Bio:

 The great designer, Ishita Gaur is interested in the impact of good design on social, economic and cultural conditions of cities and places. She is part of the Junior Board for the non-profit Asia Initiatives, which promotes women’s empowerment through urban design. Gaur is the recipient of the Urban Design Forum’s Forefront Fellowship for 2018, with a focus on homelessness in NYC, and a Beverley Willis Foundation Emerging Class of 2019.

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How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?

Growing up in India amid layers of historic and cultural architecture piqued my interest int he impact of good design. It was during a visit to the oldest part of Delhi for my undergrad thesis that I noticed the difference between chaos and order.

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What do you do?

I am an Architectural and Urban Designer at Marvel Architects, working on masterplans, concept development and schematic design, urban redevelopment and planning, as well as site analysis and research.

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What excites you in the work you do?

Most projects I work on involve a robust outreach program which enables advocacy in design. Involving the community in the design process through an equitable, inclusive and transparent engagement process is most exciting to me.

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Who or what inspires you professionally?

Surrounding myself with smart, talented and diverse group of individuals who share the same values to further equity and diversity throughout the design professions.

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What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?

Developing expertise in helping the homeless population in NYC, through a combination of my work at marvel focused on Homeless Shelter Design, the Urban Design Forum Fellowship, and working with the City to develop Guidelines for best practices.

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Featured Project Name: 

Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Gardens Visioning Plan

 

Featured Project Location: 

Staten Island, New York

 

Featured Project Completion Date: 

2019

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Role in Featured Project: 

Project Manager and Urban Designer

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Featured Project Description:

Snug Harbor is an 83 Acre site in Staten Island, home to several institutions and artists. In order
to ensure a bright and sustainable future for it, we must be stewards of this prominent city-owned property; maintain longterm accessibility and affordability of the arts, culture, and outdoor space; and benefit the community at large. The Vision Plan included recommendations prioritized around upgrading buildings and infrastructure, improving visitor experience, and expanding earned income.

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Photography Credit:

NovaConcepts

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