Tag: Planning GM

Beneath the Surface: Transportation Oriented Urban Mobility

Posted on Posted in Charles Correa Gold Medal 2025Tagged , , Leave a comment

Author: Lavanya Pant
Site Location: Aerocity, New Delhi
Institute: FoSTA, Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ)
Advisor: Dr. Subhash Chandra Devrath

Description

The project ‘Beneath the Surface’ explores how subterranean architecture can transform transportation nodes into inclusive climate-responsive mobility hubs, addressing the urban challenges of land scarcity, urban heat islands, and inefficient pedestrianization. The proposal, located in Aerocity, New Delhi, envisions a multi-modal transit hub connecting an ISBT and an RRTS station via an existing metro site through underground pedestrian network, enabling seamless intra-site movement in high traffic zones. The design leverages a parametric framework that evolves from conceptual branching networks into functional structures, using skylight courtyards and sculptural landforms to introduce daylight and ventilation while reducing reliance on mechanical systems.
Thermal comfort simulations demonstrate that the proposed underground model with passive strategies achieve higher adaptive thermal comfort for the population compared to overground models, emphasizing its energy efficiency. The tapered structural system with lightweight roofing and integrated voids assists in the generation of large column-free, open spaces, while also reducing high indoor heat accumulation.
Beyond transportation, the project activates the underground realm for commercial and social functions, fostering resilient, transit-oriented development while reclaiming ground level spaces for green public areas. It underscores the relevance of subterranean architecture in dense cities as not just transit corridors, but also as integrative urban ecosystems.

Drawings

Click here to go back to the storehouse.

Where Nature takes its [Race] Course

Posted on Posted in Charles Correa Gold Medal 2025Tagged , , , , Leave a comment

Author: Batul Lokhandwala
Site Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Institute: Rizvi College of Architecture
Advisor: Minaz Ansari

Description

Urbanisation inherently excludes the natural components that make up the city and focuses overwhelmingly on the built environment, hence distorting the perception of the environment and disconnecting its citizens from the ecosystem. Mumbai exemplifies this characteristic of cities in terms of not only the scarcity of natural areas but also in terms of what the city classifies as natural areas, a limitation of definition rather than a limitation of availability.
As cities develop, our planning needs to accommodate a cohesive environment for its natural landscape and existing biodiversity. Further it attempts to offer a more holistic design approach. An approach that reconciles the inherent disconnect by ensuring that development acknowledges and respects nature. While demand for land in the city increases, the open spaces grow vulnerable to further destruction. The need for development will forever persist but it should also foster the need to design natural pockets within the dense metropolis.
The Mahalaxmi Racecourse offers a unique opportunity to create a large urban forest within the Island city.
THE REGULATION CURRENTLY FOCUSES ON GENERATING MORE REVENUE THROUGH INCREASING FSI RATHER THAN CREATING BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE BY INCREASING OSI.

Drawings

Click here to go back to the storehouse.

Wari The Ephemeral Permanence

Posted on Posted in Charles Correa Gold Medal 2025Tagged , , , , , Leave a comment

Author: Mrunmai Sujit Patil
Site Location: Pandharpur Wari, Maharashtra
Institute: D Y Patil School of Architecture
Advisor: Anita Shyam

Description

The project explores equitable design interventions along the Pandharpur Wari, focusing on temporary settlements, transitional villages, and urban streets. Typology A addresses rural temporary villages, creating modular clusters that provide uniform accommodation, shared resources, and sanitation facilities for pilgrims while minimizing permanent impact on the land. Typology B intervenes in semi-developed villages like Sansar, where the design balances the seasonal influx of pilgrims with the needs of local residents, enhancing community facilities, circulation, and economic opportunities post-Wari. Typology C focuses on urban areas, transforming streets and open spaces into safe, accessible, and multi-use zones that support both daily city life and the pilgrimage. Across all typologies, design decisions prioritize inclusivity, accessibility, and adaptability, ensuring that diverse user groups—including women, children, the elderly, and differently-abled—are accommodated with dignity. Sustainable materials like sugarcrete and temporary infrastructure strategies are employed to reinforce the principles of circularity and minimal environmental impact. By integrating cultural practices, social behaviors, and ecological sensitivity, the project seeks to preserve the inherent equitability of the Wari while providing contemporary, functional, and context-responsive interventions.

Drawings

Click here to go back to the storehouse.

Pravah : Harmonizing Water, Culture, and Environment

Posted on Posted in Charles Correa Gold Medal 2025Tagged , , , , , Leave a comment

Author: Anish Shinde
Site Location: Poladpur, Maharashtra
Institute: Aditya College of Architecture
Advisor: Rita Nayak

Description

This thesis examines the vital relationship between water, human culture, and ecosystems, highlighting how water influences the identity, livelihood, and rituals of rural communities. Set in Poladpur, Maharashtra, a region with high rainfall yet chronic water scarcity, the project addresses the ecological and infrastructural failures behind this paradox.
In response, it proposes a multifunctional rural node that combines water infrastructure, rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, and runoff management with community-focused spaces for gathering, health, agriculture, and learning. Drawing from traditional systems like johads, kunds, and stepwells, the design blends indigenous knowledge with sustainable practices.
Rooted in field research and local engagement, the project also tackles outmigration, declining traditions, and the loss of communal spaces linked to water insecurity. Reimagining water as both a sacred resource and social connector, the design seeks to restore ecological balance, cultural pride, and community cohesion.
Crucially, the intervention creates a space for all villagers, wildlife, livestock, aquatic life, birds, and visitors, fostering a shared environment where water becomes the central unifying force, nurturing coexistence, biodiversity, and an inclusive rural future.

Drawings

Click here to go back to the storehouse.

Humanitarian Monastery

Posted on Posted in Charles Correa Gold Medal 2025Tagged , , , , , Leave a comment

Author: Syeda Nabila Fatima
Site Location: Hyderabad
Institute: Poojya Dr. Shivakumar Swamiji School of Architecture
Advisor: Ar. Anju Wanti

Description

The Humanitarian Monastery is conceived as a place of peace, learning, and community that transcends religion and embraces universal human values. Planned across a 10-acre site, the design approach emphasizes harmony between people, nature, and the built environment. The site layout follows a flowing, circular, and oneness, and the rhythm of life. Each pathway, landscape, and structure emerges as part of a larger ecosystem, where movement feels natural and interconnected, much like the flow of water.
The project is structured around the idea of equitability through design. Public areas are positioned near the main approach for accessibility, while contemplative and private monastic spaces are placed deeper within the site to ensure tranquility. Curved roads, gardens, and water bodies create transitional zones that balance openness with seclusion. The contours of the land are integrated into the planning, allowing the landscape to guide placement and orientation of spaces, reducing intervention and enhancing sustainability.
This thesis is not just an architectural exploration but a humanitarian vision—where planning, landscape, and design techniques unite to create a sustainable, inclusive, and spiritual environment. It demonstrates how architecture can become a medium of healing, equity, and coexistence.

Drawings

Click here to go back to the storehouse.

Re-Instate – Rehabilitation in Mined Coastal Areas

Posted on Posted in Charles Correa Gold Medal 2023Tagged , , , , ,

Author: Utkarsha Mali
Site Location: Panmana, Kerala
Institute: Rachna Sansad’s Academy of Architecture
Advisor: Ar. Yagnik Bathija

description

The coast of Kerala between Chavara and Alappad has long has decade long stories of peoples’ struggle for survival against mining companies. The stretch of land in Kerala called Panmana is the part where extensive beach sand mining happens. because of coastal sand mining the land has been prone to erosion and hence consequences can be seen in the form of frequent tidal attacks and displacements. there are lots of issues with rehabilitation as well as it relocates fishermen away from coast hence their livelihood gets affected. the thesis focuses on rehabilitation of people that are getting displaced in mined areas. The site chosen is Ponmana, a ward in Panmana village which is the southern part of Alappad village where mining has been stopped and the land has been abandoned. utilising that land again in order to negotiate between nature and human needs is the core design intent.

drawings

Click here to go back to the storehouse.

Weave with water – The story of Vypin

Posted on Posted in Charles Correa Gold Medal 2023Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Author: Riya Georgie
Site Location: Vypin, Kerala
Institute: SMEF’s Brick School of Architecture
Advisor: Dr. Vaidehi Lavand

description

Since 2018 tidal flooding has become a silent disaster that’s been eating into the Vypin communities and their livelihood,

“A disaster that only effects the poor vulnerable section of society, and no one is willing to pause or stop their life for a disaster they can just run away from. “

-Sreeja, Research Director at Equinoct

And so, I shine a new light onto the alarm-struck water edges by creating a harmonious interface between nature & man and water & land in Edavanakad, which is home to a small fishermen community.

Keeping ecology, economy and living, as the base requirements and developing them through flood resilience measures as well as climate strategies that work together to provide the optimal solution.

You see the entire community coming together, rebuilding its roots step by step, to bring in resilience and economic stability for the greater good of preserving the essence of the fishing community and lifestyle.

The case of Edavanakad will stand as a strong example, of how using architecture as a catalyst we can actively promote the beauty of communal living whilst strengthening and encouraging a new symbiotic lifestyle.

drawings

Click here to go back to the storehouse.

The Urban Retreat : A Comprehensive Refuge for varied Psycographs

Posted on Posted in Charles Correa Gold Medal 2022Tagged , , , , , , ,

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.

Continue reading “The Urban Retreat : A Comprehensive Refuge for varied Psycographs” →

An Archaeological Experiential Museum, Vadnagar

Posted on Posted in Charles Correa Gold Medal 2021Tagged , , , , , ,

Author: Ravi Modi
Site Location: Vadnagar, Mehsana district, Gujarat
Institute: MS University, Baroda
Advisor: Prof. Percy Adil Pithawala, Ar. Ashish Amin, Ar. Niketa Moghe, Ar. Mitesh Panchal

description

The objective of this thesis is to raise awareness about the rich history of Vadnagar and evoke a sense of pride and belonging amongst the younger generation through cultural heritage. The challenge is to provide a solution for new intervention without disturbing the foundations of the existing and future ruins which remain yet to be excavated.

Hence the project has tried evolving to an appropriate system of construction which provides inherent flexibility for ease of construction and adaptability to emerging conditions at site during assembly and erection.

Continue reading “An Archaeological Experiential Museum, Vadnagar” →

Integrated Inter-State Bus Terminus in Surat

Posted on Posted in Charles Correa Gold Medal 2021Tagged , , ,

Author: Priyanka Yogesh Vaidya
Site Location: Surat, Gujarat
Institute: Pillai’s HOC College of Architecture, Rasayani
Advisor: Ar. Shuchi Joshi, Ar. Aswathy Rajgopal

description

The aim of the project is to create seamless connectivity in urban areas by enhancing more on the usage of public transport and explore intergrated inter-state bus terminus ground infrastructural developments which will create an identity and will act as an urban node.

Continue reading “Integrated Inter-State Bus Terminus in Surat” →

Oikya-Tirtha: A Center for Cultural Unification Commemorating Bengal Partition, Kolkata

Posted on Posted in Charles Correa Gold Medal 2021Tagged , , , , , 2 Comments

Author: Oishik Chakraborty
Site Location: New Town, Kolkata
Institute: Jadavpur University, Kolkata
Advisor: Ms. Sanghamitra Sarkar, Dr. Sanjib Nag

description

A Center for Cultural Unification Commemorating Bengal Partition essentially talks about two most important things: Oikya or Unity, and Bengal Partition. This Center aims at providing a platform for this Unity through public interaction. This has been achieved through the site designing, and taking the urban context of the site into consideration in the process.

Continue reading “Oikya-Tirtha: A Center for Cultural Unification Commemorating Bengal Partition, Kolkata” →

Transit Integrated Development in Cairo’s Urban Sprawl

Posted on Posted in Charles Correa Gold Medal 2021Tagged , , ,

Author: Shubham L. Lad
Site Location: Maspero Triangle, Cairo
Institute: Acharya NRV College of Architecture, Bangalore
Advisor: Girija Umashankar

description

The intent of the design is to create a socially inclusive, vibrant and cohesive environment fused with an existing environment that is becoming highly mono-use and very programmatic in its nature. The project looked at designing a transit-supportive framework with proposed metro station by integrating high density mixed land use and modal interchange within walking/cycling distance of the other environment and metro station. This, in turn, would foster interaction the fabric of the city by eliminating these socially isolated zones. Providing multi-modal transit interchanges would minimize modal transfer and ensure improved connectivity in the area.

Continue reading “Transit Integrated Development in Cairo’s Urban Sprawl” →

Gender X Space

Posted on Posted in Charles Correa Gold Medal 2021Tagged , , , , , ,

Author: Shreya Pathrabe
Site Location: Sanpada, Navi Mumbai
Institute: Rizvi College of Architecture, Mumbai
Advisor: Ar. Fatema Master.

description

The proposal is a public plaza for people with pods and a module system. It weaves the in between urban fabric making the space more porous. When you look at the plaza and the movement around it, you notice that the paths taken by people were the most important, i.e. entry and exit. As a result, the pods and modules are placed in zones in such a way that people’s movement remains linear and uninterrupted.

Continue reading “Gender X Space” →

The Re-Development of Habibganj: Railway Station

Posted on Posted in Charles Correa Gold Medal 2021Tagged , , ,

Author: Anushree Parkhi
Site Location: M.P. Nagar, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
Institute: RV College of Architecture, Bangalore
Advisor: Ar. Bikramjit Chakraborty

description

This project aims to understand the typology of a transit hub. The intent of the thesis project is to explore an integrative approach to design, bespoke to the site (Habibganj Railway Station, M.P. Nagar, Bhopal, India) while keeping sustainability and building performance as the key focus.

Continue reading “The Re-Development of Habibganj: Railway Station” →

Sutra Suchak: Diversification of Textile Network

Posted on Posted in Charles Correa Gold Medal 2021Tagged , , , ,

Author: Yashovanthi YA
Site Location: Molkalmuru, Karnataka
Institute: BMS College of Architecture, Bangalore
Advisor: Ar. Shradha M. Guggari, Ar. Vinya

description

Lighting up the thought of “Act locally, Think globally”, the project emphasizes textile network of Mollkalmuru. Conserving and capitalizing textile heritage of Mollkalmuru with technological intervention will create job and self-employment opportunities for the local people including migrants of all age groups and skill levels.

Project connects rural and urban ends of Molkalmuru which provides a platform for training, production, marketing, exhibiting, recycling textile waste and research on solar and biodegradable fabrics.

Continue reading “Sutra Suchak: Diversification of Textile Network” →

Placemaking for Urban Wellbeing

Posted on Posted in Charles Correa Gold Medal 2021Tagged , , ,

Author: Asmita Patnaik
Site Location: Lower Parel Station, Mumbai
Institute: Kamla Raheja Vidhyanidhi Institute of Architecture, Mumbai
Advisor: Vandana Ranjit Sinh

description

This thesis, set in Mumbai, is an exploration of experience to a spatial setting, where the urban environment is understood as an experience which has an emotional stimulus to understand what is necessary to facilitate urban happiness and wellbeing within the work-live paradigm in the socially incoherent city life. The analysis led to the relevance of ‘Pause to Interact’ in the daily work-live paradigm that constricts all of us.

The research concludes at the study of developing Lower Parel station precinct as a transit oriented nexus which could improve the eudemonic well-being of the precinct, and trigger a positive balance to the city at large.

Continue reading “Placemaking for Urban Wellbeing” →

A Metamorphosis

Posted on Posted in Charles Correa Gold Medal 2021Tagged , , , ,

Author: Tharagini V
Site Location: Koundampalayam, Coimbatore
Institute: Karpagaram University, Coimbatore
Advisor: Ar. Ramakrishnamoorthy

description

This project focuses on developing a pedestrian oriented environment and encourages the formation of informal communities. These will be achieved by following the principles of healthy place making and providing a sense of visual connection.

Continue reading “A Metamorphosis” →

MSRTC Bus Terminal at PCMC

Posted on Posted in Charles Correa Gold Medal 2021Tagged , , ,

Author: Shubham Ombhase
Site Location: Along the old Pune-Mumbai highway in Pimpri
Institute: Sir JJ School of Architecture, Mumbai
Advisor: Ar. Jayshree Chaudhary

description

The project showcases the designing of a bus terminal in the city of Pimpri-Chinchwad where development is boosting rapidly. The need of the project is to connect the city with all advanced transport systems such as BRTS (Bus Rapid Transit System), metro, etc. via a multi-modal hub to make it easier for the public to shift between different modes of transport in order to save time and natural resources. There is a metro station adjacent to the site and central railway local station at 100-200m away which helps passengers to travel within the city and beyond. The current situation of the bus terminal is too poor there is a need to re-design considering the current scenario of the surroundings.

Continue reading “MSRTC Bus Terminal at PCMC” →