Re-Instate – Rehabilitation in Mined Coastal Areas

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

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Architectural Response to Resilient Landscape

Author: Ritik Jain
Site Location: Chennai
Institute: IES College of Architecture
Advisor: Prof. Prachi Nandkarni

description

The design proposal for the Foreshore Estate, Chennai residential neighbourhood showcases a sophisticated and thoughtful urban development approach. Rooted in the site’s natural topography, the concept elegantly integrates surface runoff considerations, exemplifying a strong grasp of sustainable design principles within the contextual framework. At its core, the design revolves around four pivotal landscape principles: delay, store, protect, and recharge. This strategic focus on water management and flood resilience underscores a commitment to both environmental and practical concerns. The innovative clustering strategy, based around sunken courtyards and communal spaces, not only cultivates a profound sense of community but also ingeniously transforms into water storage facilities during flood occurrences. Shared landscape spaces take precedence over private gardens, fostering an inclusive and vibrant communal atmosphere. The arrangement of landscape clusters interwoven with diverse amenities like urban farms, sports facilities, and age-tailored
play areas mirrors a comprehensive approach catering to a wide range of resident needs.
Remarkably, the housing typology explores low-rise, high-density living, manifesting as five-level residences with a mix of private gardens, patios, and terraces. This architectural diversity enriches the visual landscape while providing residents with multifaceted outdoor spaces for leisure and social interaction.
The integration of landscape and architectural strategies attests to a meticulous design ethos, as evidenced by the intricate consideration of site setbacks and spatial relationships. In summation, the proposal exudes a professional demeanour, seamlessly aligning with contemporary urban design paradigms. Through its holistic melding of site-specific attributes, sustainability imperatives, and community oriented features, it lays a robust foundation for an all-encompassing, dynamic, and resilient residential enclave.

drawings

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Cyclone Resilient Housing for Fishermen Tribal Community in Somolo Island, Odisha

Author: Urja Jiten Joshi
Site Location: Odisha
Institute: DC Patel School of Architecture
Advisor: Pratik Jayprakash Patel

description

Somolo island situated on the shore of Chilika Lake, Ganjam, Odisha is one of such places that
has been facing the adverse effects of cyclone since ages. The island is there since a longer period of time, where initially the fishermen from the neighboring villages started settling near the shore of the lake to access the lake and sea through the routes of the lake connecting the sea for fishing. In the fishermen settlement, where most of the houses are kutcha houses made up of vernacular building materials, are getting damaged due to cyclones.

drawings

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The Hanging Streets (Student Housing in Ahmedabad)

Author: Krutik Parekh
Site Location: Ahmedabad
Institute: ITM – School of Architecture, Art and Design
Advisor: Prof. Babar Yahya

description

Education plays a very important role in our country. From past few years, the education sector is growing rapidly. Because of that many cities are becoming Educational Hubs of India.
In Gujarat, Ahmedabad is becoming one of the best education centres which increases the demand of quality accommodation for migrating students.
To fulfil the demand [Ahmedabad Education Society], which is an academic trust in Ahmedabad, has planned to build housing for 9000 students on the 1,95,000 sqm. Land, in which 20,000 sqm. area was chosen for the design of phase one development.
This thesis aims to design the flexible housing system which has the potential of expansion as per the site conditions with the essence of old Ahmedabad streets that helps to build strong student communities. Also delivers simple design steps that make the building rooted at the place and responsive towards the climate of Ahmedabad with the structural experimentation.

drawings

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Flood Resilient Housing: An Amphibious Approach

Author: Muskan Singhania
Site Location: Jalpaiguri, West Bengal
Institute: Dept. of Planning & Architecture NIT – Rourkela
Advisor: Dr. Soumi Muhuri

description

Floods are the most common natural disaster in India. 31% of deaths from disasters are caused by floods.

Floods impact both individuals and communities and have social, economic, and environmental consequences. The immediate impacts of flooding include loss of human life, damage to property, destruction of crops, loss of livestock, and deterioration of health conditions owing to waterborne diseases.

The aim of this thesis is to come up with a solution to adapt to riverine floods in order to prevent dislocation of settlements, ensure basic services during flood conditions, and minimize disruption to daily life.

Amphibious construction is a fairly new technology used in western countries to adapt to floods. This thesis has attempted to introduce this new construction technique to the Indian context by making it cost-effective as well as adaptable to the needs of expanding families (incremental housing).

Different housing modules have been developed in response to the site conditions as well as livelihood requirements. The users have the flexibility to customize their house. Bamboo mat board (BMB) is the principal building material.

Although a site has been selected, the prototype can be replicated in other locations with similar flood conditions.

drawings

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

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

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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The Last Pause – As a Belief in Varanasi

Author: Anuj Kumbhar
Site Location: Varanasi
Institute: Vishwaniketan College of Architecture, Arts & Design
Advisor: Prof. Viji Nair

description

Varanasi, often called the spiritual capital of India, is a city known for its ancient rituals and traditions, particularly those associated with death and cremation. The existing facilities for accommodating visitors during these sensitive times are inadequate, leading to overcrowding, environmental concerns, and limited amenities. “The Last Pause” is an innovative solution that aims to transform the perception of Varanasi’s death rituals by providing a well-designed and inclusive space that caters to the diverse needs of its visitors. The primary objective of “The Last Pause” is to create a sustainable and respectful space that honours the traditions and beliefs of the people coming to Varanasi for death rituals. By establishing this intervention, we seek to provide a range of facilities and programs that will enable visitors to grieve, perform rituals, seek solace, and find a sense of community during their stay. Furthermore, by incorporating landscape irrigation and other sustainable features, the project aims to contribute positively to the city’s environment. “The Last Pause” envisions a transformative architectural intervention that redefines Varanasi’s social spaces and rituals surrounding death. By providing a comprehensive and respectful environment, this project aims to create a harmonious experience for visitors while upholding the city’s cultural heritage. Through collaboration between NGOs and the government, this aims to foster a deeper sense of community and understanding in one of India’s most spiritually significant cities.

drawings

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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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Practice of Repair

Author: Dhruv Sachala
Site Location: Mumbai
Institute: School of Environment & Architecture
Advisor: Ar. Rupali Gupte & Ar. Apurva Talpade

description

The design thesis looks to intervene in existing processes of architecture practiced in various parts of the country. 95% of architecture evolves incrementally, mobilizing multiple forces. It follows a very nuanced and intermittent way of transforming their built form, shaped by diverse social and economic influences. This organic growth involves continuous, non-linear transformations that respond to inhabitants’ needs. Unlike traditional linear processes, that appear to be the only delivery system, this approach incorporates factors like local networks, small finances, kinship networks, and a sense of repair.
The aim is to comprehend and engage with this dynamic, ecologically sensitive design process, to understand the forces that produce inhabitation, and to find ways for architects to insert themselves into this process.
The tool kit is a set of specific and surgical architectural interventions / techniques that allow for rethinking of fundamental elements of the building, and funtionality such as walls, fenestrations, foundations, etc, to be much more responsive to the condition of enighbourhood. The toolkit is divided into parts, each part talks about elements of building, it talks about how these elements which are present in the neighbourhood can be repaired or scaled in way to enhance the light and ventilation conditions in the dense area, while also looking at the asthetic details of the space. The catelogue is further used to design few habitations in detail. Also, looking at how to work on the form of such spaces keeping in consideration the density. The catelogue is further used to design some of the habitation in detail.

drawings

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Disaster Resilient Housing – Prototype for Himachal Pradesh

Author: Ichchha Vijayendra Singham
Site Location: Himachal Pradesh
Institute: Pillai HOC College of Architecture
Advisor: Ar. Ashwathy Rajagopal

description

Himachal Pradesh- a north Indian state with difficult terrain and was often seen as in isolation from the modern and western influences of the world, untouched by the modern and western influences of the world. Over the past few years, Himachal has been frequently affected by ominous flash flooding resulting in landslides due to washing away of soil. The idea of the project is to form a prototype for housing in Himachal with disaster resistant techniques of construction. The design responds to the cold temperate climate of the Himalayan mountains, remoteness of the site as well as aims for resilience to earthquakes and landslides. The building is designed with heavy stone filled gabion retaining walls at the bottom and a light wooden structure on top covered with wattle and daub panels as an infill material. Undressed stone in gabion walls is used because it can be picked up from waste and also it reduces the labour. It is crafted with a balance between local knowledge and modern construction techniques aiming to encourage community participation and ownership. the idea was to not just provide a structure but system from start to end where users take part in it and have better understanding of their impact.

drawings

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Flood Resilient Community – A prototype for Flood Prone Areas

Author: Aashita Thaker
Site Location: Dhubri district, Assam
Institute: SAL School of Architecture , Ahmedabad
Advisor: Ass. Prof Roma Almeida

description

Due to climate change, there are large number of disasters taking place in India. It faces recurring atmospheric phenomena like floods, heavy monsoon rains, cyclones, earthquakes, drought etc. These natural disasters take thousands of lives, cost millions of money, and result in loss of large number of lives.
Out of all these natural disasters in India, flood is one of the most affected and dangerous disaster. Assam having the Brahmaputra River with more than 50 numbers of tributaries causes the flood devastation in the monsoon period each year. Out of all the districts in Assam, Dhubri district has river Brahmaputra flowing through the centre of it and faces flood almost every year which adds to the vulnerability of people and building stocks.
The main aim is to create resilient house design by using different flood resilient strategies which can sustain itself in the situation of flood and can save lives of people during these difficult times and can ensure that the impacts of disaster are manageable and short-lived. The built community and houses are a prototype which can be repeated to flood prone areas and can sustain itself.
The built community and houses to become resilient, have to be climate responsive and rebound during the events of floods.

drawings

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Introspection Forest

Author: Utkarsh Arun Jagtap
Site Location: Satara, Maharashtra
Institute: CTES College of Architecture
Advisor: Kirti Desai

description

There are two sections to the project: introspective programs and residential spaces. The section on introspection is designed to help the user connect with their inner self.
The property is 32 acres in size. The goal is for users to explore the site as they explore a part of themselves.
The light pavilion, reflection cube, introspection cave, bamboo forest, and unbuilt are all part of the Introspection program, and they all incorporate the five elements of nature.
Residential units are classified into three types: single occupancy, double occupancy, and dormitories.
Site preservation, wind direction, afforestation, retaining/maintaining ground water table, and greenhouse effect reduction have all been effectively addressed.

drawings

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[Re]figuring Social Security

Author: Somesh Nadkarni
Site Location: Mumbai
Institute: School of Environment and Architecture (SEA)
Advisor: Rupali Gupte & Apirva Talpade

description

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).

drawings

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Livability for all, exploring aspects of community & climate in Shinde Vasti, Pune

Author: Shruti Shrivastava
Site Location: Pune
Institute: Dr. B.N. College of Architecture
Advisor: Dr. Chetan Sahasrabuddhe

description

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.

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Architecture with Uncertainty & Certainty : Change in wetness

Author: Jacob Babu Alappatt
Site Location: Alappuzha, Kerala
Institute: Avani Institute of design
Advisor: Ar. Aditya Nambissan

description

The project tries to reimagine a tropical monsoon architecture of a water landscape (wetlands) by providing the community with the infrastructure it needs and fostering a conversation between land and water to assist people in better adhering and adapting to change.


Are tropical architectural forms bound to evolve or adapt to the shift in wetness, considering architectural uncertainties and certainties related to the change in wetness? How can we develop structures that can assure a safer future by making them impervious to rain and flood?


Architectural design should change to accommodate the needs of the site and the environment by supporting duality in programming. It should be able to adjust to the transient states of the water landscape centered around the demands of the destroyed or missing public. So, the research and study must be located in a region where changing wetness conditions might cause natural disasters that can impact people’s lives and livelihoods. Here the Wetlands in Kuttanad are taken as a broader context, and Kainakary village is the micro context.

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Designing Architecture for Humanitarian Purposes

Author: Abhishek Rameshbhai Donda
Site Location: Slums (J.K.Puri) , Jajmau, Kanpur
Institute: Sarvajanik College of Engineering and Technology, Surat
Advisor: Prof. Niraj D. Naik

description

The project looked at how architecture could be used as a tool to empower and improve the living conditions of tannery workers in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh.

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Housing For Migrant Construction Workers

Author: Rishabh Verma
Site Location: Mandala Metro Depot, Mumbai
Institute: Pillai College of Architecture, Panvel
Advisor: Ar. Kavita Sawant.

description

The proposal explores the current state of construction workers housing/accommodation and how this scenario can be countered by providing a solution based on quick planning and its execution on multiple sites. This is achieved by utilizing principles of Design for Disassembly in combination with a field volume generated aggregation. This has been done while also maintaining the comfort factor by ensuring existing techniques and materials specific to a climatic zone are used.

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Designing a Social Housing in Vadodara

Author: Kairavi Gandhi
Site Location: Squirrel Circle, Vadodara
Institute: SEDA, Navrachna University
Advisor: Pratyush Shankar

description

The project aims to design a better living environment and to bring social communities instead of individual living in an affordable housing. The nuclei of the proposed intervention are based on the idea of the coexistence of collective and private.

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Reinterpreting Communal Spaces In Neighbourhood Development for Community Living

Author: Shreya Manoj Sulgekar
Site Location: Venketeshwar Nagar, Hubli, Karnataka
Institute: KLS Gogte Institute of Technology, Belagavi
Advisor: Ar. Amit V Prasadi

description

The project looks at how we could reinterpret the spaces in built and unbuilt forms with new ideas and characteristics that enhance communal living.

In the context of India’s rapidly urbanisation, there has been a wide negligence on communal spaces in contemporary housing neighbourhoods. ‘Communitiy’ came from familiarity around families and neighbours, familiar places, a daily rhythm, social systems and customs that people understood. Now with emigration and greater physical and social mobility, many of the people find themselves in places far from home, living in communities defined not by common acquaintance, knowledge and culture, but by geography or economics. This loss of defined communal spaces has also diminished the feeling of belonging and privacy.  

By creating spaces where all members of the community can engage naturally and get to know one another, communities can become places where people live together, care about one another and share hope. The project looks at how the development of communal spaces in residential complexes creates social stability and a sustainable way of life in a community.

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