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

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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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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Rejuvenation of Dakshinpat Satra, Majuli Assam

Author: Bibhuti Bikash Bora
Site Location: Majuli, Assam
Institute: Acharya’s NRV School of Architecture
Advisor: Ar. Gracy H. David

description

Dakshinpat Satra, located in the state of Assam in India, is a significant cultural and religious site. It is one of the most visited places in Assam, attracting a large number of tourists every year. However, despite its cultural importance and the increasing number of visitors, the satra lacks proper accommodation for tourists and advanced educational facilities for students of majuli . Moreover, there is a need for exhibition and workshop spaces to showcase the rich art and craft of the region. This thesis aims to propose a design solution for the development of Dakshinpat Satra by adding accommodation for tourists, school facilities, and exhibition and workshop spaces.
So the main aims is to enhance the cultural heritage of the region by providing proper accommodation facilities for tourists, school facilities for students, and exhibition and workshop spaces for artists and craftsmen. promoting local craftsmanship and reducing the carbon footprint. Also it will provide a unique experience for tourists, enhance the knowledge of students, and provide a platform for artists and craftsmen to display their work.

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Memorial Complex for Victims of Bhopal Gas Tragedy, At Bhopal Smaran Sthal

Author: Suraj Satish Wani
Site Location: Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
Institute: PDEA COA – Akurdi
Advisor: Ar. Nishant Gawande

description

The Bhopal Gas Tragedy Memorial Complex is a sustainable project that pays tribute to the victims of a devastating industrial disaster while prioritizing environmental, social, and economic sustainability. The complex incorporates sustainable design elements and practices to minimize its environmental impact and ensure long-term viability.

Energy efficiency is prioritized through natural ventilation and lighting in the admin block, reducing energy consumption and enhancing visitor comfort. The use of durable materials like exposed brick and concrete minimizes maintenance needs and resource-intensive renovations.

Water conservation measures, including rainwater harvesting systems, are implemented to reduce reliance on external water sources. Social sustainability is promoted through facilities like knowledge and skill development centres, fostering community empowerment and economic growth.

The project’s economic sustainability is achieved through responsible design and operation, reducing maintenance costs and supporting the local economy through a food court for local vendors.

The complex serves as a solemn memorial while exemplifying sustainable practices, inspiring future developments and responsible resource management. It stands as a testament to the fusion of remembrance and sustainable principles, creating a lasting impact on the affected community and the environment.

drawings

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INNOVATIONINTRADITION-Rural Livelihood Creation in Handicraft Sector of Thar

Author: Darshan Sukhadiya
Site Location: Thar, Rajasthan
Institute: Institute of Design, Planning & Technology (IDPT)-SCET
Advisor: Prof. Saloni Shah

description

Craft has a profound impact on society by shaping cultural values, stimulating economic growth, fostering creativity, promoting social harmony, and introducing community identity.

As time changes, the appreciation and preservation of traditional crafts hold a special significance. As contemporary society seeks to reconnect with its cultural roots while embracing modernity, redefining the importance of traditional crafts became a captivating endeavour. It involves the delicate balance of honouring timeless techniques, cultural heritage, and artistic expression while infusing these crafts with a fresh and relevant appeal that resonates with the tastes and sensibilities of today.

Traditional crafts are not relics of the past, they are living traditions with rich stories and craftsmanship. Thus, this project reimagines their value for contemporary society. It attempts to bridge the gap between the past and the present, uniting generations and cultures under the banner of creativity and innovation.

The project examines native handicraft groups and the role of craft in their day-to-day life. It critiques the nature of the existing craft networks and their interdependency and attempts to rethink rural infrastructure by looking at planning methods, using conventional beliefs that can provide a socio-ecological manner of creating an environment – Using the local knowledge to make architecture as a catalyst for managing traditional knowledge within the present.

It invites craftsmen to explore the boundless possibilities of blending old and new.

This proposal understands the existing complexities and challenges and works towards an integrated solution. By looking at the craft community as a reflection of a combination of events, activities, and thought objects, this project aims to celebrate the craft by amalgamating innovation with tradition.

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Attapadi Community Development Center

Author: Jerin J Panakkel
Site Location: Attapadi, Kerala
Institute: College of Architecture Trivandrum (CAT)
Advisor: Prof. Niby Thomas Varghese

description

At the time of the formation of Kerala State, Attappady was a healthy rich land. Then ninety percent of the population was Adivasis. Their self-sufficient subsistence economy, life support natural systems, as well as ecologically harmonious lifestyle, were destroyed in a very short time. Their cultural, as well as unique agricultural foundations, were destroyed and devalued. The tribal community itself has been undergoing drastic changes. The best way to resolve this issue is to create change in the community for all three generations at the same time. Pratheeksha Bhavan is trying to address the issue that the community faces in a 3 steeped manner consisting of all the 3 generations of people who are part of the community. The project tries to solve this issue in the community under the St Thomas ashram at Attapadi. The project consists of a kindergarten, High school, vocational training institute with bamboo training workshops, community center with a medical dispensary for tribal medicine and preparation. Education stands as the best way to address their issues, the right kind of education is needed to understand their cultural importance and also to understand, and experience modernity.

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Toy museum and Lego world

Author: Juzer Ali Johar Ali
Site Location: Gandhinagar, Gujarat
Institute: Bharati Vidyapeeth College of Architecture, Pune
Advisor: Prof. Mukta Latkar Talwalkar

description

In modern times children are getting into mobile and iPad more, whereas to create space for kids to play and explore without gadgets. A place where kids and adults are engaged in activities, & play some games. Young children do not get enough opportunities to explore without interference or interruption. We need to correct that unfortunate trend, giving them space and materials to let their instincts as learners take over as they physically explore their world. It’s what they do naturally and unfortunately what is being inhibited with increasing frequency.


The museum aims to be a place to collect and present old and new toys in some creative and contemporary ways but still keep the unique traditional toys.


Moreover, this project is also designed to be the place where kids enjoy modern toys and the parents enjoy toys from their era and simultaneously to provide interactive areas for children as well as parents.


The purpose of Toy Museum is to present the design which helps create imagine and let the visitors relaxed. Additionally, the project also seeks to bring people together to talk and share ideas by showcasing a number of toys from different eras ranging from past to present. It is a city level museum, considering footfall of 500-600 people. Finally, the museum also predicts the future of toy industry.

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Reimagining the Foreshore Estate as a Social Infrastructure

Author: Vaishnavie Ravi
Site Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Institute: MEASI Academy of Architecture, Chennai
Advisor: Ar. A. D. Devaanand

description

WATER AND LAND EDGE, is a dialogue between oppositional environs, or simply the feeling of being against a great precipice constantly in motion, that brings a magical attraction to waterfronts.
The fishing Communities across India are fighting to protect lands as SEA LEVEL RISES, and the risk of future developments by the government at the coast, putting the fishermen’s livelihood at stake. The Marine ecosystems are compromised for the sake of land expansion.


The site, Foreshore estate is a neighborhood in Chennai, India. It is situated along the southern stretch of Marina Beach. It is located by the Bay of Bengal on one side and the Adyar Creek on the other.
The government is anticipating the estate to be a tourist attraction essentially becoming an economic source but this is often at the expense of the fishermen ls community.


Development and Progress can’t be traded-off at the expense of the authentic settlements of the place.
This thesis is mainstreamed on the redevelopment and the revamping of coastlines without revoking their communities. An idea of bridging that might sustain the locals and also heave in visitors who want to explore the city’s rich heritage. It also engages in the social, economic, and infrastructural compositions to ultimately bridge the gaps in the social context.


The intention of the Social infrastructure is to create a community gaining set out, rather than just being an economic source. This forum will work as a point of convergence for a vast spectrum of people and at the same time fortify the existing coastal domains. A prototype landscape which enriches the visitor experience , forging stewards of the resilient ecological systems where land meets water.

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Abhudaya Centre “Socio-cultural Hub” in Abhaneri “Heritage Village”

Author: Shivam Singh
Site Location: Dausa, Rajasthan
Institute: Chandigarh College of Architecture
Advisor: Prof. Sujay Sengupta

description

A nation’s cultural heritage and natural history are precious and unique. The value of cultural heritage isn’t in cultural manifestation itself. But in the wealth of experience and skills passed down from generation to generation. Abhaneri village near Jaipur has a great diversity of craftsmanship and broad culture which is disappearing as the country is heading towards development. The purpose is to provide a platform for the people to show their skills and spread their knowledge of culture and craftsmanship. A museum that will preserve the remains of Harshad Mata temple which is presently kept inside Chand Baori and other historical elements that represent the people and their culture. Rejuvenation of water level in Abhaneri village by our site.

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The Climate Museum – Experiencing the Emotions of Planet Earth

Author: Pritesh Jain
Site Location: Aurangabad, Maharashtra
Institute: Marathwada Insitute of Technology (MIT)
Advisor: Ar. Pranita Pranjale

description

“Architectural Design should permute climate salvation to human solidarity”


Climate disruption is an emergency and collective accountability, that must be responded to accordingly. A solution to climate change requires long-term planning.


Climate Museum is proposed for the relevant, dynamic experience of climate variability and the earth’s emotions. Design mitigates climate change as adaptive and retrofits the existing topography. The inner character of the building; to see, observe and experience the global change is reflected in its outer appearance.


The proposed design is hatched beyond aesthetic elements of sophisticated complexity, design stands out for experiencing spaces and what climate change offers us in an intangible way. Museum is designed in consideration with the climate context of Pune city. Five galleries are tendered to portray major effects of climate change. Nature’s Womb illustrates the importance of trees. Tunnel Of Pollution escapades the industrial revolution and its adverse effects. The Green Water set forth emotions of an unbalanced aqua ecosystem. The Desert delineates desertification and exhibits its sequel, land without soul. Melting Hall exhibits glacier melting due to global warming.


The aim of Museum is to array seriousness of climate change and its effects, from awareness of the present to the future.

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Belaku – The Hampi Interpretation Center

Author: Harshit V Shastry
Site Location: Hampi, Karnataka
Institute: SJB School of Architecture & Planning, Bengaluru
Advisor: Ar. Sachin Shetty

description

The Genesis of an idea took place at the UNESCO World Heritage Site at the historic town of Hampi, Karnataka,India. The Ancient Capital of the Vijayanagara Empire that Hampi once was was renowned for its finesse and intricacy in multiple facets of engineering and design, in terms of Town Planning, Architectural Detailing and Sculpting. In recent times, the heritage structures within the historic site have been prone to desecration both by Natural and Manmade means. Thus, the Government of Karnataka and the Archaeological Survey of India under the guidance of UNESCO have come up with a proposal for an Interpretation Centre that can increase awareness and knowledge amongst people and prevent further desecration of heritage property.

From an Architectural point of view, Hampi provides abundant knowledge with respect to Cultural Nodes , Landmarks and the Series of Spatial Transitions between them, the Interplay between light, shadow and structure and how the combination of these features gives rise to a New Typology of Space making and an Ambience that deeply affects the psyche of the Viewer. The proposal for the Interpretation Centre positively opens up multiple possibilities to further explore these features and interpret them in a Modern Architectural Dialect.

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‘Assam Art & Craft Village’, Guwahati

Author: Ankita Sen Deka Choudhury
Site Location: Guwahati, Assam
Institute: Manipal School of Architecture & Planning
Advisor: Dr. Vishal Chettry

description

Shilpanilaya, the Assam Art and Craft Village is a centre for the promotion of the indigenous arts and crafts of the state of Assam. The aim was to design training, exhibition, retail and recreational spaces that reflect the heritage and culture of the state while being responsive to the local climatic conditions. The chosen site is located in the suburbs of the city of Guwahati in close proximity to the national highway that allows easy access for artisans travelling from the various parts of the state. Seven major local crafts, viz. pottery, bell metal, wood carving, handloom, mask masking, jewellery, and cane & bamboo. The planning is inspired from the local settlement patterns while the forms and proportions are derived from the local architecture of the region. Further, spaces have been designed as a mix of enclosed and open areas as per the requirements of the various crafts considering the lighting and shading requirements.

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Public Library Complex & Digital Hub, Rohini, New Delhi

Author: Shivam Rawat
Site Location: Delhi
Institute: University School of Planning and Architecture, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (USAP)
Advisor: Dr. Neeraja Lugani Sethi

description

In today’s time with the emergence of the Internet and digitalization of the books and information, this has enormously influenced the manner in which we consume information. With the developments of new methods and types of media, the traditional role of a public library is to question. The significance of the physical collection within a certain environment versus a quick Internet search at any given point of time within any environment, questions the sustainability of a public library and the resources it offers.

This project proposes a new typology for a public space – re-imagining the existing image of Public Libraries in the social realm and mixing it with collaborative co working spaces help to develop active and lively spaces in the community making it a 24×7 lively space.

The infinite loop gives a seamless experience to the user by interconnection of varied spaces, blurring the difference between the exterior and interior surroundings.
The design is developed on the basis of the Activity Analysis Mapping which was conducted on the site and ensuring that the most interesting and dominant footfall section of the Site catches onto the most interesting functions and views and increase the utilization of this project.

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The Urban Retreat : A Comprehensive Refuge for varied Psycographs

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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Walkway of Experience (Interpretation Center), Hampi, Karnataka

Author: P V Ramyasree Putangunta
Site Location: Hampi, Karnataka
Institute: CMR University School of Architecture
Advisor: Ass. Prof. Minu Zacharia

description

Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage site and its ruins are spread across 4100 hectares across the region. The project intervention area is situated at the edge of Kamalapur village almost at the entry to the Hampi heritage zone and hence intends to act as gateway catering to both the visitors and locals alike. The project attempts to celebrate the identity of the place, which includes topography, activity of the people, characteristics of existing structures, and porosity of natural vs man made fabric. Thereby it becomes a landscape of built form that is grounded to the earth and rising from it to merge with the terrain of HAMPI. It becomes a subtle gesture of memory of the built, unbuilt, the tangible, intangible experience of what Hampi in its glory stood for. The traces of memory the place holds to the locals is maintained at the same time the project tries to give an insight into the values of our history to visitors with a modernistic approach.

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Reminiscence: A Museum of Indian Struggle, Kevadia, Gujarat

Author: Milan Bhupendra Bhai Patel
Site Location: Kevadia, Gujarat
Institute: College of Architecture, Sardar Vallabhai Patel Institute of Technology (SVIT)
Advisor: Prof. Pallavi Mahida

description

This year marks the 75th anniversary of Indian independence. It is a source of immense pride and celebration for us Indians. Should it only be slogans, cliche publications, and festive programmes? Rather, it is to continue to inspire youthful minds. Understanding the freedom struggle and colonial forces constitutes the basic paradigm for post-colonial India. The memory of any collective effort, any struggle, and any willing sacrifice will strengthen our national unity, express our aspirations, and display our diversities of approaches and action toward the one united goal of national liberation need to be taught. This memory of struggle needs to be preserved so that each young mind lives through the struggle that their forefathers underwent and begins to value the idea and feelings of freedom. A proposal for the museum was identified and the main aim of the project was ”Revisiting the events and phases that impacted the freedom struggle of India to imbibe patriotism in the new generation on the event of Azadi ka Amritmahotsav. (75 years of Indian independence)”

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Modality of Spatial Narratives: Proposed film archive & Museum

Author: Mayuresh Pradhan
Site Location: Mumbai
Institute: Lokmanya Tilak institute of Architecture and Design Studies, Navi Mumbai
Advisor: Prof. Harish Shetty

description

The project began as a quest to understand if one could navigate through a structure like one navigates through a story? This simple quest led to further investigations of what is a public space at its core. The structure attempts to juxtapose various narratives along with the primary program which was essentially ‘A Film Archive and a Museum’. While the three floating blocks cater to the primary programs, the ground becomes an open public space, which is merely a passage between the abutting primary roads on both sides of the site. Here one has elongated that passage and tried to orchestrate a narrative within the ‘Urban Passage’ where the essential programs intertwined with the temporary events but at the same time secluded. This creates a micro climate, within the structure that doesn’t completely rely on active techniques of lighting and ventilation. And is rather a garden within which a structure is curated.

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Rethinking Habitat for Cattle

Author: Harikiran V Alva
Site Location: Neelavara, Karnataka
Institute: Nitte Institute of Architecture
Advisor: Palaksha Shetty

description

Cattle are one of the earliest domesticated animals by humans. Once often left to wander about in the open gradually started settling in alongside human settlements. Thus began the journey in the change in raising of cattle. To conserve them, many organizations are currently providing food and shelters designed based on human perception—the thesis questions the conventional design approach, which is majorly human-centric.

The primary approach of man towards nature was passive, which gradually changed due to man’s excessive desire. Man’s sensitive wisdom towards nature slowly started shifting towards material prosperity, money based in the present era, which affected not only humans and their habitat but also other living creatures, and created a gap between man and nature. In Asian countries like India, where anything that sustains a person’s livelihood is valued, cattle have been considered sacred due to their contributions to humanity. Humans used them for their daily needs and were respected as one among them.

The Design Proposal will be to create a Sustainable Village for Cattles, and its caretakers will be based on understanding cattle’s perception of space and its natural behavior. Spaces designed are based on various methods of understanding a cow and its natural wandering and creating a healthy habitat to live its intrinsic lifestyle.

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Decoding Cultural Trauma: The Case of Girangaon, Mumbai

Author: Prachi Kadam
Site Location: Girangaon, Lalbaug, Mumbai
Institute: LS Raheja College of Architecture, Mumbai
Advisor: Ar. Mridula Pillai Gudekar

description

Cultural trauma occurs when the locals feel their place is threatened by an event that leads to irreversible damage and changes the space that was once theirs in turn redefining its identity. One such event which lead to a cultural wounding in India was the mill owners strike of 1982 which changed the place identity of the mill abode of Girangaon from its rich girni culture to a pure consumer culture.

In order to counteract the trauma of urban violence, a common trend of redevelopment, this project was conceptualized keeping in mind the true impermanent nature of the site. It attempts to heal the cultural trauma by “designing for informality” and by working out simple solutions to the existing adversities on site.

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Pop-Up Structures For Temporal Scenario

Author: Jaswanth NS
Site Location: Palani, Dindigul, Tamil Nadu
Institute: CARE School of Architecture, Trichy
Advisor: Ar.Balaji Rajasekaran

description

Pilgrimage is a part and parcel of the culture of the sub-continent and takes innumerable and sometime specific forms based on the religious centre. Palani is one such unique pilgrim city in India, wherein people from all parts of Tamil Nadu take a padhayatra (walk) to Palani, after the Pongal festival ends, which is called Thaipusam. Dedicated to Lord Muruga, people carry colourful kavadis and walk up the hills of Palani for the darshan of the lord. Lakhs of people conjugate at one place but the infrastructure is minimal. This is a seasonal event and hence permanent structures are mostly underutilized. It is in this premise that the thesis looks at a type of architecture that is temporal and ephemeral.

The thesis attempts to provide temporary pop up structures like a kit of parts which can be assembled and serve as places to sleep, places to refresh, and medical facilities required for the pilgrims who undertake the padayathra during the event. Post the event, the flexibility and temporal nature of these structures can be used to facilitate multi-dimensional and varied requirements.

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