Architecture Portfolio- Undergraduate Works

Page 1

ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO Selected Works: 2011- 2016

AKSHAYA NARAYANAN


SERENITY IN SECLUSION: GILARDI HOUSE


“The invincible difficulty that the philosophers have in defining the meaning of this word(Beauty) is unequivocal proof of its ineffable mystery. Human life deprived of beauty is not worthy of being called so.� - LUIS BARRAGAN


AKSHAYA NARAYANAN

Date of Birth: 04.02.1993 Address:

973/5, Bharathan Towers, Lakshmanaswamy Salai, K.K.Nagar Chennai- 600 078

Contact:

+91 7358767429 +91 4424852920

Email:

akshaya.narayanan42@gmail.com


Workshops:

Intensive Training Course Arches,Vaults and Domes Auroville Earth Institute, UNESCO Chair Earthen Architecture

Skills:

Software: AutoCAD, Google Sketchup, Revit Architecture, Lumion Adobe: Photoshop, Indesign, Illustrator, Microsoft : Word, Powerpoint, Excel Model Making, Pen and Ink Rendering

Education:

Bachelor of Architecture (Interior Design) 2011-2016 MEASI Academy of Architecture Chennai, India

Work Experience:

Trainee Architect Christopher Charles Benninger Architects India House Pune, India

Language:

English, Hindi, Tamil, Italian(Basic)

Publishing Work:

The Great Architectural Debate: Great City, Great Conversations Architect and Interiors India Worked with team- Architecture for Modern India : Christopher Benninger

Competition Entry:

Arcowiz Design Trophy 2014

Hobbies:

Reading, Writing, Travel and Photography

Jan 2015 - October2015

Berkeley Essay Prize Competition 2014


ARCHITECTURAL WRITING Sanctity vs Sanitation

Pg: 54

The Great Architectural Debate: Pg: 56 Great City, Great Conversations Architect and Interiors India


CONTENTS

Photo Documentation Pg: 58

Management Institute,Pune Pg: 46

26/11 Memorial, Mumbai Pg: 42

I.T Office, Chennai Pg: 36W

Library, Chennai Pg: 38

Adaptive Reuse: Nana wada,Pune Pg: 8

Resort, Puducherry Pg: 22

Auroville Workshop Pg: 52

Boarding School, Panchgani Pg: 48

Rural Documentation & Primary School Pg: 26


01| ADAPTIVE REUSE- NANAWADA, PUNE THESIS DISSERTATION AND PROPOSAL FOR A SKILL DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE

8


9


SITE STUDY/ ANALYSIS

ANALYTICAL DIAGRAM TO STUDY THE CONDITIONS AND MICRO-CLIMATE OF SITE

STUDY ANALYZING TRAFFIC PATTERNS, HISTORICAL / LISTED MONUMENTS AND THE ZONING OF PLOTS IN BUDHWAR PETH (Left to Right) 10


BUDHWAR PETH -HISTORY • ESTABLISHED IN 1703 BY AURANGAZEB • REDEVELOPED IN 1761 DURING PESHWA REGIME • COPPERSMITHS AND POTTERS OF THE AREA WERE DISPLACED DURING CONSTRUCTION OF THE IMPORTANT STATELY WADAS / MANSIONS • PRIMARILY A COMMERCIAL ZONE • 1795-95 WAS THE PEAK OF ITS GROWTH • NO OF HOUSES DECLINED DURING 1805-06 FROM 627 TO 359

TIMBER FRAMED STRUCTURES WITH BRICK INFILL, WITH THE EXTERIOR DISPLAYING A BRILLIANT EXPOSED BRICK PATTERN

TULSHI BAUG TEMPLE PRECINCT KNOWN FOR COLORFUL SETTLEMENTS 11


BUILDING TIME-LINE 1780

1860 s

• Built by Nana Phadnavis- Peshwa Prime Minister

User Profile • Local artisans

• Served as his residence and office

• Conservationists and Historians

• Timber Frame, brick infill, verandas decorated with paintings, Cypress shaped columns

• Public(students, history enthusiasts, tourists)

• Burnt down in a fire • Small portion survived

12

1906-07

• British constructed a neo-Gothic structure on the site for housing a school

2009 onwards

• Intervention to protect the collapsed wada

Peshwa

Neo Gothic


THE CONCEPT

EXISTING

FORM The extension proposed, was planned to fit into the missing chunk of the existent rectangle. The building footprint is matched with that of the Maharashtrian wada that collapsed. The extension planned had to satisfy two requirements : To engage the building with the bustling street life To harmonize with the scale of the existing building

EXTENSION CIRCULATION OPEN TO SKY

VISUAL AXIS The side facing the street has been designed as a transparent screen that offers a straight view into the building’s courtyard, encourages an interaction of the inside with the outside . PROPORTION & VOLUME Buildings proportions have been drawn from the traditional Wada Architecture The extension is linked to the Neo-Gothic building through a cuboid -The Stair Tower. STRUCTURAL SYSTEM The extension is a framed structure comprising of a grid of MS beams and columns. Minimal intervention was made to the old structure A concrete free system was derived 13


The Ground floor encourages PUBLIC interaction with the both the old and the new buildings and has spaces such as the Cafeteria, Souvenir Store, Resource Centre and a Courtyard for installations and performances apart from the Gallery. The extension is a Gallery for the display of the indigenous artifacts, handicrafts and hand-looms that are produced by the Artisans in the workshop. EXISTENT EXTENSION CIRCULATION

PHYSICAL MODEL PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE OLD AND PROPOSED STRUCTURE 14

The First floor of the Building is a Semi-PUBLIC zone wherein the Gallery’s second level is located. From here the Audio Visual room might be accessed where periodic documentaries are played for the Pubic. The northern wing of the floor mainly comprises of the offices, documentation center and a staff room all of which are inaccessible to the Public on a general basis.

The Second Floor is the most PRIVATE where workshops or respectable spaces for the Artisans to work have been provided. The roof of the Gallery is also accessible from this level, and the double height volumes and sloped Mangalore tile roof offer potential for good working environment.


15


Weathering course Brick Laid on Edge Steel Joists 200 mm deep 250 mm deep I-Beam Madras Terrace Roof Brick coping withing niche of the old structure with damp proof membrane Brick Parapet Wall Parapet Detail Floor on Damp Proof Membrane Brick Segmental Arch Lime Concrete Rolled Steel Joists Jack Arch Roof Ridge piece Mangalore tiles Steel Purlins at 330 mm c/c Steel Ridge Mangalore Tile Roof 16


THE GALLERY The interior has been kept minimalist and transparent with slender steel columns clothed in wood, glass and polycarbonate panels. The double height space of the Gallery comprises of a richly carved wooden false ceiling inspired from the old structure that existed in its place. A marble finished folded plate stair, lit from the sides is a stand alone structure that helps connect the people vertically and promotes interaction of the user with the street life outside through its glass wall. Display systems in the Ground floor have also been designed to draw maximum attention to the artifact.

ALUMINUM PATCH FITTING LIGHT SOURCE MOUNTED ON MS MEMBER INFORMATION BOARD PLATFORM FOR ARTIFACT DISPLAY

MONOLITHIC STONE BASE DISPLAY SYSTEM DESIGN 17


THE GALLERY SHOP A shop for Heritage products and memorabilia from the region, the store comprises of a wide display of the various artifacts , handicrafts , clothes and other memorabilia that are hand made and produced by the artisans themselves. It occupies an area of 148 SQ. M and themed in a way to produce a calm atmosphere that draws maximum attention to the Exhibits. An amalgamation of different shades of wood, with glass and elements of traditional Maharashtrian Architecture such as the decorative arches and columns have been retrofitted into this space to help create connect with the past in a contemporary time.

DISPLAY SYSTEM DESIGN Keeping in mind the minimalist approach to display system design, the units were detailed to ensure minimum holes were drilled into the walls

TENSILE STEEL RODS ATTACHED TO BASE USING L CLEATS 18mm THICK PLYWOOD WITH LAMINATE

Wood, Steel and Glass were primary materials used for this purpose GLASS STOPPER

PRESSURE MOUNTED STEEL ROD FIXED TO WALL TENSILE RODS ATTACHED TO BOARD USING L CLEAT 12 mm THICK PLYWOOD WITH LAMINATE 18

18 mm THICK PLYWOOD WITH LAMINATE STEEL FRAMEWORK 10 mm THICK TOUGHENED GLASS


WOODEN JALI TO CONCEAL WALL MOUNTED AC UNIT

DISPLAY RACK

UPPER UNIT INSPIRED FROM THE TRADITIONAL ARCH

RACK FOR DISPLAY OF PHOTOGRAPHS 19


THE CAFETERIA WOODEN PARQUET FLOORING WOODEN PIECE WITH STRIP LIGHTING WATER PROOF MEMBRANE 12MM THICK LIME MORTAR - 1:2:2

This project involved a renovation and reinterpretation of an area inside the Nanawada Building earlier functioning as a class room. The Space is proposed to serve as a Cafe that serves to 40 people from a Satellite Kitchen

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT

10000

3500 4650

4650

4650

4650

4360

8800

5054,68

31005050

JOINERY DETAIL-FLOORING

3000

A

5050

6400

B

5050

4000

4000

6200

C

7110

6200

D 9100

6000

6300

3

6300

4

4500

8200

5

460

2

MS BEAM - 300 X 300 12MM PLY WITH LAMINATE AC CONDUIT GROOVE WITH MS CAPPING

A steel conduit grid has been incorporated on top for lighting. The beam itself was clothed on a wooden box that also doubles up to conceal the electric and the ac conduits. The theme is a mixture of the Maharashtrian, the Colonial with modern designs for the Furniture. BEAM CAPPING DETAIL SEATING DESIGN

2400

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT

6050

7300

1

750

The Jack arches have been kept in tact while the rolled steel Joists were painted Code red. Flooring and Furnishings such as the jali have been inspired from some commonly found Maharashtrian motifs.

7300

MARBLE COUNTER SUPPORTED ON WOODEN BASE

400

550

775

550

600

This seating, draws from the arcades of the corridor outside, as well as the arcade that exists inside. A wooden seat attached to a vertical member that forms into a single unit that creates a frame.

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT

20

WOODEN SEAT ATTACHED TO VERTICAL SUPPORT USING STEEL CLAMP AND MORTISE TENON JOINERY


THE WORKSHOPS The Bamboo and Cane Workshop was conceived to provide a respectable space for the various weavers spread across a 2km radius in this area. Often without proper shelter for their workshops these artisans are forced to carry out their work and business on the streets. The double height space was broken down with the provision of a mezzanine floor. An exhibition area within the workshop encourages workers to display special products. With the idea of Bamboo products made in a Bamboo environment, the interiors comprises of different forms of Bamboo as flooring, panels , screens and light scones to create awareness about the versatility of the material amongst the workers

The Warli Art Workshop aims to provide respectable working conditions for the Warli Artists’ Community. The space was conceived to provide and ‘Earthy’ ambiance, hence an extensive use of terracotta in the form of flooring, wall panels and even fixtures were incorporated withing this space. The workshop also comprises of an exhibition space for the Artists to display their work periodically and hence promote the craft in new unexplored ways.

21


02| BAY RETREAT STUDIO PROJECT: BEACH RESORT, PUDUCHERRY The Beach Resort project comprises of the hotel block, independent villa units hierarchically arranged along the sea facing side of the side. CONCEPT AND PLANNING : The challenge involved optimizing sea view for the hotel and the villas while creating an environment of retreat by integrating the built and the unbuilt . The sea facing side of the site, hence comprises of all these structures. The rooms of the hotel all have a view of the Bay of Bengal, while ancillary functions, services, restaurants and cafe about the central courtyards have a free plan that is a merger of the inside and outside.

The rooms (grey) have been raised on stilts to provide unobstructed views of the sea from the lobby and the courtyards at the ground floor level.

The core (red) is central to the two block Terrace garden on the second floor was introduced over the restaurant. 22


23


TRANSVERSE SECTION THROUGH THE HOTEL BLOCK

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT

1. SUITES 2. COURTYARD 3. CAFETERIA 4. FINE DINING RESTAURANT

GROUND FLOOR PLAN

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT

4

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT

3

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT

2

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT

1

SECOND FLOOR PLAN

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT

24


A calm, harmonious ambiance was worked out for the basic suite. Cool colours with dashes of orange were provided to break the monotony. Glu Lam beams, that are part of the structure itself have been exposed for a contemporary interior.

The 24-Hour Cafe located near the lobby in the beach resort is designed to accommodate 50 people . The ambiance is kept warm and vibrant while the openings have been maximized to bring down the barrier between the interior and the exterior . 25


03| ARIYAKUDI VILLAGE, TAMIL NADU A RURAL DOCUMENTATION AND PRIMARY SCHOOL PROPOSAL Ariyakudi, a Chettinadu(Community of Traders) Village in Tamil Nadu comprises of a diverse society. As a part of the studio project, the village was documented for its planning, culture and people. The activities conducted involve studying the various organizations of the houses, the streets and the symbolically significant structures in this village. Apart from this, a proposal for a primary school was put forth that would be a new landmark socially while merging with the existential Architectural language of this village.

OPPOSITE PAGE: A COLLECTION OF VARIOUS SKETCHES CAPTURING SCENES FROM THE VILLAGE AND INTERESTING ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS 26


27


LINEARITY IN ORGANIZATION Linear organizations express a direction and signify movement,extension, and growth

Linearity in the smallest module- The modest household

3 1

2

4

TYPICAL LAYOUT OF THE BRAHMIN HOUSE 1. THINNAI 2. COURTYARD 3. STORE ROOM 4. BACKYARD

Linearity in the grouping- The streets of the Village

They could be terminated by a symbolically important spaces. In this case , the street was terminated by the towering place of worship - The Thiruvenkadamudiyan Temple.

28

AN ISOMETRIC SKETCH OF THE STREET

A STREET ELEVATION


THIRUVENKADAMUDIYAN TEMPLE This 500 year old temple , was noted for its most remarkable planning and sequencing of spaces A sharp linear axis exists while the path unfolding from the gateway (gopuram) to the sanatorium (garbhagriha) constantly changes visually and spatially to make the experience of this structure truly magnificent. EAST ELEVATION

LONGITUDINAL SECTION

PLAN- TEMPLE COMPLEX

VIEW OF THE GOPURAM


SHIKSHA, ARIYAKUDI VILLAGE, TAMIL NADU STUDIO PROJECT: PRIMARY SCHOOL Based upon the rural documentation of the village, a primary school with a noon meal center was proposed for the village . CONCEPT AND PLANNING : It comprises of a nursery and a primary school , with adequate space for outdoor activities for the children. The local Architectural language of pitched roofs in combination with Madras terrace creates a contemporary setting. The project aims to create a series of interlocking courtyards and classrooms to provide an amicable study environment for the children and a second home for them.

Linear and diagonal axis of courtyards to create a sense of suspense 30

Each module has progressive spaces from open (courtyard) to semi-open(verandas with sloped roof) to closed classrooms .


31


5 4

3 6 2 1. ADMINISTRATION WING 2. MAIN COURTYARD 3. KINDERGARTEN 4. RESTROOMS 5. KITCHEN AND NOON MEAL CENTRE 6. PRIMARY CLASSROOM CLUSTER (WITH COURTYARD)

1 PLAN

LONGITUDINAL SECTION 32


PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT

RIDGE PIECE TILES

PURLINS

WEATHERING COURSE

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT

View of the classrooms with the common courtyard, the sliding, slatted windows are painted in bright colours , that reflect the vernacular style.

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT

TWO COURSE BRICK LAID ON EDGE TIMBER JOISTS OVER BEAM

PRIMARY CLASSROOM - MADRAS TERRACE ROOF

COLUMN DETAIL

TIMBER WINDOW DETAIL

RAFTERS(WOOD)

NOON MEAL CENTRE - MANGALORE TILE ROOF 33

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT


34


WEST ELEVATION SHOWING THE THE ENTRANCE

35


04| AXON STUDIO PROJECT: I.T. OFFICE, CHENNAI The project revolved around the design for an Information Technology company in Chennai. CONCEPT AND PLANNING : The project was conceived as a series of planes with aletnating cantilevers of green belts that doubled up as a breakout space for each floor of the office. An open floor plan was adopted for the workspaces with an off centered Service core to ensure unhindered movement and optimum interaction.

TRANSVERSE SECTION 36


PART SECTION: WORKSPACE

PART PLAN : WORKSPACE 37


05| THE BANYAN STUDIO PROJECT: LIBRARY, CHENNAI The project involved the design of a library for an Arts college. The structure was developed on the existing plot abutting the campus. CONCEPT AND PLANNING : Based on the concepts of octagonal planning , the structure was planned on a 5m x 5m grid. The stack rooms - octagonal in shape are alternated with the rectangular reading rooms, to form an open floor plan. The central atrium helps bring in more natural light into the building while also serving as a lounge for reading magazines and periodicals. The elevation comprises of brick and slate exposed concrete slabs. SECTIONS TO STUDY THE ARTIFICIAL LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS FOR COMFORTABLE READING

38


EAST ELEVATION: AN AMALGAM OF BRICK AND STONE

39


3

4

2

1

5

6

GROUND FLOOR PLAN 1. ATRIUM- LIGHT READING SECTION 2. BOOK ARRIVAL 3,5. STACK ROOMS 4. READING ROOM 6. ADMINISTRATION / WORK AREA (BOOK REPAIR) 40

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

SECOND FLOOR PLAN


41


06| PYLON COMPETITION ENTRY: A MEMORIAL FOR 26/11 MUMBAI TERROR ATTACK A competition entry for the Mumbai 26/11 attacks, this project aims to erect structures in memory of those who lost their lives but also as a remainder to the nation , most specifically the citizens of Bombay of the unity they showed in fighting the catastrophe. CONTEXT AND PLANNING : The site was located on the edge of the Marine drive in Bombay, hence the proximity to water was used well to create a landscaped garden integrated with concrete structures that rose from the ground to merge with the garden creating an environmental symphony. The objective was to provide a powerful yet pleasant experience to this landmark in Mumbai

SUCCESSIVE STAGES OF THE TOWER OF HOPE: GROUND LEVEL: An Open space with a light well MID LEVEL: View of the ruins from the attack TOP LEVEL: View of the city skyline and the water, signifying the presence of hope 42


43


THE GALLERY:

THE LIBRARY:

Designed as a module of two units linked by a glass bridge, The gallery comprises of a winding ramp within. The exhibit, the ruins from the catastrophe are kept in the centre, so that they can be viewed at any point during ascend and descend.

Designed as an independent unit, the library/ resource centre is a concrete shell. While the form of the structure, emerges from the ground as seen in the section, the roof itself doubles up as a breakout space where one could take a stroll.

44

SECTION THROUGH THEGALLERIES

SECTION THROUGH THE LIBRARY

PLAN: GALLERIES

PLAN: LIBRARY


SECTION THROUGH THE SITE 45


07| KIRLOSKAR INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED MANAGEMENT STUDIES DRAWINGS FOR THE ADMINISTRATION BLOCK, PUNE, CCBA The Kirloskar Institute of Advanced Management Studies is nestled amidst the Sahayadri mountain range, in Dhamane (30kms from Pune). The first Phase buildings comprise of the administration, PGP classrooms, hostel buildings and the dining area. The buildings maintain a harmonious language throughout with the help of concrete walls, lofty turrets and interesting wall murals. Courtyards and corridors have been integrated in a manner to serve as spaces of interaction.

PLAN- GROUND LEVEL

PICTURES FROM SITE 46

EXPLODED ISOMETRIC VIEW


1. CORRIDOR 2. CONFERENCE ROOM 3. FACULTY ROOM 4. ADMINISTRATION 4. KUND 47


08| NEW ERA HIGH SCHOOL BOARDING SCHOOL, PANCHGANI, CCBA The New Era High School located in Panchgani is an ongoing project of Christopher Charles Benninger Architects. The project primarily comprises of six blocks namely the administration, the academic, boy’s hostel, girl’s hostel, staff quarters and the dining . The exercise involved drafting working drawings -Unit plans of the Matron’s pantry and toilet in the boy’s hostel along with drawings for a proposal to convert the loft space into a study room.

SITE PLAN 48

1

2


The severely contoured site offered several challenges. The exercise involved designing the dormitory for the boys’ hostel block along with a study at the attic level Opposite page: 1,2. Pictures taken on site

BOYS ‘ HOSTEL PLAN 49


50


51


09| ARCHES, VAULTS AND DOMES CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES USING EARTHEN BLOCKS The training course organized by the Auroville Earth Institute involved an intensive study on the different types of arches, vaults and domes Theoretical studies on optimization and funicular diagrams were conducted which in turn helped in the practical assessment of the workshop. Different types of earthen arches, vaults and domes were constructed using a structural form work.

Masonry Arrangements: Equilateral Arch

Funicular study diagrams for an equilateral arch

STABILITY PRINCIPLES Failure due to central loading

Failure as pier is too thin

Corrections

Corrections

Line of Thrust 52


53


HOW DO YOU DESIGN A HEALTHFUL ENVIRONMENT? In your city, find a building or a public place that helps create a healthful environment. Describe the features of the healthful environment that you admire and why. Tell us what you believe the architect did specifically to make the healthful environment work as it does. Then find a building or a public place that offers an unhealthful environment. Describe the features of the unhealthful environment that you do not admire and why. As an architect, describe specifically what you would have done differently, including working with what governmental and civic resources to Improve the situation.

54

SANCTITY vs SANITATION

10| BERKLEY ESSAY PRIZE COMPETITION, 2013


The Mylapore Temple Tank

The temple tank (locally known as oorani) at Mylapore, Chennai stands unaffected by the ripples of clatter around it. Its subtle yet powerful existence, establishes that strong connection man always found solace in – earth, water and sky .Established by the Pallava rulers, it was a water reservoir, attending to assorted requisites of the religious structure crowning it. Today, it is home to a flourishing bazaar and supports an amalgamation of environments catering to the social and economic needs of the lower income groups while integrating local culture and religion (staging music and dance festivals) that is fast eroding. The tank has appropriate facilities of water disposal and sanitation. It is naturally replenished during the monsoons thereby acting as a self-sustained unit. The tank and its guardian trees also help establish an ecological balance, a dire necessity in this heavily populated region. Healthy environment offers flexibility while accommodating the changing trends and demands of time. Hence, the tank has functioned as a vital bridge between the social, economic conditions (in terms of revenue for the trade around it) and as a religious landmark. A blend of vernacular architecture with remarkable methods of engineering and construction, the oorani is a seamless example of a healthful environment.

Public Toilets on Marina Beach

The Marina beach in Chennai bears a whooping population of 15,000 visitors every day. The provision of hygienic and healthy environments becomes crucial. The existing public toilets fail to oblige. The reasons being their location on an inept site, at the junction of the pedestrian walkway and car park, their lack of

facilities to handle such large crowds. The building itself doesn’t encourage users to maintain hygiene, creating an unhealthy environment.

Design proposal:

Public toilets cater to people from various strata of the society; hence the choice of materials used in construction play a pivotal role. Usage of locally available materials can be studied to construct structures that are secure and create cool interiors against everlasting summers in the city. Systems with minimal water consumption can be installed to reduce water usage and disposal. The dry composting system is one such example .Coupled with rainwater harvesting system, it may ensure persistent water supply. Relocation of toilets to a more secluded zone, with appropriate open to sky spaces will promote natural ventilation and daylight (primary aspects in a healthy environment). An isolated public toilet draws little attention. Instead its integration with green, community spaces could help boost local culture and the revenue of the food stalls and smaller establishments in its vicinity. This flexibility of design could help perceive this structure in new light as healthful and interactive. A comparative study of these contrasting places has matured my thought process on healthy environments. Its delicate yet powerful existence can transform the lifestyle of human beings. It establishes a harmony between man and nature. As I draw end to the essay a perplexing question lingers on my mind -Are we moving closer to Architecture or just building every day? 55


A Report on Z-Axis 2015- Architect and Interiors India

Owing to the diverse range of visiting architects from across the global, the conference proved to be an enlightening platform for students. The architects’ varying approach to design and their sensitivity in dealing with the growing concerns of urbanism provided food for thought. Despite being from different backgrounds, the common denominator among the bigwigs was their passion for humanity and their zeal to make great cities great places, ultimately uplifting and empowering people through architecture. It’s not about style or fluidity in design but about the art of place making at the community, neighbourhood as well as city level. It’s vital to give up building superficial icons and wake up to the need of our society and our failing cities. In a world where the most consistent growth are in the negative aspects of pollution and population, Z-Axis International Conference attempted to not just address these issues but also to encourage dialogue. As we left the auditorium, bags packed with inspiration, ideas and autographs, we realised that a symposium of this sort probably sowed the seeds of a revolution that architecture today genuinely deserves.

56

THE GREAT ARCHITECTURAL DEBATE

PUBLICATION AND WRITING


57


58


1

2

3

4

5

6

PREVIOUS PAGE (Left to Right): Jama Masjid, Ahmedabad; Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur; Haveli, Mandawa 1,2. Acchitagarh Fort, Nagaur 3. Laxman Jhula, Rishikesh 4. Blue City and Meharangarh Fort Precinct, Jodhpur 5. Lighthouse Hotel, Gale 6. Ladia Ram Haveli, Mandawa 59


AKSHAYA NARAYANAN +91 7358767429 akshaya.narayanan42@gmail.com


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.