Author: Raghav Krishnappa Ramesh
Site Location: Bangalore
Institute: School of Planning and Architecture (SPA Delhi), New Delhi
Advisor: Prof Tanuja BK, Prof Vikas Kanojia

description

The design seeks an inquiry into the idea of production of space and nature while exploring the theory of “Uneven development” in the city of Bangalore. In theory, rapid urbanisation and road networking alter the dynamics of the ecosystem, and the negative impacts are felt by the urban poor and the larger ecological gestalt. This mode of development does little to help a large number of blue-collar/informal labourers who depend on local means of production. What began as an antithesis to the idea of “uneven development” transitioned into understanding the value of a “geographical void”. Can these voids be revitalized to serve as a more significant catalyst to stitch the broken urban fabric of the city? To revitalize the depleting lakes of the city, the first step lies in addressing the issue at the source: the stormwater drains. A major part of the design seeks to revitalize the adjoining stormwater drain by proposing a number of recycling workshops and organic urban farms. The Center for knowledge and Excellence is designed as an Integrated Public Amenity, one which provides equal learning opportunities for varied user groups. The Public library component of the design is placed in correlation with the neighbouring school premises to increase the targeted footfall. Other community-based functions like seminar halls and Open source classrooms are placed toward the community park to encourage users from the neighbourhood to use the centre. The design makes use of contemporary and local materials like exposed concrete, brick cladding and chappadi stone. Given the modest climate of Bangalore, the centre makes use of open courtyards to create smaller microclimates which helps cool the building naturally. Overall, the design seeks to create a solution which can give back to the city as much as it claims as its birthright. The thesis aims at uncovering an alternative approach to the theory of the production of space and nature while reinventing the conventional idea of an Urban Hub.

drawings

supporting video

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