Analysing Victoria Terminus & Hornbill House_Architectural theory_2021-22

TEAM 1. Adnan Motiwala 2. Avantika Pendam 3. Isha Padte 4. Khushi Pednekar 5. Madhavi Kadam 6. Praniti Bhoir 7. Pratima Wagh 8. Riddhi Deshmukh 9. Rucha Joshi 10. Sameep Kamble

TUTORS Neha Panchal Yagnik Bathija

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Based on the readings of Simon Unwin’s Analysing Architecture

SEMESTER 3 2021-22 ARCHITECTURAL THEORY RACHANA SANSAD’S ACADEMY OF ARCHITECTURE 3

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HORNBILL HOUSE

Disclaimer: ‘Enter the world of Hornbill at your own risk.

Once you access the game, you wouldn’t want to stop. To level up the ranks gain the title of “Genius” by filling up the progress bar!’

GUIDE 1. INTRODUCTION 2. TERRAIN 3. WALL 4. ROOF 5. STAIRCASE 6. WINDOW 7. INTERIOR - ENTRANCE - KITCHEN - BEDROOM - TOILET

8. IDEAL GEOMETRY 9. SURROUNDING AREA 10. SUMMARY

Introduction Architects: Biome Environmental Solutions Design Team: Chitra Vishwanath, Anurag Tamhankar, Sharath Nayak Structural Engineer: Shashidar.K.S

WEST ELEVATION

Contractor: Narayan M.C.

GROUND FLOOR PLAN 01

EAST ELEVATION

The Hornbill house is located on an old drying yard sitting on the edge of a water fall. The house opens onto the views of this water fall, a valley with a backdrop of layers of mountains in different hues of blue of the sky, and green of the tea gardens, thereby integrating each of these views strategically from a different direction from within the house.

All the rooms have predominant view of one of these features, while having a glimpse of the rest.

FIRST FLOOR PLAN 02

SECTION AA’ The walls are composite, of stone on the outside and mud bricks on the inside. The exterior stone walls blends with the rock face near to which the building is located and hence rooted to it’s surroundings whereas the inner mud walls provide a feel of warmth and shelter.

SECTION BB’ The striking roof of the villa invokes a sense of flight that one feels while gazing at the views of the valley and hills from within the building.

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TERRAIN Great view of sunset,sunrise, waterfall, forest etcw Ease of access to road or footpath Holiday Day Isolated in itself Away from city Peace

Undulating terrain, incorporation of unevenness in building on the north side the building cuts into the slope, while on the south it rises above the sloping terrain.

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The time taken to experience the structure is well planned.

First the persdon views the structure from a far distance on the top of the hill.

After which the person climbs up the steps which leads to the structure.

The person then sees the door and enters the structure afterwhich experiences the interiors of the space.

This leads to an elaborate time consumption and thus taking in the beauty of the structure.

Thus, the building sites were chosen based on the views, easy access to a road or footpath, and

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WALLS The walls of the building have two layers- external made of stone and internal visually warmer that consist of mud bricks.

STONE

The walls of the building, through its materials and colors, give the impression of blending into the surroundings The raw finish of floors and wall that adheres to the rock face.

MUD BRICKS

Two types of walls are seen majorly in the structure. One wall is visually restricting along with movement and the other one is restricting movement only.

Sheltered Space

Elements do more than one thing . Any wall built creates at least two places - one exposed , one sheltered.

Exposed Space 06

Sound is reflected back by the bricks in the house, thus gives the person a loud and clear voice but doesn’t disturb the neighbouring rooms as sound doesn’t pass through the bricks.

PARALLEL WALLS Structural organisation parallel walls from the structural order and the basis of the spatial organisation of the house.

Structural and spatial organisation 1. Entrance 2. Living room 3. Kitchen and dining 4. Bedroom

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ELEMENT OF REFUGE

House could be as a whole in between.

Series of in between seen in the house.

Trying to root in the scenic outside but giving a confident organising and structuring element through the stone wall

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ROOF Multiplane roofing, forming sharp angles, suggests dynamism in contrast to the conservative walls. The larger area of the roof gives lightness and resembles the spread-out wings of a hornbill, the smaller area of the roof, facing south, resembles the bird’s beak.

Different types of roofs are used for different functions.

The roof provides shaded region as well as it divides the house into a private space and a public space. The top part allows light to come inside the structure.

Effect of lightness as a result of larger area inspired by hornbills.

The roof looks complex but its process can be broken down into simpler objects.

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The hornbill house resembles bird hornbill.

The lager area of the roof gives lightness and resembles the roof spread out wings of a hornbill, the smaller area of the roof facing south resembles the bird’s beak

A preposition, where the person is a refuge and is Guarding, he is being secluded and safe but aware about outside.

Elevation showing the roof securing a place to the interiors.

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STAIRCASE

Different types of staircases are used.

1. A single flight staircase is used in the interiors for a clean look.

2. A staircase is adjusted to the landscape to reach the house.

3. A circular staircase is added since there was less space in that area.

Elements can do more than one thing. The staircase can be used to sit or keep the indoor plant pots.

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WINDOWS One of the skills of an architect is to appreciate the consequences of elements.

It would create negative effect if space above the door was kept empty , but by adding windows it gives a positive effect, which allowed more light to entire inside .

There are multiple windows added in the structure to allow light in. This is done even for a beautiful scenic view.

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Openings oriented to get better views and light .This compromise on structure to create a better space.

Window frame provides a view into a room but the room itself frames the life it accommodates.

Doorway frames - people coming in and going out.

Huge windows allow view or the scenic expanse.

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Changes in interior for spatial needs - framing a view.

A frame can be a structure and a boundary but its helpfulness also comes from being a frame of reference according to which one develops an understanding of where one is. The person outside cannot see the interiors but the person inside can see outside thus the privacy of the space is maintained.

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INTERIOR LIVING ROOM In the sitting area, people sit next to each other which makes the place friendly.

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A warm light is used at the dining table to give a homely warm feeling to the people eating their food at the table.

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KITCHEN AND DINING

PLACE TO EAT

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Most activities in room are associated with bed. Moving in the room means moving around the bed. Generally this room is located upstairs such that it is well separated from the living room.

This bed is placed in Jackfruit (Name of the bedroom on second floor).

Jackfruit has more privacy has more privacy and comes with private balcony and sit out with a stunning panoramic view.

Bed is a separate piece of furniture in bedroom, its own self contained form fixed into the architecture of house ! it is the important part in the organisation of spaces into places.

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VERANDA- ONE IN NATURE

Jutting out from the normal square -basic alignment.

Taking away focus from oneself into the outside world.

The idea that one is part of the the nature is accepted which is strongly defied in the normal city based interiors.

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TRANSITION SPACES

Pathways are defined as transition spaces between two static places.

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IDEAL GEOMETRY -Irregular arrangements of rooms, not along axis, -Division of spaces -Leading to a formation of core area -Can be called as the heart of the space.

Gathering of four horizontal directions at right angles to each other.

Hence central corridor can be called as the focus of the construct.

-Square plan -Gives a sense of rightness -Due to complete and geometric figure Advantages of a square plan 1. Practicality - An equal balanced space for utilization.

2. Easy approach to a design.

3. Most readily available idea.

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SURROUNDING AREA view from bedroom 2

bedroom with sloping roof and balcony which gives a valley view Stratification is the difference in experience it provides at different levels of a building view from bedroom 1 double heighted room

Some elements are associated with one thing.

The proximity between wall and hill leads to unpleasant unusable space.

Unusual space

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SUMMARY

-Form follows symbolism.

-Roof serves both structural and spatial functions.

-Change in sloping form of the roof to accommodate spatial needs -Dormer window with roof inspired from hornbill’s beak.

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-Double height breaks the standard model of a house.

-Distortion of grid for spatial needs 26

HORNBILL HOUSE

DUTY-“To implement the learned pieces granted here” Hornbill could stand as an example.

One that inspires from what nature has to offer.

Wide windows confidently placing the stay in a beautiful expanse while evolved symbolism in the roof granting it the comfort of privacy .

VICTORIA TERMINUS

Disclaimer: ‘Grandeur could enchant you to a world different. If a master’s title is wanted continue filling the progress bar.’

GUIDE 1. INTRODUCTION 2. EXTERIOR 3. WALL 4. ROOF 5. STAIRS 6. DOORWAY 7. WINDOWS 8. COLUMNS AND CORRIDORS 9. SURROUNDING AREA 10. SUMMARY

INTRODUCTION -Gothic Revival -Context : Victoria Terminus was built to to house the principal terminus and headquarters of the Great Indian Peninsular Railway, today's Central Railway.

-Content : Mumbaikars -Defined Area of Ground -This is a rectangular area around the structure that forms the imaginary boundary of the structure.

Ground floor plan

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First floor plan

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Second floor plan

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The plan is placed on a 5x5 grid The plan can be assumed to be composed of 6 squares -But we don't perceive the plan as 6 squares aligned along a central axis -Rather we perceive it as a 'C' shaped axially symmetric form What would be the need of a C shape?

-Welcoming -Promotes discussion -Denotes protection

-Architect: Frederick William Stevens -Built during British Rule -Inspired by the design of St Pancras Station ,London 35

West elevation Geometry In the Elevation -Axial Symmetry -Golden Section Striking features -Ribbed vaults -Rose Windows -Stained Glasses -Different Arches -Giant Spiral Staircase -The Mumbai Skyline -Turrets

East elevation

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EXTERIOR The west facade of Colours are the structure is its used to dominant side as all the light up the entrances face the west structure at side and it has a more night thus horizontal look and a creating an wide presence. attraction.

Malad stone is used in the exterior which gives cst its warm colour. The stone also keeps the interiors cool compared to the exteriors as it absorbs the heat. and doesnt let it enter the interior spaces.

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Transition spaces leading to a central space acts as the heart of the space.

The ‘C’ shaped plan creates an enclosing space and makes the courtyard the central axis. .oooutsideooutside structure which is outside.

The central walking space is a pit as it is a defined area to walk This forms a fixed pathway and leads the person to the structure after the person appreciates the central statue.

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turning of parallel walls , extended repetition creating spaces The bay window shown presents a case of a secluded place for looking outwards, A place for guarding,ETC. A buffer space in terms of a porch is given before the main structure begins where the cars can drop the person during rains thus protecting the person from getting wet.

A porch not only marks entrance, it also identifies a place of transition ..between inside and outside.

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LIGHT AND SHADOW The artificial lighting in the interior space used is very soft which highlight part ofthe structure.

This strip of light highlights the interiors and exteriors as there people need to see clearly as money is exchanged.

The glass in the dome lightens up the dome thus highlighting the dome.The stained glasses are specifically used to set the mood and tone of the interior space.The interior spaces have different lights throughout the day.

During the day the natural light lights up the space whereas during night artificial light does the job.

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WALLS Elements do more than one thing.

The primary role of wall is to enclose the interior, but here it also act as a place for display

Turning of parallel walls create extended repetition thus create spaces . organization of space using parallel wall strategy.

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sense of direction created by means of parallel walls.

-Space accommodated within the walls -Parallel walls form the structural order and the basis of the spatial organization of the house.

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Walls are used as guiding paths throughout the corridor hence framing a path throughout the structure and giving a view to the streets as well.

Removal of some portion of the wall for the wall for defining large spaces

parallel walls enclosing a space 43

Walls are used as guiding paths throughout the corridor hence framing a path throughout the structure and giving a view to the streets as well.

-The stone absorbs the sound. This is much needed as during announcements, due to the scale of the space, there shouldnt be echo happening, thus the stone absorbs the sound and prevents that from happening.

-The material color is used on the wall to add a highlight to the structure.

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ROOFS The statue of progress acts as a marker and signifies the importance of the railways as it is paving the way with the torch in her hand and the wheel signifies the railways.

The statue is kept at the extreme top such that it is visible from a further distance as well. This increases the circle of presence and visibility of the structure.

It commemorates the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria and frames her memory.

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Since the structure follows Victorian Gothic Revival style, the spires were added to the structure. These spires acted as markers in the city thus highlighting the most important structure for the railways at that time. This lead to different types of roofs to be formed from within. The spires required a steep sloping base for it to rest on whereas the other part of the structure has a gable roof thus forming the space for an attic as well. The other floors also had a flat roof with ribbed vaults. There was also a dome in the centre which acted as a roof.

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Squinches The dome was built to make the interior space feel grander when looked from below thus showing the importance and scale of the human and intimidating the human showing how important the structure is.

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STAIRCASE

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Grand Staircase Corridor Grand staircase accompanied by intricate wall reliefs Could be termed as a celebrated In between , that allows the person to ponder about, a medium to feel relaxed.

More importantly the dome seen at the top.

Its grandeur transfers one to a place away from the immediate surrounding.

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The building Wconsist of three level .

The lower level is for pasengers .

The second and third floor ae for the officers of the administration .

The ascent to the noble level is by a pair of staircase .

In this way the structure is used as an instrument for elevating the officers and staff members from the odinary ground level to higher place 50

DOORWAYSVisualgranted permeability is to attract people in the premises.

Tympanum

Due to a lot of openings ,there is good ventilation that happens within the structure. The doors also act as an entry for the passage of air.

The doorways have multiple offsets as the walls at the bottom are thick as it is load bearing in nature.

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WINDOWS BAY WINDOWS

We are used to looking at the world through frames: the frames of windows.

These windows could provide an area in which women could peer out and see the activities on the street outside their homes while remaining invisible.

These are placed extruding the wall so that the road view is seen

THese small openings thus initiate the idea of being guarded-safe and still aware about everything ELEVATION 52

STAINED GLASS

Clear storey windows are added to allow light in the structure. It increases the grandeur of the structure.

Under the central domeabove the staircase lobby Right below the dome, in the central lobby, one finds Gothic stained glass windows. On a sunny day, sunlight comes in though the windows, showering the main lobby in colours.

Staircase area 53

COLUMNS

elements do more than one thing at once. walls are often structural as they holdup a roof , but their primary role is to define boundaries of a place . other structural elements can have this role too. a line of columns can also define a path 54

column serve as a purpose of parallel walls and define spaces

cruciform columns on the first floor define spaces without the involument of structural elements 55

Wide square column on the ground floor cause thats where the load comes.

Wider circular column on the First floor.

Thinnest columns since its on the highest floor and doesnt have to take up much load 56

CORRIDORS

Circulation spaces

A corridor often has entry points to rooms

Corridortypically narrow in comparison to its length and acts as a passage connecting different parts of a building. 57

Staircase leads to a corridor on every floor.

The corridor is seen extended like a envelope all around, connecting all the rooms , related and far away services. along it.

The walk through the corridor moreover puts the person at an”Outsider proposition” when looking at the rooms on the other side.

Rooms of other side seen 58

SURROUNDING AREA

The building has a distinct circle of presence as the building is located along the road.

But the circle of vison does not reach very far as the building around it are of equal size and of same style.

The elevation of the building are blocked by the trees nearby.

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The structure does not have a road perpendicular to the its dominant side.

The line of passage to the structure are linear but the trees and building does not allow the structure to be visible from far away.

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CONCLUSION CST was built by Britishers to glorify railways, and to celebrate the rule of Queen Victoria in India. It was a venture started by the Britishers. So, it is a commercial, political and public building.

CST in many ways is a example of temple, as one of the major intent to build this building was to creat dominance.

It does not interact with surrounding, with rsetricted boundries. It stands aloof.

To attract attetion, it has a central space, intracte work is done to make it look handsome; its height, huge dome and the statue on it make it visible from far as well.

The height of the structure gives a sense of opposition to gravity. Making the construct look off scale with respect to human with monumental scale.

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The Plan and Elevation follow grid, its form is ideal, dictated by geometry and axial symmetry.

The entrance is huge, grand circular staircase and statues mark the entry to show the royalness. The windows have stained glass, telling the story of British Empire and glorifying its supposedly progressive nature.

Since this a important building the mterials used in the building is exclusive and one of the finest, imported from various places.

Bright colours and intricate motifs are used to enhance the richness of building and make it as attractive as possible.

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Unlike an archetypal temple, it also surves to the needs of human, and responds to weather in various ways.

Waiting hall Carriage porch Entrance hall Despite these all efforts to make the structure asdominating as possible, it coudn’t stand the test of time. Because of the ever increasing pollution and other reasons, there is decay of marble, degradation due to seepge of water, cracing of columns and paraphet walls, bucking of windows can be seen. To protect this important monument, steps are taken to conserve it , like area around it is declared as buffer zone.

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VICTORIA TERMINUS

GUIDE LOL

DUTY -To implement in action the learned pieces granted here” Built to embody progression and royalty, CST still satisfies its purpose at its best.

It is one of its kind. Born to serve the promising future, it continues to stand proudly, reflecting the time it saw.