Author: Nitya Kapoor Site Location: Hyderabad Institute: School of Planning and Architecture, Bhopal (SPA-B) Advisor: Dr Piyush Hajela
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The Telangana Urban Centre of Excellence, proposed by the Government of Telangana, would act as an urban think tank and a research Centre to deal with urban challenges and house best practices. The intent is to set up an integrated development of mixed-use typology, in a sprawling campus of 45 acres, abutting Outer Ring Road. It would be conceived as a research Centre, to host prototype solutions for various urban issues, that celebrates and leverages the natural topography of the site. While the campus with all its facilities will be planned in 25 acres, the remaining extent of 20 acres would be kept as green space/walking track/golf/future requirements. These facilities include: Hub of Urban
Innovations, Conference and Convention Centre, U-Hub, Workstations, Research labs, Accommodation facilities, Residential facilities, Relaxation Hub, Service facilities and parking.
The proposed detailed design comprises of Workstations, Research Labs and U-Hub, integrated with the Central Green, Entrance Court, and built form for public facilities (Auditorium, Conference Block, Amphitheatre), and Service areas.
Author: Jerin J Panakkel Site Location: Attapadi, Kerala Institute: College of Architecture Trivandrum (CAT) Advisor: Prof. Niby Thomas Varghese
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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.
Author: Shreyas Varun K Site Location: Bengaluru Institute: Nitte School of Architecture and Planning, Bengaluru Advisor: Prof. Ar.Yuvaraj Perumal
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As Bangalore is the developing city in India and a metropolitan hub, which intakes thousands of people in search of opportunities every year. Which made me think about the development and connectivity of the spaces through transit. From the statistics of buses fleet into & within the city could cause a major source for traffic. With this the taught process of decentralizing transit hub has arrived. Based on the analysis, one of the best possible way to reduce traffic in the city is by restricting the inter-city & inter-state buses to the city center. And by having proposals of bus terminals in the periphery of the city ORR with collaboration of both public & private agencies. Multimodal Transit Facility gathers many modes of transportation together and is strategically located so that the commuter has different transit alternatives to reach the destination. It describes an approach to planning, building, and operating the transportation system, emphasizes optimal utilization of transportation resources and connections between modes. One of the objectives of an Multimodal transit hub is to minimize the cost and inconvenience of changing transit systems by a commuter. The benefits derived from effective intermodal co-ordination:
Lowering transportation costs by allowing each mode to be used for the portion of the trip for which it is best suited.
Increasing economic productivity and efficiency, thereby enhancing the Nation’s global competitiveness.
Reducing the burden on overstressed infrastructure components by shifting use to infrastructure with excess capacity.
Generating higher returns from public and private infrastructure investments.
Improving mobility for the elderly, disabled, isolated, and economically disadvantaged.
Reducing energy consumption and contributing to improved air quality and environmental conditions.
It introduces Single ticket travel which in turn enables easy movement from one mode to another.
Reducing Land take for road operations and common amenities & maximizing opportunities for shared facilities and synergies.
Minimizing potential phasing impacts by reducing the number of components that need to be accommodated and avoiding duplication of facilities.
Author: Shah Ronak Vipul Amita Site Location: Bandra Kurla Complex, MMRDA Ground, Mumbai. Institute: Aditya College of Architecture Advisor: Ar. Rita Nayak
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The thesis project emerges from the need for an urban environment that is oriented on the user, with the need for active and meaningful public places at the heart of this research. The key issues in responsible urban design have evolved as walkability, safety, and sustainability. Given the current rate and size of growth in Indian cities, there is an urgent need to incorporate features that favour the car over the pedestrian, as well as to favour mono-use buildings over eye-catching and dynamic mixed-use structures.
The character of a city’s public areas can be used to measure its success. However, based on observations of the cities we live in today, it can be stated that not all public places are effective – many variables influence how these areas work. Sensitive design is vital, but the ability of a good public space to adapt and profit on its constructed surrounds – its design and functions – is also important. The goal of the thesis is thus to investigate how architecture may contribute to the creation and maintenance of an active public realm supported by the built environment.
Aside from public engagement, the design dissertation promotes interaction inside the built environment. Because of the position in the IT industry, there is a lot of space allocated to offices, therefore it is necessary to analyse these areas plus keeping in mind the impact of multi transit hub at one area. To remain relevant in the wider urban environment, office spaces must react to current demands, which are based on flexibility and adaptability to encourage collaboration and creativity.
Author: Vaibhav Dalvi Site Location: Khonoma, Nagaland Institute: V.I.T.’s Padmabhushan Dr. Vasantdada Patil College of Architecture (PVPCOA), Pune, Maharashtra Advisor: Ar. Niranjan Garde
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Why weaving the future of Khonoma?
Khonoma is known as Asia’s first green village, situated near the Indo-Myanmar border, in the Indian state of Nagaland. The rich architecture and culture of the place are still seen through the community that is still living there. Throughout the period of my internship, I visited the village and met the people around the place, many times. Generations of youth are leaving villages to earn a living or work, leaving their elders behind.
Each visit to Khonoma brought a new story, and with every story, the concern to conserve the culture, material, and architecture of the space became much stronger.
Bamboo – To conserve and create
Nagaland and especially Khonoma is blessed with a natural assets like Bamboo. It sits comfortable and cozy around the green backdrop of a rich bamboo plantation. While documenting the community, for new structures coming up, bamboo is only used for aesthetic purposes, while concrete and bricks are used for structural purposes. The knowledge of using bamboo in structures is fading away with time. Adapting to new technology, the community is neglecting bamboo’s natural response to its microclimate, while bricks and concrete create damp conditions. Present-day, flat roof constructions are creating leakage problems, which is not an ideal response to the amount of rainfall the area witnesses.
The concerns I had regarding Khonoma’s return to bamboo increased after seeing this scenario, which is the reason I proposed the insert bamboo workshops.
The aim of the insert is to encourage locals to identify the potential of bamboo and practice their weaving skills. It will stand testimony to the traditional building technology and form.
Climate, Analysis, and Implementation.
Form follows function, but here, form follows climate.
The (Morungs) – a place to stay for boy soldiers – and their traditional houses were a great example of how space syntax responded to the planning and construction of the structure. Considering the building material they used to build modular houses with the common measurement that was finalized by anthropometry.
Space was usually divided into the entrance porch that held a weaving area and fireplace, followed by a central living space that culminates into a kitchen and storage. A simple linear flow of spaces was enclosed by timber room and bamboo beams and columns.
Taking cues from their traditional building techniques and planning and designed a module that replaced timber roofing with bamboo.
Khonoma is an earthquake-prone zone, taking this into consideration, I designed the body of the house with wattle and dob construction with bamboo as reinforcement. It ensured the home’s stability and sustainability.
As the village sits on a hilltop, the irony of heavy rainfall and scarcity of water is emphasized. Using a solid stone and waterproofing the footing underneath the structure, will act as a water tank, which could be a wise solution to the problem. The water tanks will hold water throughout the entire seven-month rainy season and be useful to them for the remaining three months.
Standing on the solid stone footing structure goes ground plus one storey high. The vertical division of spaces is such that where the entire ground floor is given to workshops that have natural spillover space from the surrounding plinth. And the upper floor is dedicated to the research and learning areas, with a separate entry and narrow passages which are internally linked. Structures stand-alone since connecting pathways could be detrimental during an earthquake.
Overall planning and Placement of the design –
The village has planned pathways from every house that culminates in the farmland. To follow that rhythm every designed structure also has a staircase that opens up on the ground and leads to the farmlands without disturbing the previous planning of the community. Planning follows the contour line and hence the clusters simply sit together the way the site allows. The left side of the site holds all the living spaces and dormitories while the right side of the site holds all the workshop areas. The centrally placed school acts as a nucleus of the insert, where every child learns about their culture and community just by being present in that structure.
The insert ultimately merges with the surroundings and becomes one entity for the community, in its true sense. It captures the spirit of the place. Materials like stone, bamboo, and mud teach everyone to be humble with the design yet creative with the approach. The building techniques connect one back to the roots, from where they evolved specifically to the space and people.
The insert is something which is of the people, for the people, and by the people!
Author: Shangary S Site Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu Institute: C.A.R.E School of Architecture (CARE) Advisor: Balaji Rajasekaran
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Flooding has become one of the seasons for the last few years. During that period the livelihood, health, wealth, work, and routine of the people get affected completely. It takes time to become physically, financially and mentally normal again., My thesis is an attempt to re-imagine the public infrastructure to be more efficient during normal days and serve better to the local community during a kinetic situation like flooding. Through this, the public infrastructure helps the community by rescuing and accommodating for a period of time till the situation becomes normal. For People to continue making a living after a flood with adequate access to food, water and energy – the things that enable communities to think beyond immediate survival. My thesis also explores responding to people’s day-to-day changing activities which varies in different climatic seasons. The module/pods act as markets, eateries, shops etc., On normal days and during a flood, it rescues people. The pods can also be reconfigurable to a living unit during a flood. The land use, ground cover and density keep changing based on the people’s activity at a particular time and the play of pods responds to the duration of activity & people and based on the climatic season.
Author: Shivam Singh Site Location: Dausa, Rajasthan Institute: Chandigarh College of Architecture Advisor: Prof. Sujay Sengupta
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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.
Author: Pritesh Jain Site Location: Aurangabad, Maharashtra Institute: Marathwada Insitute of Technology (MIT) Advisor: Ar. Pranita Pranjale
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“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.
Author: Harshit V Shastry Site Location: Hampi, Karnataka Institute: SJB School of Architecture & Planning, Bengaluru Advisor: Ar. Sachin Shetty
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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.
Author: Ankita Sen Deka Choudhury Site Location: Guwahati, Assam Institute: Manipal School of Architecture & Planning Advisor: Dr. Vishal Chettry
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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.
Author: Somesh Nadkarni Site Location: Mumbai Institute: School of Environment and Architecture (SEA) Advisor: Rupali Gupte & Apirva Talpade
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The thesis explored the different spatialities of Social Security that emerge in informal neighbourhoods in Mumbai. It was a comparative analysis that intended to study how security in a neighbourhood changes when the existing spaces get institutionalised. Therefore, I looked at new ways of rethinking this spatiality that promotes the growth of security while also asking what an inhabitation in the forest might be like, instead of insecurities caused by displacement.
The design creates this sense of security through particular spatial configurations where the home is a set of interconnected, porous and dense spaces; where the neighbourhood becomes one home. Through the concept of collective memory, the intervention is created around the Nodes of Social Security by which the inhabitants navigate around the neighbourhood. The design creates opportunities for the forest to merge with the home and sustain itself eventually, thereby also retaining the resident’s agency and practices. I am arguing that instead of such Rehabilitation schemes that displace people, an intervention like this could be a speculative future for the residents by the PIL (Public Interest Litigation Act).
Author: Shivam Rawat Site Location: Delhi Institute: University School of Planning and Architecture, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (USAP) Advisor: Dr. Neeraja Lugani Sethi
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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.
Author: Shruti Shrivastava Site Location: Pune Institute: Dr. B.N. College of Architecture Advisor: Dr. Chetan Sahasrabuddhe
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Livability could be defined as the degree to which a community is suitable for living, which is rather subjective. However, certain components and qualities are universally acknowledged as vital for making the community more livable. Better homes, streets, roads, infrastructural amenities, and other visible aspects are necessary for a livable society, but intangible factors such as a sense of security, happiness, satisfaction, a sense of community, togetherness, and family are also crucial. All of the characteristics that informal communities like Shinde Vasti-Pune already have. Together in a typical scenario, a slum redevelopment project compromises the intangible qualities of such communities all the while providing poor quality infrastructure and poor homes in the name of development, thereby losing the positive aspects of community and climate; however, does this have to be the case? This plan aspires to develop this informal community by conserving and enhancing the key elements, both tangible and intangible while putting Community and Climate at the forefront.
Author: Ruchira Rathod Site Location: Mumbai Institute: Rachna Sansad’s Academy of Architecture (AOA) Advisor: Swati Chokshi
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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.
Author: Milan Bhupendra Bhai Patel Site Location: Kevadia, Gujarat Institute: College of Architecture, Sardar Vallabhai Patel Institute of Technology (SVIT) Advisor: Prof. Pallavi Mahida
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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)”
Author: Devayani M Site Location: Sundarbans Institute: R V College of Architecture Advisor: Anup Naik, Mehul Patel, Nagaraj Vastarey, U Seema Maiya
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This project investigates the need to design a climate resilient and responsive form for the coastal communities in the Sundarbans with the aim of adapting to the devastating effects of climate change.
The site is located in Gosaba Island in Sundarbans which falls under the moderate to high risk zone. This island is constantly threatened by coastal erosion, environmental degradation and salt water inundation due to flooding thereby causing loss of livelihood.
The master-plan is developed to be implemented in a phased manner over the next 30 years. The plan envisages responding to the identified natural conditions of the site and developing the design that proposes to selectively allow water flow through the site to create wetlands, and a natural mangrove buffer zone to mitigate the effects of floods and storm surges. The aim of the project is to create a prototype built form that is inspired by the local livelihood practices, skills and local typologies of construction. The design focuses on creating modular flood and storm resilient structures using bamboo as the primary building material. The buildings are raised on stilts and strategically located around the landscape and connected by elevated walkways to protect from the floods and harsh winds. The structure has modular components that can be easily customised to needs of the user.
The project is a response to the impending disaster that the people of Sundarbans have to face. Through symbiotically fusing the built environment within a natural ecology, the architecture is designed to positively sustain the landscape and its people.
Author: Brendon Joseph Dlima Site Location: Mumbai Institute: L.S. Raheja School of Architecture Advisor: Ar. Mridula Pillai
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Mumbai undergoes a crisis from June to September annually. The city’s fast paced development has been at the cost of it’s vital blue-green infrastructure, causing its vast population to suffer a submergence during the monsoon months, due to increased rainfall and a rise in sea level, both attributed to Climate Change. The dissertation investigates whether an architect can make Mumbai resilient to floods and whether Mumbai can become a flood resilient city by learning to use the rainwater it receives.
The Oshiwara River Province was taken as a site to re-design for flood resilience. A masterplan of the Oshiwara River Province was designed to reduce and manage runoff. The most vulnerable building typologies along the river which were informal settlements and cow sheds were re-designed thereby providing more room to the river. The building typologies which were not as vulnerable were retrofitted for resilience.
Mumbai can thus become resilient to floods by learning how to use the rainwater it receives and by giving the blue green infrastructure the importance it deserves. Through this approach we will be able to eventually achieve ‘Flood Resilience in Mumbai’
Author: Prachi Kadam Site Location: Girangaon, Lalbaug, Mumbai Institute: LS Raheja College of Architecture, Mumbai Advisor: Ar. Mridula Pillai Gudekar
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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.
Author: Jaswanth NS Site Location: Palani, Dindigul, Tamil Nadu Institute: CARE School of Architecture, Trichy Advisor: Ar.Balaji Rajasekaran
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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.
Author: Manish Shravane Site Location: Thane, Maharashtra Institute: School of Environment and Architecture, Mumbai Advisor: Milind Mahale & Sabaa Giradkar
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This project explores potential methodology for urban interventions in an informal settlement in Thane city. It proposes a number of innovative strategies for regenerating the existing socio-cultural practices through a catalogue of urban tools that support artistic practices, solve the lack of cultural infrastructure and preserves the traditional life that creates intensity of living through participatory construction methods.
