The Coastal Immanence

Cuffe Parade, Mumbai I Architecture Design Semester 9

Guide: Ar. Hardik Dhedia

Intervening at the handshake of the sea and land the project aimed at creating spaces which beckoned people from all socio-economic backgrounds. Utilising the DCPR to design a public market inspired by the Venetian canals, the project’s main programme was a meditation centre along with therapy spaces.

The design also included public parks, performance spaces and cycling tracks as breakout spaces for tourists who visit Cuffe Parade and the people who work there. The materials majorly used were concrete for foundations, steel spaces frames for the internal support systems and GFRC panels with glazing to achieve a dynamic form which enhanced the skyline of the city.

An illustration analysing the 5 major zones of confluence which have varied socio economic residential populations and a plethora of activites specific to the zone. The aim of the illustration was to put forth the activites by opening the elevations and thus exploring the possibilites of creating a nonintrusive intervention which assisted and improved the quality of life. The above illustration won the second prize in "Graphic of the Year" competition.

The subsequent illustration aimed to showcase the consolidation of activities in the 5 zones of study. Post researching about Maslow’s theory and applying to the existing user groups we arrived at the conclusion of making a wellness and meditation centre at the site. The illustration also tries effectively show the filtration and selection of common functions prevalent on the site.

Exploded Axonometric of the Wellness Centre

The parametric roof pattern flows and turns into the primary divide of spaces between the external wellness functions and internal meditation zone.

Varying modulations in openings and form have been made to control the amount of light as per function below and filter artificial light as the space desires.

One enters the spiritual center on the upper level and the lower level can be accessed via four different staircases and three lift shafts.

These islands of reclamation act as a foundation base for the entire structure and allows to direct movement of water canoes.

The entire structure is supported on 8 massive steel truncated columns which are made on three different pieces of reclaimed land.

External GFRC panels are clipped onto the truss system which follows a lamella pattern.

GFRC sheets help achieve the desired light weight shape that possess good acoustic qualities

The ellipitical void has treated double glass panels that allow permeable light.

Quality of space is enhanced by providing cut outs in the slab which allow for light and persistent sound of the sea.

The interplay of the floor and the roof, varying heights to help the user understand his scale