Cultural Reawakening – A New Chapter for the Historic Zones of Old Goa

Author: Urvi. S. Shanbhag
Site Location: Old Goa
Institute: School of Planning and Architecture, Mysore
Advisor: Ar. Srikanth. K. S.

description

Revitalizing the heritage area of Old Goa is a multifaceted endeavor that necessitates a comprehensive approach, community involvement, and a long-term commitment to conserving its unique cultural and historical relevance for future generations. It is an important undertaking to ensure that this rich heritage is cherished, safeguarded, and shared with the globe. The Historic City of Old Goa, also known as Velha Goa, was the historic capital of Portuguese India and a major seat of the Portuguese Empire from the 16th to the 18th centuries. Located along the Mandovi River in the Indian state of Goa, Old Goa was a bustling metropolis at its heyday, known for its wealth, architecture, and religious institutions. The goal is to comprehend and interact with this dynamic, ecologically sensitive design process, to understand the dynamics that cause inhabitation, and to identify ways for architects to participate in this process.

When people, context, and climate change, why can’t architecture modify to stay pertinent and withstand the changing times? The Architecture of Ephemeralityis an attempt to engage the user with something ancient and something new by utilizing possible aspects of imagination, association, and relation. Design is viewed as a continuous state transition that might provide different solutions to change.

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Unseen Boundaries : Lost Communities

Posted on October 23, 2024October 23, 2024 Posted in Charles Correa Gold Medal 2024Tagged Ecological Conservation GM, Institutional GM, Public Space GM, Social Design GM, Urbanism GM

Author: Zaid Imran Inamdar
Site Location: Mumbai
Institute: AIKTC School of Architecture
Advisor: Parag M. Rawool

description

The revitalisation project for the Turbhe quarry seeks to address social and environmental issues while repurposing the abandoned site as a community centre. In order to provide income for the locals, the project, which is in partnership with Arphen NGO, combines small-scale industries such as the production of soap, paper plates, incense sticks, and more. Semi-public areas are incorporated into the design to promote social interaction and community cohesion during gatherings. Arphen’s bridge classes are implemented to support education, guaranteeing that local youth receive a foundational education before enrolling in government schools. Sewing, carpentry, and pottery workshops at Site 1 offer chances for skill development, thereby improving the standard of living for the community.

The project emphasizes sustainable building techniques to create comfortable and resilient structures. The interior spaces are improved by the use of jack arch slabs, filler slabs, gabion walls, and guna tile roofing, which also lessens environmental impact and improves thermal comfort. The quarry rehabilitation center at Site 2 is equipped with shipping containers, which were selected for their adaptation and ease of transportation. These containers also serve as a template for rehabilitating other quarries in the region Additionally, the project creates policies to assist in the long-term restoration of quarries, guaranteeing a comprehensive and sustainable strategy for reviving the Turbhe site and enhancing the quality of life for the impacted community.

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Spatial Practices for Planetary custodianship

Posted on October 23, 2024October 23, 2024 Posted in Charles Correa Gold Medal 2024Tagged Ecological Conservation GM, Institutional GM, Social Design GM

Author: Harish Karthick V
Site Location: Vasanth Nagar, Bangalore
Institute: BMS College of Architecture
Advisor: Ar. Anand H M

description

Spatial Practices for Planetary Custodianship explores the crucial intersection of climate, environment, and ecology within the built environment, focusing on the Planetary Boundaries framework. It examines climate science and IPCC reports to assess current carbon expenditures in construction and the urgent need to limit our impacts. The study investigates new forms/cultures of building to drastically reduce environmental impact, with particular emphasis on the AEC Industry in the Global South. It throws light on the potential of decision-making that corresponds to the absolute lowest environmental impact possible in a context, and strives to make those decisions with an Impacts-first Decision Framework that undertakes design-stage LCAs, simulations, modelling, and analyses.

The proposed project, Centre for Climate Change: A Climate Museum, Climate Science Research Facility, and Incubation Hub for Climate-positive Start-ups serves as a practical application of the research findings. Situated in Bangalore, India, this project aims to showcase the impacts
of the climate and ecological crisis while embodying low-impact building practices through energy/comfort modelling, materiality, and design for disassembly. The project not only addresses the urgent need
for environmental consciousness but also aspires to be a catalyst for widespread adoption of sustainable spatial practices in the Global South.

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Reclaiming the Gaothan – The case of Ranwar

Posted on October 23, 2024November 5, 2024 Posted in Charles Correa Gold Medal 2024Tagged Mixed use GM, Social Design GM, Urbanism GM1 Comment

Author: Fleur Dsouza
Site Location: Ranwar, Mumbai
Institute: USM’s Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute for Architecture and Env. Studies
Advisor: Shantanu Khandkar

description

East Indian gaothans, historically significant settlements on Mumbai Island, originally numbered 170, but Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) records show that only 70-80 remain due to urbanization. These gaothans, while nostalgic for outsiders, present challenges for senior residents due to strict heritage regulations. These regulations often push residents to sell their homes and relocate to modern flats. Key questions arise: What should be preserved? – to maintain the gaothans’ essence and community spirit, What can be revised? – to ease heritage regulation burdens, and Why are these changes necessary? – to improve livability for seniors.

To address these issues, I conducted a comprehensive analysis of gaothan challenges, leading to a brief of potential solutions. The analysis considered scenarios such as parking difficulties, the need for more living space, and the use of vacant houses. The gaothans were divided into zones for specific strategies, and alternative architectural solutions were designed to address these issues comprehensively.

A form-based code template was created to support future development. This template proposes architectural modifications to enhance residents’ livability while preserving the gaothans’ unique character. It serves as a guideline for future changes, balancing modern needs with cultural heritage preservation. The goal is to address practical issues like parking and space utilization and revise heritage regulations, creating a more livable environment for residents.

This approach aims to retain the gaothans’ community spirit and historical essence while adapting them to contemporary needs, ensuring these unique communities can thrive despite urbanization pressures.

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Research Centre for Renewable Energy & Sustainable Technology

Posted on October 22, 2024October 22, 2024 Posted in Charles Correa Gold Medal 2024Tagged Ecological Conservation GM, Institutional GM, Social Design GM, Urbanism GM

Author: Sanika C. Raut
Site Location: IIT Jodhpur, Campus B , Rajasthan
Institute: Vivekanand Education Society College Of Architecture
Advisor: Dr. Prof. Anand Achari

description

The project’s goal is to establish a centre focused on technology improvement in the RE industry. The major purpose of the center would be to completely transform the RE sector by doing high-quality research in technology, science, and with an industry connection. Because it is a multi-disciplinary area, it requires innovation and collaboration with many sectors and stakeholders. Its primary focus will always be on the advancement and development of the country’s economic growth, social development, and environmental effect.

The centre would be recognized as an education and Entrepreneurship ecosystem Which will be engaged in high quality of research in technological field with also incubation facilities, training centers which will boost the growth and development and will address the issues and barriers by finding solutions of the gaps that needs to be addressed in the field.

Design aim: To create a cutting-edge research facility that is not just energy efficient but also responds to the site’s climate and cultural environment, demonstrating net zero energy.

Design Objectives:

To design a research institution that is technologically advanced while also having a low environmental effect.
Always be responsive to user needs and expectations so that a campus is highly functional, memorable, motivating, engaging, and that effortlessly integrates with the surrounding environment without creating any boundaries and generates a sense of belonging.
To create places that are highly interactive and collaborative for users from all disciplines, as well as a facility that serves as a model for all persons in interdisciplinary fields who can demonstrate technological innovation in real time.
To preserve the essence of the region’s culture and respond to climate change, but also to adapt to low-energy technology while also contributing to the enhancement of the surroundings and the building.
To establish a cutting-edge research centre that tackles issues of sustainability, safety, flexibility, and adaptability to current and future advanced technologies.

Context & Climate Responsive Design.

Design should focus on the context regionalism and architecture culture and its heritage and response to the local climate factor and understanding the micro-climate of the site. To analyse the site conditions and all the physical aspects of site and come up with better solutions to address the issues of site with careful planning which will be resilient enough to withstand future climatic changes. The climate changes that are happening needs to addressed by using passive strategies as much as possible so that not much of active strategies are used to avoid the high energy consumption, also to use less raw material a possible so that it does not impact environment and using a strategy of regenerative materials that can be used again in the technologies or equipment’s that are going to be in the research facility.

Technological and Sustainable Design Integration.

Understanding local building processes and materials, as well as employing local materials. Understanding local construction methods and implementing them in today’s context, as well as the importance of local materials used in hot and dry climates in all historical architectural buildings with current technology intervention of todays and vernacular strategies

Reduce, reuse, and recycle will be the major goals for campus sustainability in all aspects of using resources, diverse service systems, and construction systems to reach net zero energy building. To consider natural ecosystems and water conservation with various rain water harvesting systems to preserve as much water as feasible. To always keep n mind that address the environmental impacts with regards to technology and how can be both integrated very well that neither of the things gets impacted in a negative way.

Passive strategies:

To allow the seamless flow of light, air, and thermal environment into the built form, which can be controlled by building design strategies that will not only protect from harsh environment but will also allow these environmental elements to provide us with the necessities that are required for human comfort. Each building element will have a variable permeability based on the nature of the material to let each environmental control element into the created area.

Jodhpur’s vernacular architecture employs traditional ways to provide comfort in both the summer and winter seasons. Institutional buildings consume more energy, and if they have laboratories and research rooms, they will need a lot of energy to run the equipment and active systems in the building. Because of the significant use of equipment and technology, the room will quickly heat up, resulting in increased cooling loads addressed by passive design strategies and mechanical ventilation or HVAC to maintain the thermal atmosphere. When such passive and active design strategies are used, the building’s cooling demands will be reduced. In hot and dry climates, when the outside temperature is relatively high, the building envelope plays a key function in maintaining heat absorption and storage during the day, ensuring that the inside environment is not compromised. The demand for energy may continue to rise in the future; thus, buildings must be designed to be responsive to future demands. As a result, mixed-mode buildings offer a high potential for energy efficiency while also having a lower negative impact on the environment and community.

The environmental control area of passive design techniques includes the light environment, air environment, and thermal environment

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Transformative Design of Workspaces – A vision for redesigning working spaces for bangle makers in Firozabad’s chudiyan cluster

Posted on October 22, 2024 Posted in Charles Correa Gold Medal 2024Tagged Ecological Conservation GM, Institutional GM, Neighbourhood GM, Public Space GM, Social Design GM, Urbanism GM

Author: Sahil Singh
Site Location: Firozabad, Uttar Pradesh
Institute: DY Patil School of Architecture
Advisor: Prof. Anita Shyam

description

Bangles occupy a profound cultural resonance within Indian society, embodying beauty and tradition of women. Firozabad, famously dubbed as the “City of Bangles,” has served as the epicenter of bangle craftsmanship for centuries. Skilled artisans meticulously create these delicate treasures, sustaining an ancient tradition that harmonizes the rich tapestry of Indian culture. The city lies in the district headquarters of Uttar Pradesh, located 40 kilometers from Agra. The city has a monopoly in glass production and produces 70% of the total glass produced in India.

The city’s majority of the population relies on glass and bangle making as their primary livelihood but the workers endure perilous conditions in the glass industries. The production processes for bangle making necessitate exposure to toxic gasses, smoke, and intense heat, creating a hazardous environment that endangers their health. This not only jeopardizes the well-being of the workers but also impacts the wider community and the environment of Firozabad. A significant factor contributing to these dangers is the city’s current architectural practices, particularly in housing and factory design. The inadequate planning of living and working spaces, along with the poor segregation of industrial zones, underscores a critical need for intervention. The project encompasses a diverse and contrasting urban fabric, integrating industries, housing, and markets as the core elements. While these three components are interconnected by a common thread—bangle making—they serve distinct architectural functions.

The thesis seeks to re-imagine the working environments of the Firozabad bangle-making community, addressing both their livelihood needs and the spaces in which they work, including factories and housing. End goal is the creation of a self-sustaining neighborhood comprising of housing and factory development which create a huge environmental as well as user-centric comfort at all stages. The research delves into the various factors impacting the lives of workers in Firozabad’s glass bangle industry, examining the challenges they face and the social dynamics between different stakeholder groups.

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Saur Saar : 1947 Partition Memorial

Posted on October 21, 2024October 22, 2024 Posted in Charles Correa Gold Medal 2024Tagged Cultural GM, Public Space GM, Social Design GM

Author: Aishwarya Dubey
Site Location: Amritsar, Punjab
Institute: MIT School of Architecture
Advisor: Ar.Lisha Bendre

description

Saur Saar: 1947 Partition Memorial, located in Amritsar, is designed to capture the emotional upheaval of Partition—a time marked by horror, displacement, and loss. The thesis revolves around using simplicity in architecture to reflect these emotions. By blending basic elements like light, volume, space, and levels, the design echoes the emptiness and confusion experienced during this period.

The minimalistic approach strips away ornamentation, allowing light and space to guide visitors through an emotional journey. As the day progresses, light shifts to create a dynamic interplay between shadow and openness, symbolizing both the darkness of loss and the hope of resilience. The building’s levels move visitors from confined, introspective spaces into larger, more open volumes, representing the stages of grief, reflection, and healing.

This memorial is not just a space for remembrance but also a forward-thinking project that embraces climate-sensitive architecture. The design incorporates natural light and ventilation, reducing its environmental footprint while using sustainable materials to align with eco-conscious principles. Amritsar, with its rich culture and deep connection to Partition, is the ideal location for this memorial, where architecture, history, and emotion come together to honour the past while sighting the future. “Saur Saar”, to growing towards light.

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Indian Architectural Museum

Posted on October 21, 2024November 5, 2024 Posted in Charles Correa Gold Medal 2024Tagged Cultural GM, Institutional GM, Public Space GM, Social Design GM

Author: Jagan V
Site Location: Lado Sarai, Delhi
Institute: School of Architecture, Vellore Institute of Technology
Advisor: Dr. Sharmila Jagadisan

description

The project intervenes to bring an architectural museum which tributes to the rich architectural history and memorial to unrecognized Indian architects. Here is the place which not only exhibits the artifacts, but it also connects the story and ideology behind each architectural styles based on the chronological period from Indus valley civilization to Post Independence period. Typically, a museum is a structure that holds artifacts and knowledge presented in various ways. The Thesis looks to demonstrate architectural museum in such way which is played with Ideal and open spaces which is different from other. Climate plays a crucial role in museum if it has more open space compared to enclosed space. The responsibilities of museums encompass more than just the preservation and display of artifacts and informational items; they also involve the offering of learning opportunities. As we observed, technological innovation is not new to museums when it comes to exhibitions; multidimensional interactive displays in museum spaces have an existence that goes back around a year. This museum is designed in such a way with the combination of enclosed space and open space.

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Āśrayaṁ Rebuilding a self-resilient settlement affected by coastal erosion

Posted on October 21, 2024October 21, 2024 Posted in Charles Correa Gold Medal 2024Tagged Neighbourhood GM, Residential GM, Social Design GM

Author: Vaishnavi Desai
Site Location: Uppada, Andhra Pradesh
Institute: IES’s College of Architecture
Advisor: Prof. Vinit Mirkar

description

India’s coastal regions, home to millions, are increasingly threatened by climate change,
including sea-level rise, erosion, and natural disasters. This situation endangers the
livelihoods and homes of coastal communities, often forcing voluntary migration or
government-mandated relocations, resulting in “climate refugees.”

A critical task is identifying at-risk settlements, as existing policies primarily address suddenonset disasters but neglect slow-onset crises like coastal erosion. Current responses, which
focus on temporary relocations and coastal protection, fail to offer sustainable solutions.

This project specifically examines the coastal fishing village of Uppada in Andhra Pradesh,
which is severely affected by erosion. It addresses the needs of climate refugees displaced by
coastal erosion, highlighting the shortcomings of previous government-mandated
rehabilitation colonies, which often result in a loss of identity and belonging due to
standardized designs that overlook the unique needs, traditions, and lifestyles of coastal
communities.

The proposed approach emphasizes retaining Uppada’s organic settlement patterns and
using local materials to foster familiarity and a strong sense of place, helping residents
maintain their cultural ties despite displacement. A participatory, community-driven process
will equip residents with construction skills, empowering them to actively rebuild their
homes while supporting their livelihoods. A modular, incremental design strategy will allow
for flexibility to accommodate the evolving needs of families and their occupations,
prioritizing durable, permanent structures (pakka houses) that ensure stability and security,
and ensuring that rehabilitation efforts result in lasting solutions rather than temporary
shelters.

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The Imprint Of Brutalism in India

Posted on October 21, 2024November 5, 2024 Posted in Charles Correa Gold Medal 2024Tagged Cultural GM, Institutional GM, Mixed use GM, Public Space GM, Social Design GM

Author: Abhinit Pradip Bhoyar
Site Location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Institute: Rizvi College of Architecture
Advisor: Ar. Vrinda Gokhale

description

Brutalism, a style of architecture that emerged in the 1950s post-World War II, gained prominence primarily in Europe as a modern and innovative response to the economic crises many nations faced. Initially celebrated for its stark, honest use of materials and its potential to provide affordable, functional buildings, Brutalism eventually fell out of favor by the 1980s. The weathering of its exposed concrete surfaces often led to perceptions of the style as harsh and unappealing.

In India, the Brutalist movement found expression mainly in Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, and Delhi, with a limited presence in cities like Kanpur, Mehsana, and Bangalore. This research aims to explore the advent of Modernist architecture in India through the lens of Brutalism and its impact on society. Through comprehensive on-site case studies of Modernist buildings in Ahmedabad, Delhi, and Chandigarh, the study delves into how Brutalist architecture interacted with and influenced the urban landscape and the people who inhabit it.

The research also seeks to develop a multidisciplinary platform for architectural discourse, envisioning a space where discussions can be held on various architectural topics, from emerging trends to societal challenges that could be addressed through design. Initially, the Premabai Hall was considered a starting point for this project. However, due to spatial constraints on the plot and the requirement for a minimum built-up area of 4,500 square meters, the possibility of conserving the hall was explored but ultimately deemed unfeasible.

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Community – Education – Engagement

Posted on October 21, 2024October 21, 2024 Posted in Charles Correa Gold Medal 2024Tagged Institutional GM, Public Space GM, Social Design GM, Urbanism GM

Author: Ayaan Imdad
Site Location: Valmiki Nagar, Bihar
Institute: Dayananda Sagar College Of Architecture
Advisor: Ar. Tawhid Kham

description

In response to the need for vocational education in India following the new education policy, the architectural thesis envisions a transformative school that not only imparts vocational skills but serves as a vibrant social hub. This echoes the concept of a “School as Community Center” linking education, skill development, and social interaction. The National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023 provides insights into curricular goals aligned with this vision. The aim is to explore design of sustainable and inclusive learning centers that can become vibrant social hub with focus on vocational education to respond to transforming educational landscape and support development of rural and backward communities. The thesis proposes the infrastructural weaving of “community – education – engagement” by designing a vocational school. It seeks to understand and implement design techniques facilitate community education and promote community engagement through the construction and function of the building.

With the release of National Education Policy 2020 and under the New Curriculum Framework, the Bihar government has approved the construction of 43 new vocational schools that will be open to the public, and its courses will depend on socio socio-economic structure of the local community. These 43 new schools were approved in the year 2021-22 as per a report submitted to the Rajya Sabha.

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Navchetna Kendra

Posted on October 21, 2024October 21, 2024 Posted in Charles Correa Gold Medal 2024Tagged Institutional GM, Landscape GM, Social Design GM, Urbanism GM

Author: Kartik Kohade
Site Location: Nagpur, Maharashtra
Institute: Poornima University
Advisor: Ar. Sumeet Rai

description

This thesis delves into the architectural design of “Navchetna Kendra,” a pioneering
rehabilitation center tailored for individuals grappling with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
(PTSD). The increasing prevalence of PTSD underscores the critical need for environments
that not only provide medical and psychological support but also foster an atmosphere
conducive to healing. Navchetna Kendra aims to meet this need by integrating
innovative architectural strategies that emphasize tranquility, safety, and sensory comfort.
The design leverages principles of biophilic design, which connects occupants with nature
to enhance psychological well-being, alongside principles of sensory modulation to
address specific PTSD symptoms such as hypervigilance and anxiety. Key features include
therapeutic landscapes, private and communal spaces carefully designed to balance
solitude and social interaction, and adaptive environments that respond to the evolving
needs of patients. Through a detailed exploration of spatial layouts, materiality, and
environmental control, this thesis investigates how architectural design can significantly
impact the recovery process, providing insights into creating environments that not only
support clinical interventions but also facilitate holistic healing and resilience.

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“Towards a Sustainable Built Environment: Aligning G20 and UN 2030 Goals”

Posted on October 21, 2024October 21, 2024 Posted in Charles Correa Gold Medal, Charles Correa Gold Medal 2024Tagged Institutional GM, Landscape GM, Social Design GM, Urbanism GM

Author: Akshath Reddy
Site Location: Hyderabad, Telengana
Institute: Acharya’s NRV School of Architecture
Advisor: Ar. Malavika Jayachandran

description

This project embarks on a transformative journey to redefine sustainability within the
architectural realm, aligning with global initiatives such as the G20 and UN 2030 Goals.
Focusing on an Aerospace Research and Development Center, the project probes the
critical question: how can architects integrate sustainable practices into real-world
designs to mitigate environmental impacts?
Recognizing the construction industry’s contribution to 30-40% of global waste, this
project aims to create a carbon-neutral building, reducing pollution from design to
demolition. By positioning architecture as a catalyst for change, it sets a precedent for
minimizing the environmental footprint of the built environment.
The design incorporates both active and passive strategies, including optimal plan
depth ratios, relative compactness, and precise building orientation. A rigorous,
data-driven approach, supported by simulations such as CFD, energy, and shadow
analysis, ensures that every decision is informed by research from leading global
institutions.
Key technologies-Energy Simulation, Circular Economy principles, and Digital Twin
Technology-underscore the project’s innovative approach. This initiative exemplifies the
architect’s role in crafting spaces that not only adapt to but also positively influence their
climate and context, paving the way for a more sustainable future.

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The Last Pause – As a Belief in Varanasi

Posted on September 30, 2023July 2, 2024 Posted in Charles Correa Gold Medal 2023Tagged Cultural GM, Institutional GM, Landscape GM, Mixed use GM, Public Space GM, Residential GM, Retail Design GM, Social Design GM

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.