Simit Rajwadi
Architectural Designer based in Brooklyn
As a designer, fabricator, and user there are some principles that generally guide my process. These principles inspire me to contribute to how we shape our surroundings.
between inside-and-out:
I believe we should design and build environments that encourage people to feel connected to the natural world and in tune with the climate around them. Built spaces need views of the outside, direct and indirect sunlight, passive ventilation, and nudges to step outside. I am a big proponent of transitional spaces, allowing people to get more intimate with their surroundings and interact with neighbors.
relating to the human scale:
Our physical proportions, senses, and emotions are integral to how we interact with spaces, objects, and each other. I believe the forms we create and the materials we use can be designed to nurture and respond to the human body.
material honesty:
The materials we use have stories and origins. I believe it's more meaningful when designers choose to display and celebrate those narratives. It is very satisfying to see wood, masonry, metals used for both their structural strengths and their natural aesthetic qualities. I like finding ways to allow materials to remain visible in the end product as a tribute to their contribution.
assembly matters:
Joints, seams, and connections can be transformative if integrated into the design process. These details enrich the narratives of spaces when incorporated into aesthetics. Digital fabrication techniques offer us the opportunity to get really meticulous and precise with how we make parts. As a practicing fabricator and design-build proponent, I feel particularly attached to the assembly process of my projects and really enjoy getting my hands (literally) involved in how things fit together.
democratizing design:
I believe design thinking is not just for the wealthiest or the most powerful but has the ability to be an equalizing force in the world. I am inspired to contribute to projects that allow disadvantaged communities to rise by making design tech and ideas accessible. I imagine the future of architecture and fabrication is open-source and will empower many more people globally. This thought has motivated me to volunteer with Workaway as a pro-bono architect. It has also inspired me to learn more open-source design software like Blender & LuxCore.
PROJECT TYPES & TOOLKIT
