CARA RANGASWAMYD E S I G N P O R T F O L I O

230 East Hubler Road, State College, PA 16801 814.206.4177 cara8210@gmail.com

COMMUNITY CENTERNORRIS SQUARE, PHILADELPHIA, PA

This design creates a beacon for the Norris Square community through overlapping volumes surrounding a multipurpose space. These volumes are placed strategically such that they overlap the multipurpose space to provide continuous connections through the building. Layers of polycarbonate, transparent windows, and transluscent walls create a dynamic facade that lets light in and changes as the sun moves throughout the day.

FIRE STATIONBELLEFONTE, PA

This fire station functions as a symbol for the town of Bellefonte. CMU creates solid main structures for private and public uses, and an airy, glass and steel tower in between them showcases the hose-drying mechanism. The public entrance is located under this hose-drying tower, creating a unique view when the visitor looks straight up the tower and sees the hoses hanging down above them.

This project transforms an existing retail store and alleyway into a world café and outdoor garden. A combination of textured materials and inviting color draw people through the space. The design integrates ramped areas with flat reading areas, making the café accessible to all visitors. The incorporation of a custommedia rack makes the reading areas inviting and interesting.

WORLD CAFÉSTATE COLLEGE, PA

TOMB FOR POE This is a gothic tomb designed for Edgar Allan Poe. It explores the idea of decay, a common theme in Poe’s work. The tomb is made of white limestone with a slate roof.

DESIGN-BUILD This pavilion was designed and built by thirteen architecture students using all recycled materials. Columns are made of plastic bottles and the roof is made of pallets with plastic containers as shingles.