VEHEMENCE - INTERPRETATION CENTRE | S5 | ASSEMBLY | 26-29

SEMESTER 6 | LOCATION: VELLORE, TAMIL NADU | BUILDING: INDUSTRIAL

HYPOGEAL INTENSITIES OF SKIN : REIMAGINING THE FACTORY

THE PROJECT WAS TO DESIGN A LEATHER TANNING FACTORY IN THE TOWN OF VANIYAMBADI, ONE OF THE HUBS OF TANNING AND PRODUCTION IN TAMIL NADU. RE-IMAGINING ONE OF THE MOST NEGLECTED WORKSPACE TYPOLOGY AND DEVELOPING THE DESIGN AROUND THE IDEA OF A HUMANE WORKING ENVIRONMENT.

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The strategic location of the site near palar river, due to the water availability opened up a great view towards the river from one of its long edges. The case studies done on tanneries in the area was a realization of the deplorable work and living conditions of the tannery workers without any amenities. A master planning strategy was developed focusing on public involvement in the factory complex, through the medium of terrains in the site. The key opportunity being the 8 m level difference in the site, the master planning strategy uses the building tucked inside the terrain thus maintaining very less site coverage. The terrain of the site was used to its maximum advantage for the masterplan. A horizontal circulation spine connects the building at all levels. The spine in fact runs inside the factory at multiple levels, having visual connection with each other. The main spine is covered by the building adjacent providing a shaded pathway making the design climate responsive.