Yusuf Chowdhury IAD Portfolio

PORTFOLIO

A symbiotic ecosystem exploring how optimised

Exploring how architecture can restore meaning to the act of voting.

Algorithmic Infestation

Modelled in Rhinoceros 3D with SubD tools to create a custom, parasite-like staircase and performance throne.

What Future Grows From Rot? 1

When humanity’s pursuit of AIdriven perfection turns parasitic, creativity is consumed as fuel.

By 2085, bio-prosthetics enhance the body but tether the mind to a network that drains bioelectric energy, leaving imagination fractured and disposable.

A group of innate creatives rejects this parasite. Within the ruined landscape of Papplewick, they establish a sanctuary where decay becomes strategy.

Drawing from bread mould experiments, they cultivate microclimates that rekindle creative expression while generating biofuel energy—a sanctuary where the parasite cannot thrive. Here, survival and imagination entwine in a symbiotic ecosystem where environment, and creativity coexist.

The scheme operates through decay-informed growth systems, strategically deployed across the site and evolving to support new forms of habitation.

Typology: Adaptive Ruin (SpeculativeFuture)

Location: Papplewick Pumping Station, Nottingham

Site Area: 30,000 m²

When machines drain our spark, what futures grow from rot?

The Suppression Helmet, once meant to suppress thoughts and optimise poetry, is now a conduit for organic creativity, harvesting natural energy.

alternative for the proposed design, creating an environment where digital parasites cannot thrive.

Site Plan

Nottinghamshire

Papplewick Pumping Station (1880s) is a heritage site. revealed species-specific patterns that offer insights into how systems propagate, adapt, and decay—informing

SporeGrowthinVaryingEnvironments:

Using the collected mushrooms from the site, I harvested their spores and inoculated bread slices with them. The slices were then placed in different environmental conditions, such as humid and cool settings, to observe the growth patterns and how the spores responded to each environment.

Mould in humid environments followed a growth logic that crept into shadowed areas. By mapping the site’s natural conditions, I identified anchor points from which new architectural interventions can emerge.

SporeSettlement:

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Detail Model / Scale 1:10

Balustrade Post (Steel)

Cast-In Anti-Slip Rim

Shear Keys

Shape-Memory Alloy Post-Tensioning Rods

Detail A:

(Refer to 1:5 drawings for more information)

This detail show a sectional cut of a stair tread made from ultra-high-performance fibre-reinforced concrete (UHPFRC). The section illustrates vertical post-tensioning rods through each tread and how the balustrade connects via a precast void, secured with a threaded nut and washer assembly.

A/Scale 1:5

AnnotationKey:

3D-Printed Staircase Assembly:

1- 3D-Printed Stair Tread – Ultra-high-performance fibrereinforced concrete (UHPFRC) tread (75 mm thick)

2- Shape-Memory Alloy Post-Tensioning Rods – 3 × Ø18 mm SMA bars (Ø18 mm)

3- Balustrade Post (Steel) – Ø14 mm stainless steel rod (Ø14 mm)

4- Fixing Nut + Washer – Locking nut and washer to secure threaded post from underside (M14 nut, Ø30 mm washer)

5- Shear Keys – Rectangular UHPFRC interlocks for lateral load transfer (40 × 80 mm)

KeyPlan:

TechnicalUnderstanding:

(Refer to 1:10 drawings for more information)

Technical Section of Overall Assembly/Scale 1:10

AnnotationKey:

1- Wall Build-Up (Existing External Wall):

- Internal plaster finish (10 mm)

- Rigid internal wall insulation (100 mm)

- Vapour control layer (~0.5 mm)

- Solid masonry wall – 2-brick thick, English bond (450 mm)

2- Suspended Floor Build-Up:

- Existing quarry tile floor finish (30 mm)

- Limecrete screed layer (50 mm)

- Acoustic isolation mat (10 mm)

- Vapour control layer (~0.5 mm)

- Rigid insulation board (100 mm)

- Structural board – OSB (18 mm)

- Timber battens @ 600 mm centres (50 × 75 mm)

- Cast iron floor joists @ 600 mm centres (200 mm deep)

- Steel support beam (200 mm deep)

3- Ground Floor Build-Up:

- Brick strip footing (600 mm wide)

- Reinforced concrete floor pad (300 mm thick)

- Waterproof sealing membrane (n/a)

- Sand blinding layer (25 mm)

- Compacted crushed stone hardcore (200 mm)

4- 3D-Printed Staircase (Detail A)

Detail B/Scale 1:2.5:

This detail shows the junction where the shape-memory alloy post-tensioning rods connect to an angled steel base plate, recessed below the existing floor finish. The plate is flush with the surrounding floor to maintain the illusion of a floating staircase, enhancing the ascending sensation for the musician as they rise toward their symbolic musical throne.

5- Suspended 3D-Printed Creep Cradle Seat (500x500 mm)

6- Angled Steel Base Plate (Detail B)

7- Limecrete Screed (40 mm thick)

Ruin Treatment:

The Dew Step is designed to capture rainwater on nets, directing condensation down the balustrade into sunken pools to begin the morning ritual. The collectedwaterthendrainsintothefermentation chamber, enabling yeast-based energy production.

Sunken Pool

Micro Channels

Drainage Pore

Micro Channels

This section emphasises the design operating as an ecosystem, intentionally layering multiple design systems to vividly capture the inherent chaos and interconnectedness.

KeyPlan:

PassiveHumidityModifier:

Inspired by termite mounds, Flare’s folded, porous geometry enhances airflow and humidity control through impedance ventilation.

Overview:

Flare expands radially through the structure, binding and reinforcing its remains. The Flare Easel transforms natural waste into artistic output while supporting yeast fermentation with starch-rich materials.

3D-PrintedWhiteConcreteComposition

High-performance white concrete, 3D-printed with finely graded aggregates and quality cement binder for a consistent, refined finish.

Sustainable Considerations: Plaster and soil retraction Decay Series Model

Flare is composed of modular 3D-printed parts that can be removed, repaired, or replaced without dismantling the system. This design-for-disassembly approach extends lifespan, supports material reuse, and, through local offsite prefabrication, reduces transport emissions and embodied carbon.

Ruin Treatment:

Visual Overview: Creep Cradle Moment Visual

Creep’s design acts as a stabilising shell, wrapping around the ruins. The musician occupies the creep cradle, designed to optimise acoustic conditions for cello performance.

Restoring CivicDuty

Visual Overview:

The scene illustrates the pivotal moment of casting a vote beneath a central skylight, where an aspherical light pattern falls across the space.

This lighting emphasises both the individuality and significance of each vote, marking the conclusion of the journey.

The Voting Moment Spatial Visual

Is Democracy Just a Checkbox? 2

When participation fades, democracy risks becoming an empty framework. In universities today, voting is often reduced to an obligation rather than a shared act of responsibility.

Across history, democracies have taken diverse paths, each shaping cultural identity and societal values in different ways. From ancient traditions where civic engagement was a cornerstone of citizenship to modern systems where individual freedoms often eclipse communal responsibility, democracy has continually evolved.

Typology: Civic Hub

Location: Newton Building Rooftop, Nottingham Site Area: 120 m²

This project explores how architecture can restore these lost connections—creating spaces that revive dialogue, encourage participation, and reframe voting as a meaningful civic act.

By drawing on the contrasts between past and present democratic practices, the design embodies and expresses values that can re-engage students in shaping their shared future.

If democracy had a home, what would it look like?

DevelopinganInitialLayout

After exploring various zone configurations, I am now defining these areas by incorporating spatial concepts developed in Phase One into this layout. This process will clarify how each zone interacts with one another and contributes to the overall design intent.

LightStudyModel:

Configurarion 02 + 03

InitialMassing:

patterns, using lighting to guide the flow of the journey and

The grid acts as a framework to filter light, guiding circulation through a windingsequencethatestablishes thresholds and a clear spatial journey.

These configurations suggest a compelling narrative that reinforces the objective of enhancing the act of voting.

[Scale: 1:100] [Scale: 1:100]

Rational Area:

A central pathway guides visitors to the gathering space, with the mezzanine forming a bridge between theindividualexperience of the entry and the collective expression beyond.

Refined Area

1. Features a that serves as a transitional gateway into the space, symbolising the significance of democratic participation before entering.

2. The mezzanine will house the voting area, offering the opportunity for an ceremonial pathway pivotal act of voting.

3. A central pathway will guide visitors to the external gathering space. This mezzanine becomes a connecting the grand entry— the collective experience gathering space, which individual expression

A narrow-to-wide pathway leads toward the voting area, punctuatedbylightwellsandalcovesthatcreate pauses for reflection on the significance of the act.

FinishesDesignandApplication:

Conclusions:

I have outlined clear zones and how they interact to achieve the design objective. Next: Begin further developing the zones to address the underlying theories and objectives, while enhancing the intended atmospheres.

SpecificationKey:

1/ Concrete (Exposed)

2/ Concrete (Red Hue)

3/ Limestone

4/ Glass

5/ Bronze Metal

6/ Oak Timber

The materials embody themes of democracy, inclusivity, permanence, and openness. Durable and sustainable, they also carry symbolic resonance, reinforcing the project’s theoretical framework and values.

[Scale: 1:50]

[Scale: 1:50]

Mezzanine and Connected Zones

[Scale: 1:50]

Mezzanine and Connected Zones

Enhancing the Ascent

By incorporating monumental interventions, natural light is used to symbolise clarity and transparency in the voting process.

Ceremonial Ascent Design Development

EntryDesignIteration2

As individuals ascend the stairs to the mezzanine-level voting area, these interventions enhance the sense of a ceremonial pathway, creating an atmosphere that invites moments of reflection and emphasises the importance of each person’s role in the democratic process.

By elevating the voting space and creating a design that is visually connected from all angles, the space takes on an almost luminous presence, symbolising how voting and democracy illuminate society. This design serves as a visitors of the importance of civic participation

By elevating the voting space and creating a design that is visually connected from all angles, the space takes on an almost , symbolising how voting and democracy illuminate society. This design serves as a visitors of the importance of civic participation

[Scale: 1:100]

Dynamic Threshold

I divided the entry threshold into additional segments. With the exposed ceiling, this design allows light to filter in, creating a more pronounced and fluid transition as visitors navigate the narrow passage, emphasising their entrance into something sacred.

Connected Zones Design Development

attention to the central voting area and underscoring the importance of voting as a hallmark of civilization. They visually connect all three zones, marking the journey from collectivism to individualism.

[Scale: 1:50]

[Scale: 1:100]

Dynamic Threshold

Framing & Connected Zones

In response to the critiques from Entry Design Iteration 1, this iteration seeks to establish connections to the other zones while improving the sense of transition.

Monumental Threshold:

I divided the entry threshold into additional segments. With the exposed ceiling, this design allows light to filter in, creating a more pronounced and fluid transition as visitors navigate the narrow passage, emphasising their entrance into something sacred.

The towering vertical forms structure and frame the space, directing attention to the central voting area and underscoring the importance of voting as a hallmark of civilization. They visually connect all three zones, marking the journey from collectivism to individualism.

Direct Attention and Define Thresholds:

Oversized geometric entrances mark the transition into the ceremonial voting space, with segmented thresholds and filtered light creating a fluid, sacredpassage that emphasises collective responsibility.

[Scale: 1:50]

By backlighting or washing monumental thresholds like arches or doorways in light, the contrast between lit and shadowed areas creates intrigue and anticipation, encouraging movement while marking key transitions from one phase to another. 16

Conclusions:

Next:

KeyPlan:

Key:

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Scale 1:50

Section A-A

FunnelCeiling:

Positioning all participants to see both the central focus and one another enhances visibility and fosters a more

Conclusions:

Created an environment that fosters inclusive conversation and engagement.

Next:

The central foliage may disrupt sightlines between the tiers.

Consider incorporating an intervention behind the funnel to accommodate the foliage while maintaining visual connectivity.

Funnel ceiling lighting directs light downward to highlight speakers or central elements of the ceremony while creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that encouragesvisitorsengagement.

Plaster cast with plywood frame

Detail Model / Scale 1:20

Funnel Ceiling

Funnel ceiling lighting directs light downward to speakers or central elements of the ceremony while creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that encourages visitors engagement.

Connection to Nature

Focal Points:

This ceiling enhances the visual appeal of an open assembly but also creates a harmonious connection to the natural surroundings, promoting interaction among participants and a vibrant atmosphere.

Concentrated light highlights key elements such as entrances, booths, and the central podium, emphasising the act of voting. The geometric roof design and skylight direct focus to the ballot as a civic symbol at the heart of democracy.

CurvedTieredArrangement:

This arrangement balances visibility and reduces hierarchies, but can hinder interaction. Facing visitors toward each other improves sightlines and fosters engagement, making it ideal for discussions.

CofferedCeiling:

A coffered ceiling draws focus to the illuminated mezzanine, symbolising ascent and decision-making. Spotlighting the ballot station reinforces the significanceofthedemocraticprocess.

QueenAnneStreet

ExistingStaircase:

Within the Grade II listed townhouse, staircases were carefully restored to preserve historic character.

Original handrails and balustrades were refinished, while bold paint treatments reinterpreted the Georgian palette for a contemporary identity.

What Makes a Workplace Timeless?

Role: Design Intern at Generation Edge, contributing across RIBA Stages 1-4.

Queen Anne Street reinterprets Georgian heritage within the context of a contemporary workplace. Defined proportions and classical references are balanced with modern interventions, creating interiors that are both refined and functional.

A bold colour strategy distinguishes each floor, while natural materials— stone, timber, and textiles— introduce warmth and tactility.

Client: The Howard de Walden Estate

Sector: Workplace & Commercial Interior

Location: 29 Queen Anne Street, London Site Area: 6,657 sq ft

Lighting plays a central role, shaping circulation routes and defining thresholds between work, social, and meeting spaces. Specification choices prioritised sustainability and cohesion, with bespoke furniture and finishes curated to align with the client’s brand identity.

Delivered in close collaboration with architects, contractors, graphic designers, and fellow interior designers, the project reflects a multidisciplinary approach to design development.

HowcanGeorgianheritagebe reinterpretedforthe modern workplace?

ReceptionArea:

The reception establishes a strong firstimpressionwithbold colour, natural stone flooring, and bespoke joinery. Feature lighting enhances Georgian detailing, creating a welcoming threshold that balances heritage with the modern workplace.

ColourStrategy:

The heart of the building, retaining Georgian proportions and features while introducing a light palette, natural materials, and feature lighting to balance heritage character with modern workplace use.

Each floor is defined by three tones—a white base, a midtone, and a bold accent for smaller spaces. Drawn from the Farrow & Ball heritage range.

WC & DDA Facilities:

Designed to meet accessibility standards, the WC’s integrates compliant fixtures and clear circulation within a refined interior. Bold colour contrasts ensure visibility, while highquality finishes align with the project’s overall material palette.

SECOND FLOOR

SECOND FLOOR

Oil Spill Response Headquarters

OutdoorMeetingPod:

Set within the landscape, the pod provides a compact, enclosed workspace with integrated glazing and power.

Designed for focus or small-group collaboration, it extends the office into nature while supporting biophilic principles.

Project Completion Outdoor Meeting Pod

How Can an Office be Mission Ready?

Role: Design Intern at Generation Edge, contributing across RIBA Stages 1-4.

Oil Spill Response Ltd’s new headquarters in Peterborough redefines the relationship between warehouse and office space, creating a connected, agile workplace that responds to the needs of a global organisation. The design embraces OSRL’s mission to showcase readiness and resilience while supporting collaboration, training, and community.

Client: Oil Spill Response Ltd

Sector: Workplace

Location: Peterbourgh

Site Area: 6,000 sq ft

Materiality draws inspiration from the ocean, combining raw foundations, organic textures, and bold colour accents that reflect OSRL’s identity. Integrated biophilia and flexible settings support hybrid ways of working, while oversized elements and expressive lighting foster openness, visibility, and inclusivity.

Developed with architects and consultants, the scheme balances efficiency with human connection, positioning OSRL as a benchmark in workplace design.

Canaworkplaceunitethe officeandwarehouse?

FirstFloorWorkplace:

The first floor combines open-plan desking with flexible settings such as touchdown spaces, focus booths, and meeting pods. Biophilic accents, natural light, and acoustic treatments create a balanced environment for focus and collaboration, supporting OSRL’s mission of readiness and connection.

WorkplaceStrategy-TheGrid:

A 4.5m grid with central ‘Nodes’ creates a flexible framework for activity-based working, enabling adaptability, reconfiguration, and acoustic separation.

ManifestationDesign:

Glazing manifestations balance privacy, safety, and compliance while reflecting OSRL’s brand. Subtle patterns provide screening, aid wayfinding, and reinforce the workplace identity.

Fine Art & Illustrations

Overview:

My fine art and illustration practice strengthens observation, composition, and storytelling.

From site sketches to detailed oil portrait studies, these works refine my sense of form and atmosphere, directly informing how I communicate architectural ideas.