Greetings, I am Rajan.

A native of Mumbai, India, and currently pursuing my studies in M.Arch-1 at CPU [Ai]. My academic journey began at KRVIA, Mumbai, where I immersed myself in architecture, art, and fashion, igniting a fervent passion for creative expression.

With an ardent love for gastronomy, architecture, and art I seamlessly meld my pursuits with my artistic endeavors, crafting a canvas that reflects my imagination. Following my undergraduate studies, I ventured into professional practice and freelance design, driven by an unwavering dedication to the transformative power of art.

Enthralled by the prospect of this collaborative venture, I am particularly drawn to the interplay of chandeliers and installations, viewing them as vessels for the exploration of diverse narratives and interpretations. As an extroverted individual, I find joy in traversing the rich tapestry of global cultures, indulging in pop culture, fashion events, astrology, and culinary experimentation.

Empowered by my proficiency in architectural representation and mixed media, I eagerly anticipate the fruition of this project—a culmination of all that I hold dear. With excitement coursing through my veins, I envision an endeavor brimming with timeless elegance and expressive potential.

Presentation @ MTC
Today, we presented a collection of proposed iterations to the client. They brought structural engineers, airport directors, Liam, and a camera crew. We provided the client with a brief understanding of the airport and chandelier history and each of the proposed concepts that they will be able to send out to the public to vote on. Each proposal portrays an element of community, connectivity, and landscapes.

We had an opportunity to ask technical questions about how much weight the I beams could hold and about the project's potential carbon footprint. These were all valuable inquiries that we took forward when developing the proposals. The filming crew interviewed some students to ask about the day and why the project is significant to the school and Manchester.

Design Development:
Today, we began developing the 3 concepts, with all students focusing on key ideas. We developed the initial technical designs and placed the concepts into the airport context. We could develop and talk through mechanical concepts and break down the chandelier buildups through materiality.

Proposal 1:
The design encompasses northern identity and provides an immersive experience and a modern twist, which will help it integrate into the new terminal. The artwork can move and alter its shape over time with a kinetic approach. Creating unlimited interest as passengers will experience it differently each time they pass. Due to the complexity, cleaning may take time, but with it being on pulleys or motors, it could be lowered to be cleaned. Furthermore, moving may result in fractures or abrasions over time, which could cause issues. Overall, this design fully comprises the brief, it is striking yet not to abstract or over the top and creates a homage to the norths past.

Proposal 2:
This idea considers the chandelier a connection with the culture and identity of Manchester and the North. It aims to expand the chandelier's design, focusing on branching out from a central point and creating routes through the design using the original pieces and implementing new materials to enhance a visual link between the users, the North in its significance, and the Airport. This was explored by researching what North and Manchester are known for and how to interact and visually communicate that to the users.

Proposal 3:
Through the heritage of the original Manchester chandeliers and the minimalism of Terminal 2, this new design will forge Manchester's next design philosophy while retaining the core heritage of the hard-working Mancunians.

Manchester and North England are rich in various cultures and histories. Through the duality of the historical glass droplets and Terminal 2's new appearance, we explored the element of how shapes interact and merge. The glasses are also reformed into new shapes to create an immersive light interaction and experience both day and night.

The Manchester worker bee not only embodies the design philosophy of the new chandelier but also the city’s identity. It welcomes travelers with a sense of pride and belonging and fosters a connection between the airport and the vibrant culture of Manchester.

Through stunning and unique arrangements of the glass tubes, the new face of the longed chandelier finally returned with a brighter, vibrant, and timeless design in addition to the symbolic identity of Manchester’s beehive.