River Responsive Stories – Communal Engagement

Author: Abhishek Hegde
Site Location: Panvel, Maharashtra
Institute: Pillai College Of Architecture, Navi Mumbai (PiCA)
Advisor: Prof. Swapna Ghatge

description

The primary goal of this dissertation is to comprehend river deterioration awareness.

Water is continuously changing states, traversing borders, and feeding (and killing) life. This project also conducts a poll to determine the level of knowledge among those who use rivers and inadvertently degrade them.

By recreating the Babughat, the project aims to establish a link between permanence and ephemerality, re-allocating activities and enhancing the ephemeral nature of space on the ghats of Kolkata. On the other hand, as an extension to this ephemeral nature, creating permanence with enhanced temporality.

In addition to that, the project also focusses on incorporating the element of belief that the people of Kolkata majorly have by attempting to uplift the Kumortuli’s idol making community and develop a very interesting relationship between users and their beliefs. Kolkata being the cultural capital of India, to depict and experience culture, one major principle of landscape urbanism is taken into consideration, where the cultural corridor enables every user to witness the traditionality and get themselves well versed with the vibrancy that every placemaking element has to offer.

drawings

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‘Assam Art & Craft Village’, Guwahati

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

description

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

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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Public Library Complex & Digital Hub, Rohini, New Delhi

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

description

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

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

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

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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The Urban Retreat : A Comprehensive Refuge for varied Psycographs

Author: Ruchira Rathod
Site Location: Mumbai
Institute: Rachna Sansad’s Academy of Architecture (AOA)
Advisor: Swati Chokshi

description

Cities have become our new homes for the majority of us. Previously, due to migrations, there was a concept of ‘hometown.’ This loss of ‘hometown’ has lost fewer of us who live in the city a much-needed respite. A getaway that allows us to unwind and break free from our daily routines.
Nowadays, taking a “break” is associated with using social media rather than participating in group activities. When it comes to defining the term “break,” biases in components like gender, age, and space were seen. Definitions are strongly impacted by the respondent’s age group. The purpose of this study is to determine the definition of a break for various age groups living in the city. And how can a location give a refuge that caters to the concept of a ’retreat’? Finding a place within the city limits where users may recharge themselves.
The chosen site is located in Mumbai, at Mulund Octroi Naka which has a strong contextual demand. The concept was derived from site prompts, with safety being the primary concern that needed to be addressed. Porosity was implemented through a scattering of built masses, greens, hubs, and organic waterbodies. the elements of porosity were introduced as a module of built function.

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Centre for Knowledge and Excellence, Bangalore

Author: Raghav Krishnappa Ramesh
Site Location: Bangalore
Institute: School of Planning and Architecture (SPA Delhi), New Delhi
Advisor: Prof Tanuja BK, Prof Vikas Kanojia

description

The design seeks an inquiry into the idea of production of space and nature while exploring the theory of “Uneven development” in the city of Bangalore. In theory, rapid urbanisation and road networking alter the dynamics of the ecosystem, and the negative impacts are felt by the urban poor and the larger ecological gestalt. This mode of development does little to help a large number of blue-collar/informal labourers who depend on local means of production. What began as an antithesis to the idea of “uneven development” transitioned into understanding the value of a “geographical void”. Can these voids be revitalized to serve as a more significant catalyst to stitch the broken urban fabric of the city? To revitalize the depleting lakes of the city, the first step lies in addressing the issue at the source: the stormwater drains. A major part of the design seeks to revitalize the adjoining stormwater drain by proposing a number of recycling workshops and organic urban farms. The Center for knowledge and Excellence is designed as an Integrated Public Amenity, one which provides equal learning opportunities for varied user groups. The Public library component of the design is placed in correlation with the neighbouring school premises to increase the targeted footfall. Other community-based functions like seminar halls and Open source classrooms are placed toward the community park to encourage users from the neighbourhood to use the centre. The design makes use of contemporary and local materials like exposed concrete, brick cladding and chappadi stone. Given the modest climate of Bangalore, the centre makes use of open courtyards to create smaller microclimates which helps cool the building naturally. Overall, the design seeks to create a solution which can give back to the city as much as it claims as its birthright. The thesis aims at uncovering an alternative approach to the theory of the production of space and nature while reinventing the conventional idea of an Urban Hub.

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Modality of Spatial Narratives: Proposed film archive & Museum

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

description

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

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Center of Excellence for Sustainable Development

Author: Mansi Dharmendra Kabrawala
Site Location: Surat
Institute: Sarvajanik College of Engineering & Technology (SCET)
Advisor: Ar. Snehal Shah

description

India is a major emitter of greenhouse gases and one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change. The country is experiencing significant climate changes and a variety of impacts such as water scarcity, heat waves, drought, etc. Countries across the world have realised the urgency of sustainable urban practice. Accordingly, we need a new approach to architectural design – the one simultaneously addressing the complex environmental issues and other that meet the needs of contemporary societies and economies. Therefore, the question here arises, how to see this challenging moment as an opportunity to look at innovations that is relevant to a society?

Since cities strive for economic development, environmental development is always overlooked by all the sectors of the industry. Time and again, Designers are one of the responsible creators where each design action can affect lives of the users. With an

increased awareness that comes with these emerging issues, today’s globalized society needs to find an effective design solution that would bring out innovative ways to merge the present with future, that creates a better world for all!

The thesis addresses to the major challenges of our time and in the future through Climate Responsive Design Approach.

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Design of a mixed-use sustainable tower in Mumbai

Author: Kurada Sharmila Dharani
Site Location: Mumbai
Institute: Department of Planning and Architecture NIT Rourkela
Advisor: Dr. Basudatta Sarkar

description

The most concerning problem in the fastest growing cities around the world is the increase in population with no adequate infrastructure. All the fastest-growing cities are the synonyms of pollution, exploitation of natural resources, etc these days. So, the challenge here is to fit the urban population within the limits of the cities and to develop their neighbourhood as a whole to give them a sustainable life where there is no exploitation of natural resources and pollution, rise in temperature, climatic change, but paves their and the world’s way ahead in terms of green practices. The design – Mixed-Use Sustainable Tower at Mumbai, achieved LEED Platinum rating following the sustainable credits as required under the diverse categories. The project also provides free energy for the resident’s lifetime through the usage of renewable energy techniques and systems. The project sets an example of sustainability and its ability to transform the neighbourhood and the environment as a whole.

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AI + X Research Centre

Author: Amay Raskar
Site Location: Pune, Maharashtra
Institute: SMEF’s Brick School of Architecture
Advisor: Ar. Ninad Rewatkar

description

In this constant growth of technologies, AI has come up on top as a major factor in the growth and development of a country if used in an appropriate way.

Ai is a branch of computer science dealing with the simulation of intelligent behaviour in computers. So like The basics of technology roots out from wars and the military. From refrigerators to mobile phones to electronic computers.

AI has also bled in the everyday life since Alan Turing to today’s Google and siri. But apart from that, there have been recent advancements in the healthcare agriculture education and smart cities and smart transportation. Inferences being application use of AI in Sustainability, architecture, construction, environmental implication, water consumption, light control, improved agricultural practices etc. India After a lot of attempt in trying to establish private connections, the development and growth was not enough and most importantly it was not enough for the aiming to be the AI garage for 40 percent of the world i.e be a global provider of solutions to the rest of the world, as india has its diverse issues and unique scenario a push towards this direction would get us closer to this goal. It has proposed for the creation of CORE, ICTAI and CSTS, with core focus on healthcare, agriculture, education, smart city and smart transportation.

With this the proposal of CORE ICTAI and CSTS I tried to wrap my thesis project around the same proposal.

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Colonies of Anthropocene

Author: Devayani M
Site Location: Sundarbans
Institute: R V College of Architecture
Advisor: Anup Naik, Mehul Patel, Nagaraj Vastarey, U Seema Maiya

description

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.

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Flood Resilience in Mumbai

Author: Brendon Joseph Dlima
Site Location: Mumbai
Institute: L.S. Raheja School of Architecture
Advisor: Ar. Mridula Pillai

description

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’

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A Net Zero Design Intervention for Sustainability Research Institute at M.S.University of Baroda

Author: Ansh Shah
Site Location: Vadodara
Institute: SEDA, Navrachna University
Advisor: Shantanu Jana

description

The chosen site for the proposal is adjacent to the historic D.N.Hall and the modernist KAAF building. We strive to continue the legacy of coming up with periodic design decisions by adding a contemporary touch to the campus. We envisage to create an extension that would teach-


Students: to go through a learning journey that includes everything from collaborating on design decisions to technology selection and system monitoring.
Faculty: They can participate in continuous research initiatives that improve their expertise and academic credentials as early adopters of intriguing new technologies.
Local Schools: Obtain a greater understanding of what is achievable and motivation for future generations to work toward a more energy-efficient society.
The Larger Community: The building embodies sustainable development principles and serves as a model of sustainability for universities and professionals nationwide.


Since the building will be part of an academic curriculum, it will feature experimental aspects that will be evaluated. The proposal will serve as a prototype for monitoring the zero net energy results across time. This information shall also aid in the development of a precise design plan for transforming the M.S.U. campus into a zero net energy campus in future.

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Decoding Cultural Trauma: The Case of Girangaon, Mumbai

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

description

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

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

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Pop-Up Structures For Temporal Scenario

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

description

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

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

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Infrastructure for Artistic Practice

Author: Manish Shravane
Site Location: Thane, Maharashtra
Institute: School of Environment and Architecture, Mumbai
Advisor: Milind Mahale & Sabaa Giradkar

description

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.

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Centre for Arts and Sciences Originated in India University

Author: Vivek Eadara
Site Location: Hyderabad
Institute: Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University, Hyderabad
Advisor: M. Vinod Ganesh

description

This project is a pursuit of seeding our arts and sciences into modern Indian societies, as a cultural phenomena.

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Lokmanch: A Citizen Narrative of Democratic India

Author: Harshit Narnoli
Site Location: Central Vista, New Delhi
Institute: University School of Arch and Planning, GGSIPU, New Delhi
Advisor: Prof. Baljeet Khurana

description

The thesis questions and tries to establish the sensitivity of the relationship between the state and civilians with architecture as the medium. The project was an attempt to envision a contemporary institution within the rich contextual and cultural heritage of India that focuses on the idea of democracy.

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A.C.T.I.V.E. – Altering Cognition Through Interactive & Voluntary Engagement

Author: Kevin Shah
Site Location: Ice Factory & Fish Market Plot, Pandurang Ramle Marg, Versova
Institute: Rachana Sansad Academy of Architecture, Mumbai
Advisor: Ar. Snehal Gaikwad

description

The project method aims towards understanding and unraveling the traditional social binding patterns of Versova Koliwada and relating them with the cognitive capabilities. The daily routines of different categories of habitant users groups are elaborated and mapped in the context of the village. Personal discussions with the same group of users are collected and mapped, in response to their cognitive behaviours based upon the variables of WHODAS 2.0 questionnaire. A linear study of the findings from the social and cognitive mappings is compared.

The study finds out that there are overlaps between the places of occurrences of social and cognitive stimulation, and a majority of these activities occur in and around the livelihood common areas which are volatile in condition.

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