auditorium within the Visionarium is not merely a seating shell it's a multilayered performance chamber crafted to immerse the audience in both sound and spectacle
The split-level seating arrangement integrates balconies, mezzanines, and ramps to create a spatial rhythm that encourages both vertical and horizontal movement, while also responding to varying programmatic demands This form ensures dynamic sightlines and allows the audience to feel closer to the performer, regardless of their location within the space
Underground Parking and Circulation Hub:
The underground parking area is strategically located at the basement level of the building, serving as a functional zone that seamlessly integrates with the overall structure Planned vehicular circulation bays supported by regularly spaced columns, ensuring efficient movement and parking of vehicles
Artist Wall Gallery – 2nd Floor
The Artist Wall Gallery located on the second floor serves as a transitional and contemplative space that bridges performance with visual storytelling Positioned away from the primary hustle of the auditorium and rehearsal areas
03. ELEVATE PLAZA RESIDENCE
Project Title: Elevate Plaza Residence – A Mixed-Use Vertical Community
Location: Katpadi, Vellore, Tamil Nadu
Project Type: Mixed-Use Development | Commercial & Residential Tower
Total Floors: 18 (G+3 Commercial, 14 Residential)
Built-Up Area: [Specify Area]
Status: Conceptual / Proposed Design
Project Description:
Elevate Plaza Residence is a landmark mixed-use development in Katpadi, Vellore, seamlessly integrating commercial vibrancy with elevated urban living Designed to be a self-sustaining vertical community, the tower redefines the modern lifestyle by offering a dynamic synergy between work, retail, and residential spaces within a single architectural entity.
SITEJUSTIFICATION:
Vellorepresentstheright balanceofeconomic growth, educational excellence, medical tourism,connectivity,and lifestyledemands,making itanintelligentand sustainablechoicefor setting up a residential-commercial mixed-usedevelopment.
Vellorearestillrelatively affordablecomparedto Tier-1 cities, making development more feasiblewhileoffering high return-on-investment prospectsinthemedium tolongterm.Theurban developmentauthorities alsoactivelypromote plannedgrowthinthe region,ensuringthat infrastructure like sewage,watersupply, androadswillcontinue improving, thus supporting sustainable livingandcommercial activities.
The basement's functionality is elevated beyond that of standard parking by the presence of escalators, which suggest a high-end design approach It serves as a key transition zone that links the parking
Premium
Residential Living:
The 8th to 12th floors of Elevate Plaza Residence are dedicated to mid-level residential units, designed to offer comfort, privacy, and scenic urban views Each floor follows a standardized configuration, thoughtfully planned to balance density and livability
These mid-tower levels form the heart of the residential stack, offering the perfect balance between connection to communal amenities below and privacy from the upper luxury tiers
Sky Deck Pool Zone:
Positioned at an elevated level, the Sky Deck Pool Zone on the 6th floor serves as a recreational oasis for residents, offering a break from the verticality of urban living The pool is semiindoor with an extended deck that opens to panoramic city views
7th floor above the pool is designated as the Aqua Utility Zone, functioning as the Swimming Pool Backup Area
5ht floor Dedicated entirely as a Mechanical Core Zone, the 5th floor houses the Motor and Pump Room that powers the pool system and associated waterworks
Compact Urban Residences:
The top six floors of Elevate Plaza Residence offer a selection of efficient, elevated living spaces designed for working professionals, couples, and individuals who value compact luxury and panoramic views With fewer units per floor, this zone fosters a quieter, more private residential experience above the bustling mixed-use levels below
These upper-tier homes in Elevate Plaza Residence embrace the concept of vertical simplicity and compact luxury,
Commercial Space :
The lower four levels are dedicated to retail and community engagement, crafted to enhance foot traffic, ease of circulation, and visual connectivity across the shopping experience
•Dedicated service cores for commercial levels, separate from residential circulation to ensure privacy and operational efficiency
•Fire safety zoning, retail service access, and loading/unloading bays integrated at the rear side
•Transitional lobby on the 4th floor to buffer and separate the commercial and residential functions, ensuring acoustic and experiential separation
04. MISCELLANEOUS
4.1. Crocodile Park Revitalization Project, Hogenakkal
Project Description:
As part of my 3rd-year Bachelor of Architecture coursework, I undertook the design and development of a Crocodile Park at Hogenakkal, a project conceptualized under the collaboration and guidance of the Forest Department of Hogenakkal and mentored by my faculty members
This project focuses on creating a vibrant, educational, and ecosensitive recreational space that harmonizes with the natural environment of Hogenakkal Designed with an emphasis on biodiversity and conservation awareness, the park features thematic landscapes, butterfly gardens, shaded pathways, observation towers, interactive green zones, and nature-inspired installations
The design approach blends functionality with aesthetics, ensuring that visitors experience a seamless journey through curated ecological zones, while also promoting environmental education and wildlife protection Each zone was carefully thought out to encourage an immersive connection between visitors and nature, offering experiences such as wildlife observation decks, sensory gardens, and informative trails that highlight the region’s unique flora and fauna
This project not only enhanced my understanding of landscape architecture and environmental design but also instilled in me a deeper respect for responsible, sustainable architecture in protected ecological zones.
Project done under rhino 7 and enhanced the renders through enscape
SITE PLAN
4.2. Lodge Aruvi Community Hall –Courtallam
As part of my 4th-year architecture journey, I undertook the planning and design of a small yet significant community hall for Lodge Aruvi, located near Old Courtallam in Tenkasi District, Tamil Nadu, India
The project site is nestled in the lush backdrop of Courtallam's natural beauty, offering a serene environment ideal for gatherings Designed to serve the needs of a local business community, the hall will host bimonthly meetings, fostering interaction, collaboration, and community building.
The planning emphasizes functionality, simplicity, and climatic responsiveness, with a layout that accommodates formal meetings while maintaining a connection with the surrounding landscape. The hall's structure is planned with clear spatial zoning.
