Tag: Commercial space GM

Housing for the Urban Poor: A Landpooling Approach to Revitalize Vathuruthy Colony

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Author: Fathima P.V
Site Location: Willingdon Island, Kochi, Kerala
Institute: MES College of Architecture
Advisor: Ar. Vijaya Nhaloor

Description

‘Rooted in Reality, Responsive by Future’ is a design philosophy that begins by acknowledging the truths of an existing place, its people, building patterns, and lifestyle while shaping interventions that can adapt to future needs. It is about respecting the identity of a community while equipping it for resilience and growth.
In this rapidly urbanizing society, the chance of eviction for underprivileged settlement like Vathuruthy colony is high, often in the name of ‘development.’ This thesis challenges that approach, proposing an inclusive alternative for the Tamil migrant community on Willingdon Island. Established in the 1960s to support naval base construction, the colony has grown organically, developing strong social ties but also facing congestion, poor infrastructure, and flood vulnerability.
Through a land pooling strategy, the design reorganizes the fabric into cluster-based layouts that retain familiar spaces while introducing improved housing, shared public areas, and climate- resilient infrastructure. The approach ensures equitable access to resources, prevents displacement, and strengthens community identity, transforming Vathuruthy in a way that evolves from its past while preparing it for the future.

Drawings

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Beyond the Box: Apdapting IKEA’s Design Language to Gurugram’s Cultural Heritage

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Author: Nazni Yoonus V
Site Location: Gurugram, Haryana
Institute: DG College of Architecture
Advisor: Indu Sreenivasan

Description

Beyond the Box: Adapting IKEA’s Design Language to Gurugram’s Cultural Heritage explores how a global retail giant can evolve to reflect local identity. IKEA, the world’s largest furniture retailer, is known for its standardized, functional, and cost-effective store design. While this model ensures brand consistency, it often leads to placeless architecture. Gurugram—a rapidly urbanizing, planned city dominated by high-rises and modern glass facades—presents an opportunity to question this approach and reintroduce cultural depth into retail architecture.

In recent years, IKEA itself has begun to move away from the “one-size-fits-all” model. IKEA Vienna, completed in 2022, is a prime example, designed as a compact, urban-friendly store with terraces and green facades—demonstrating how the brand is evolving to respond to its context Inspired by this evolution, the project proposes an IKEA for Sector 47, Gurugram, on a 9-acre site with a built-up area of 45,651 m². The design integrates Mughal architectural principles—arches, symmetry, domes, and courtyard-like pause areas—enhancing cultural resonance and enriching user experience.

The design addresses common challenges in IKEA stores—long circulation paths, wayfinding issues, and limited cultural connection—by introducing clear navigation, pause zones, and social spaces. The outcome envisions an IKEA that is not just a retail destination but also a cultural landmark: one that balances efficiency with rootedness, global identity with local heritage, and commerce with community.

Drawings

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Kasimedu Karai: A Harbour Front Interface for Coastal Life and Cultural Confluence

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Author: Niveditha G
Site Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Institute: MEASI Academy of Architecture
Advisor: Ar. Reshma Banu

Description

Kasimedu, one of Chennai’s largest fishing harbours, is a vital economic and cultural hub for Tamil Nadu. Yet, its condition does not reflect its significance. Informal market activity spills into public spaces, causing congestion and unhygienic conditions. Community and recreational infrastructure is limited, and a social gap exists between local fishermen and visitors, with few opportunities for meaningful interaction or understanding of the community’s way of life.

The project reimagines the harbour as a Harbourfront Interface, promoting equitable access, cultural exchange and community participation. Zoning addresses all stakeholders, with a dedicated harbour zone near the coast left undisturbed for fishing activities, while markets and recreational areas are strategically planned to minimize fish odor. Recreational and cultural spaces allow visitors to experience local traditions, while bird nesting and watching areas provide habitats for migratory and local birds, integrating ecological sensitivity. A waste management system converts organic waste into plankton and fertilizer. Flea markets and handicraft spaces encourage sustainable local entrepreneurship.

By addressing spatial, social, and ecological inequities, the project bridges the gap between fishermen and the public, creating a resilient, inclusive waterfront that preserves heritage, sustains livelihoods, nurtures cultural exchange, and supports biodiversity.

Drawings

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Beyond Transactions: Reimagining Dadar Phool Market as an Olfactory Marker

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Author: Tulsi Jilla
Site Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Institute: CTES College of Architecture
Advisor: Tanvee Joshi

Description

This thesis symbolizes the idea of taking the temporary essence of flowers (their beauty, fragrance, and rituals) and embedding them into a lasting identity through architectural interventions—reimaging Dadar Phoolmarket as a permanent symbol of culture, community, commerce, and sustainability.
It envisions the market as an ecosystem—where flower trading, environmental sustainability, and cultural exchange coexist—bringing together culture, commerce, and community in a seamless flow. Olfactory design plays a key role by enhancing the user experience through curated as smellscape within the market space, transforming the movement to the market. Waste management will evolve beyond mere disposal into flower recycling industries, producing commodities, fostering new economic activities within the market’s framework.
This thesis also proposes streetscape interventions to unify the market and its surroundings, creating a pedestrian-friendly public space that addresses congestion and enhances community interaction. By leveraging the market’s cultural roots and transforming it into a self-sustaining hub, the project aims to give Dadar a distinct identity, redefining the role of markets in urban environments. This reimagined space aims for the Phoolmarket to stand as a model of sustainable urban transformation, blending tradition with modern urban sensibilities and offering a solution to the challenges faced by public markets today.

Drawings

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The Post-Modern Acropolis

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Author: Syed Affan
Site Location: Hyderabad
Institute: BMS School of Architecture
Advisor: Ar. Anjan Kumar

Description

The Post-Modern Acropolis proposes a two-strata city that relinquishes the ground to vehicular movement and the podium to people. At grade, vehicles run in a de-conflicted network of roundabouts, lay-bys, and separated lanes, improving flow with fewer stops while keeping service, emergency, and deliveries efficient. Above, a continuous, car-free podium becomes the neighborhood’s living room—step-free, universally accessible, and richly programmed with markets, schools, play courts, gardens, and civic spaces stitched by open terracing and active frontages.
“Mandi” terraces anchor local livelihoods, giving micro-retail and fresh-produce trading a dignified space that is visible, safe, and walkably close to homes. The topography enables direct emergency access to the podium without long ramps, while discrete cores handle waste, loading, and back-of-house services without crossing pedestrian desire lines.
Climate comfort is designed in: tree canopies, high-albedo paving, and bio-receptive moss concrete temper heat, absorb noise, and clean the air; terrace gardens and permeable soils manage stormwater. The result is an urban equity uplift—more public space, safer streets, and everyday amenities within a 10-minute walk—delivered alongside smoother, more predictable traffic below.

Drawings

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Vytilla Mixed-use Development, Kochi, Kerala

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Author: Evana Sajan Pallivathukkal
Site Location: Kochi, Kerala
Institute: SPA – Delhi
Advisor: Prof. Dr. Jyoti Pandey Sharma, Ar. Raman Vig

description

Kochi is on the cusp of embracing its regional culture and infrastructure development,
requiring an architectural intervention that reflects the city’s spirit. The city aims to create
ultra-connected work environments and City Hubs, providing a convenient and efficient
lifestyle for young citizens. The project aims to create a “buzzy,” ultra-connected public
realm with service apartments, offices, retail, and entertainment integrated with a bus
terminal, metro station, and water metro channels.
Kerala and Kochi have a unique regional identity that is celebrated globally. Kerala has a
unique model of development characterized by high sustainability values, human
development achievements and social equality, making it a model to be emulated. The
architecture community in Kerala, evident in large projects like the CIAL, is an inspiration
for moving forward.
The “Gateway of Kerala” project uses towers to create a frame with functions through a
podium and skywalks connecting parallel towers. The architectural language and
technological armature are crucial to raise the narrative, transforming site constraints like
trees, riverfront, and iconic bus terminal into drivers for the vision. Although the project
has a commercial aspect, it still maintains democratic values due to its institutional
structure and untouched natural resources.
“ The Urban Hub in Vytilla is an ode to Kochi itself, which is a city in the cup of being the
next metropolitan city while strongly rooted in its natural and cultural roots, intended in
this project by marrying the idea of future in terms of its pragmatic needs – a mixed use
program and sensitizing it with the strong visual identity reinventing the globally
celebrated culture and architectural language of the region of Kochi. ’’

drawings

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E -Waste Park

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Author: Jitish Jain
Site Location: Delhi
Institute: College of Architecture – SVIT
Advisor: Prof. Sailesh Nair

description

E-waste poses a significant environmental challenge due to its non-biodegradable, toxic nature and widespread presence in ecosystems, impacting soil, air, water, and organisms. Electronic products also contribute to climate change. Manufacturing devices results in a carbon footprint, highlighting the need for eco-friendly processes and sustainable product lifecycles.
E-waste management involves proper disposal and handling of discarded electronics like phones, computers, and TVs. This includes collection, transportation, recycling, refurbishment, and environmentally conscious disposal.
In Delhi, adopting sustainable e-waste management yields advantages, such as enhancing the microclimate, reducing pollution, mitigating soil degradation, and potentially raising Yamuna River’s water level, affected by improper disposal. This approach benefits broader ecosystems and marine life. It emphasizes the intricate link between human activities, the environment, and species welfare.
The architectural intervention addresses e-waste management while providing experiential learning within a sustainable framework for local betterment. This multifaceted approach requires thoughtful design.
Architecturally, the intervention integrates e-waste collection, sorting, and recycling into urban spaces, serving as educational hubs. Interactive displays, workshops, and exhibitions offer insights into e-waste impacts and sustainability. This intervention blends functionality and sustainability by managing e-waste and offering educational and communal spaces, fostering awareness, participation, and positive local impact.

drawings

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Revitalization of Krishi Mandi and Empowering the Youth of Community at Bikaner (Rajasthan)

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Author: Dinesh Jailwal
Site Location: Bikaner, Rajasthan
Institute: Thakur School of Architecture & Planning
Advisor: Ar. Durgesh S.

description

India is the country of villages. Since ancient times agriculture was the major occupation in India. India is a country with agriculture as the major occupation. More than half the population of India is engaged in primary activities like agriculture. Farmer’s visit mandi to sell their surplus goods produced. Under the Apmc act, the states can establish agricultural markets, popularly known as mandis.
The project aims to revitalize the existing krishi mandi, to create a practical and better spatial experience for the farmer and allied users. Along with modern mandi to create an educational hub which becomes an experience and knowledge sharing space for the experts and farmer’s community.
Revitalized Mandi consists of Modern warehouse for storage of goods and allied activities. Trader’s Office for the Buying and selling of goods and, In the world moving toward Globalization & Tertiary sector the agriculture sector seems to be in endanger due to its extinction number in workers. Training centre for the Empowerment of the Youth of the next generations.

drawings

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Reimagining the Urban – A Bird’s Eye Perspective

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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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Passive Design Techniques in Office Bldg. for Warm & Humid Climate

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Author: Arun Kumar
Site Location: Mumbai
Institute: KLS Gogte Institute of Technology
Advisor: Prof. Amit Prasadi

description

The impact of climate change upon our lives and livelihood are mainly due to the activities in buildings polluting the atmosphere and higher usage of non-renewable resources to fuel our growth and development. Passive design emerges as one of today’s most meaningful ideas in architecture and planning. It is based on understanding that our resources are limited and their careless usage may lead to human and environmental crisis.
Consumption of non-renewable energy resources for heating, cooling and lighting of buildings, accounting for about 45% of total global energy consumption, also a major contributing factor to global environmental pollution and global warming. It is true that the majority of this consumption today is in the developed world, but tomorrow it will apply to the presently developing world.
What is Passive Design? Passive design counters to the local climate and site conditions in order to maximise the comfort and health of building users while minimising energy usage. The vital element in designing a passive building is to take the best advantage of the local climate.
Need for Passive Design: Incorporation of passive techniques in a building design helps to minimize load on conventional systems such as heating, cooling, ventilation & light which in turn helps in improving the efficiency in energy consumption in the building. Passive strategies provide thermal and visual comfort by using natural energy sources.

drawings

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IGBC Regional Office and Training Centre Pune

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Author: Manasi Mangesh Shirke
Site Location: Pune
Institute: Dr. B.N. College of Architecture
Advisor: Prof. Prajakta Kulkarni

description

“Powering a Greener Tomorrow”. Currently buildings are consuming around 40% of energy and India has committed that India will be having carbon neutrality by 2070 and it will be in all building sectors buildings play a very important role as they consume more amount of energy and that is why green buildings are going to contribute a lot in 2070 goal. We have various types of green building rating systems such as IGBC, LEED, GRIHA etc.
The IGBC provides guidelines and criteria for the design, construction and operation of green buildings in India. IGBC is one of the leading green building energy certification. IGBC has their headquarters in Hyderabad and they are having lots of projects in south, north and central India.
According to research, maximum green buildings are in Mumbai and Pune. Pune is one of the pioneers in IGBC rating system and that is why it is proposed to have a regional office and training Centre in Pune and as it is green certifying agency, it has to show greenness through its design.

drawings

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Chrysalis – The Start-Up Incubator

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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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The Way of Water: An Extension to Support the Water-based Settlements

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Author: Neha Phadtare
Site Location: Pulicat Lake, Andhra Pradesh
Institute: V.I.T.’s Padmabhushan Dr. Vasantdada Patil College of Architecture
Advisor: Ar. Niranjan Garde

description

Rising sea levels and rain induced floods, place low-lying areas and wetlands on the frontline of change. Viewing floods as perpetual events may alter our perspective, urging us to move beyond temporary solutions.
Pulicat Lake, India’s second-largest brackish water lagoon, graces the Tamil Nadu-Andhra Pradesh borders, embraced by 52 villages. From tsunamis to rain-induced floods, Pulicat and its community have weathered it all. Population rises due to the lake’s abundant biodiversity. Silting of the barmouth disrupts water exchange, decreasing salinity levels and impacting thriving biodiversity. Conversely, eroding sandbars create multiple openings, elevating salinity and affecting the ecosystem once more. In this whole process the lake depth decreases, affecting the community to movement.
This project has eco-friendly, renewable-energy-powered structures, minimizing our footprint while nurturing the community’s needs sustainably. On the policy level the community will receive incentives to keep barmouth intact. Incentives for researchers and scientists to work with the community forging a new path forward. Zero waste tolerance policy, livelihood opportunities with seaweed farming, vertical farming, ecotourism and the community as a pitstop for fishermen going in the sea for fishing.

drawings

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Affordable Housing – Reviving the Life of Lucknow through Inclusive Approach, a Response to Humanity

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Author: Arti Yadav
Site Location: Lucknow
Institute: Faculty of Architecture – Integral University Lucknow
Advisor: Prof. Zeba Nisar

description

The design aims to create an integrated society with different nature of buildings within self-sustaining society to fulfil the basic necessities of people of economic weaker section, the design not only focuses on housing but it creates opportunity for the people of society to enhance their living standards by developing their skills and establish a good future for them and their coming generations. The proposed site is situated near Medanta Hospital, adjacent to Shahid Path, in Lucknow by (PMAY). The project’s central concept revolves around biophilic design, incorporating green vertical walls and graded terraces atop the buildings to enhance thermal comfort. Alternative green terrace gradings within the housing blocks further facilitate proper ventilation and comfort. Design interventions that harmonize with the surrounding context and cater to the specific needs of the community.
Sustainable Architecture also plays a major role in Incorporating eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient systems, and green technologies to minimize the environmental impact. The thesis underscores that innovative architectural designs and sustainable practices can collectively elevate the quality of affordable housing, contributing to an improved overall living experience.

drawings

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Zaffron Park

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Author: Annam Ishrat
Site Location: Pampore, Jammu and Kashmir
Institute: School of Architecture and Design – LPU
Advisor: Prof. Chetan Sachdeva

description

The Zaffron Park, an ambitious architectural thesis project located in Pampore, Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir, draws its name “Zaffron” from the Urdu term for “Saffron.” It envisions a transformative approach to saffron cultivation using vertical and hydroponic farming techniques, aiming to revitalize the industry. This innovative complex will include a research center, interpretation center, recreational area, and residential facilities, fostering agricultural advancement, sustainable architecture, and tourism. Traditionally, saffron farming in Kashmir has followed conventional methods, but low yields during harvest have prompted interest in newer techniques like vertical farming and hydroponics. The proposed Zaffron Park, spanning 45.7 acres on government crop land, targets increased saffron yield through modern practices. Located in Pampore, renowned for its saffron quality, the site is well-connected by NH1 Highway to Pampore Railway Station (4KM) and Pampore Bus Stand (2.4KM). While the Jammu and Kashmir government is working to enhance saffron production, the innovative approach of vertical and hydroponic farming has yet to be formally considered. The Zaffron Park, with its multifunctional vision, aspires to empower local communities and contribute to the growth of saffron cultivation, making strides towards a more sustainable and productive future.

drawings

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Sculpting the sky: Investigating the Expressive Form & Spatial Narratives of Mumbai’s Supertall Buildings

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Author: Joseph Benny
Site Location: Mumbai
Institute: Wadiyar centre for Architecture
Advisor: Prof. Manoj Ladhad

description

The thesis explores the architectural significance and socio-cultural impact of an iconic free-flowing tower in Mumbai, India. The tower stands as a testament to the city’s evolving skyline and represents a bold departure from conventional design norms. With its distinctive curvilinear form, the tower captivates attention and raises questions about the relationship between architectural expression, functionality, and urban identity. Through a multidisciplinary approach, this research delves into the design principles, structural innovations, and spatial experiences associated with the free-flowing tower. It investigates the conceptualization and execution of the tower’s organic form, exploring the factors that influenced its creation and the challenges encountered during its realization.

Furthermore, the thesis analyzes the tower’s functional integration and programmatic versatility. It examines how the unconventional form of the tower has facilitated the creation of dynamic spaces that adapt to various uses, such as residential, commercial, and cultural. The study also investigates the tower’s impact on the surrounding urban fabric and its ability to foster social interactions, enhance livability, and contribute to the city’s identity as a global metropolis.

drawings

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Nav Utran Mandi

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Author: Anaushka Goyal
Site Location: Mumbai
Institute: Sir J.J. College of Architecture
Advisor: Parul Kumtha

description

Nav-Utran Mandi is a new form of experiential market that focuses on habitualising cloth barter among various economic groups through removing the Shame Aspect from the mind of the user. Here, each user is a buyer and seller. The design involves grades of markets with common cloth Sorting and Collection Centre along with Public Spaces used as attractors to attract people. The design aims to –

  1. Awaken–
    Make people aware about Post Consumer Textile Waste and create circularity in cloth use through normalizing cloth exchange, reuse and upcycling of cloth.
  2. Change Mindsets–
    Remove negative judgement and bias against Preloved clothing and make it accessible and available to all economic classes.
  3. Create new habits–
    Weave clothing circularity in the lives of people up to a level of normalcy.

Recycling first sheds clothing into a lump of threads. They are messy, intermingled and impossible to segregate. However, in this most basic form they indicate the fabric of fabric in our lives. The form is a simple interpretation of these threads. It symbolizes a series of intertwined threads erupting and subsiding in the fabric of the city. 

drawings

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The Urban Retreat : A Comprehensive Refuge for varied Psycographs

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Author: Ruchira Rathod
Site Location: Mumbai
Institute: Rachna Sansad’s Academy of Architecture (AOA)
Advisor: Swati Chokshi

description

Cities have become our new homes for the majority of us. Previously, due to migrations, there was a concept of ‘hometown.’ This loss of ‘hometown’ has lost fewer of us who live in the city a much-needed respite. A getaway that allows us to unwind and break free from our daily routines.
Nowadays, taking a “break” is associated with using social media rather than participating in group activities. When it comes to defining the term “break,” biases in components like gender, age, and space were seen. Definitions are strongly impacted by the respondent’s age group. The purpose of this study is to determine the definition of a break for various age groups living in the city. And how can a location give a refuge that caters to the concept of a ’retreat’? Finding a place within the city limits where users may recharge themselves.
The chosen site is located in Mumbai, at Mulund Octroi Naka which has a strong contextual demand. The concept was derived from site prompts, with safety being the primary concern that needed to be addressed. Porosity was implemented through a scattering of built masses, greens, hubs, and organic waterbodies. the elements of porosity were introduced as a module of built function.

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