Reimagining the Urban – A Bird’s Eye Perspective

Author: Anushri Joshi
Site Location: Mumbai
Institute: Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute of Architecture
Advisor: Ar. George Jacob

description

Over the years, the concept of climate has developed broader connotations with global phenomena like climate change and crisis becoming topical issues of the Anthropocene. The idea of deriving comfort by designing a singular structure is becoming a myopic activity as it can no longer be viewed in isolation and is an entity that gets affected by and is a part of larger systems, forms and dependencies.
The idea of creating a comfortable space thus needs to negotiate larger thresholds while also stepping beyond the frame of the ‘human’.
The thesis chooses to focus on a dense urban swatch in Mumbai – the Dadar kabutarkhana area- as a template for demonstration of how the architectural form can start responding to the local and global climatic forces in conjunction with the economic, socio-cultural forces to sustain and forge relationships and create livable environments. The significance of biodiversity as a tool for climate resilience has been well-established and is thus, the main focus here. The building is imagined as a template for the neighbourhood that triggers morphing of the form of the city to respond to the topical issues broached by climate, thus enhancing overall livability and rendering the interpretation of the idea of ‘form follows climate’ extremely relevant for the current times.

drawings

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Hob – Box Hobby Cultivation Hub in Neighborhood

Author: Naman Shroff
Site Location: Kolkata
Institute: Amity School of Architecture and Planning
Advisor: Prof. Adityadip Chowdhury

description

In the Digital Age, where basic needs are easily met and alternative job opportunities are abundant, relying solely on work for fulfilment and contentment is insufficient. The accessibility of information and technology has led to a decline in the quality of life outside of work hours, indicating a neglect of mental well-being. Consequently, individuals seek escapism and mindless entertainment as a means of respite from work pressures. However, this does not indicate a lack of passion or interest, but rather a need for supportive urban infrastructure that encourages hobbies and passionate pursuits. Urban environments with high living costs pose challenges in allocating resources towards activities like arts, sports, or music.

This project addresses the lack of accessible and available neighbourhood infrastructures for pursuing personal interests and hobbies in Newtown Kolkata, a satellite city, that caters to diverse hobbies. It draws inspiration from the personal journeys of individuals who have faced constraints, such as limited space, while pursuing their diverse range of hobbies and passions. The area is dominated by multi-story apartment buildings and single-family houses. The sparse apartment carpet areas limit the users’ passionate pursuits and therefore becomes an inevitable challenge for them. The project seeks to uncover narratives and propose solutions embedded within the fabric of the neighbourhood to foster a supportive ecosystem for hobbies and enhance the overall well-being of its residents.

The proposal focuses on developing modular community hubs as inclusive and vibrant spaces that cater to a wide variety of interests. The project blends sustainable principles with prefabricated construction methodologies by utilizing modular design approach to provide flexible venues for creativity and self-expression. Strategic placement of these hubs encourages social interaction and knowledge exchange among residents with varied hobbies and interests.

drawings

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Chrysalis – The Start-Up Incubator

Author: Bharath S.
Site Location: Nandambakkam village, Tamil Nadu
Institute: Mohamed Sathak A.J. Academy of Architecture
Advisor: Ar. Pallavi Damodara

description

In the realm of entrepreneurship and innovation, Tamil Nadu has emerged as a thriving hub with a remarkable ecosystem of startup incubators. These incubators, spread throughout the state, nurture emerging entrepreneurs by offering vital resources, mentorship, and an enabling environment to realize their visions.

Tamil Nadu’s rich heritage and industrious ethos have driven a significant rise in entrepreneurship. Acknowledging startups’ crucial contribution to economic growth, government, academia, industry, and private sector have actively nurtured a broad incubator network, fostering innovation and guiding startups to triumph.

These incubators cultivate vibrant ecosystems that promote collaboration, mentorship, and knowledge sharing. Offering shared office spaces, advanced infrastructure, funding access, legal aid, and expert guidance, they empower startups to overcome initial hurdles, refine models, and acquire vital skills for thriving in competitive markets

This project’s goal is to establish a startup ecosystem in Nandambakkam village, aligned with the government’s Fintech city proposal. The campus aims to offer essential support and infrastructure, guiding SaaS enterprises from pre-seed to full operational status.

drawings

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Beyond Design – Community Centre for Designers

Author: Yukathasri C.
Site Location: Bengaluru
Institute: CMRU School of Architecture
Advisor: Prof. Muralidhar. K

description

The architectural thesis proposes the design of a community center for designers by repurposing one of the abandoned NGEF factory buildings (Bengaluru).
The community center would be a hub that fosters creativity, collaboration and professional development of designers. It is to be a space for designers to connect, share ideas, develop skills and network.
The research is based on the understanding that designers need a setting that offers the requirements needed for creative expression, learning and professional development. These requirements are analysed through the assessments of live and literature case studies.
The design proposed is a flexible and adaptable space that accommodates a variety of design activities for different design fields.
The community center offers coworking spaces with collaborative workspaces, makerspaces outfitted with specialized tools and equipment, a resource library with access to design materials and an exhibition space to showcase the work of the designers. The facility also has areas where the designers can relax, socialise or recharge.
‘Beyond design’ strives to encourage designers by catering to their needs and supporting the community.

drawings

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