Nai Suva Centre, Capacity Building for NGO in Rural Bengal

ARCHITECTURAL THESIS

Nai Suva Centre CAPACITY BUILDING FOR ‘MALLARPUR NAI SUVA’ AN NGO IN RURAL BIRBHUM, WEST BENGAL

ARGHYA MANDAL A/2451/2012 FIFTH YEAR B.ARCH. SCHOOL OF PLANNING AND ARCHITECTURE, NEW DELHI 0

Acknowledgement I take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all the people who have helped me in shaping this thesis. Starting with the first discussions about rural architecture and a community facility with Prof. ML Bahri sir and Ar. Meena Mani Ma’am. The project got in shape with further discussions with Prof. Jaya Kumar Ma’am and Prof. M Mathur sir. Constant checks by Ar. Anamika Bagchi ma’am also kept the project on track.

The exposure about alternative technologies by Ar. Zeenat Niazi at Development Alternatives helped me decide the technology to be adopted in this project. Huge information database with Ar. Siddharth Menon helped me throughout the semester.

I would also like to thanks, President of Mallarpur Nai Suva NGO for giving me the exposure to the Santhal communities.

Lastly, thanks to my family and friends for tolerating me throughout the duration of the course.

Thank you.

5.1: Structural Systems 5.2: Services

TABLE OF CONTENTS

41 43

LIST OF FIGURES

2

Chapter 6: SWOT

48

PART A: DESIGN INVESTIGATION

3

PART B: DESIGN TRANSLATION

50

Chapter 1: Introduction 1.1: Synopsis 1.2: Synopsis (Hindi) 1.3: Rural Architecture in 21st century India 1.4: Thesis Proposition

3 4 5 6 8

Chapter 7: Concept Development

50

Chapter 8: Design Development

52

Chapter 9: Final Design

57

References

75

Bibliography

75

Chapter 2.1: Research Areas 2.1.1: Architecture for Community 2.1.2: Understanding the ‘NGO: Mallarpur Nai Suva’

9 10 12

Chapter 2.2: Case Studies 2.2.1: Centre of Hope, Trichy, India 2.2.2: Development Alternatives, Delhi, India 2.2.3: Friendship Centre, Gaibandha, Bangladesh 2.2.4: Comparative Matrix

14 15 18 21 24

Chapter 3: Project Introduction 3.1: Essence of the project 3.2: Area Program 3.3: Functional Diagram

27 28 29 32

Chapter 4: Site Introduction 4.1: Site Information 4.2: Site Photographs 4.4: Site Plan 4.3 Conclusions

33 34 37 38 39

Chapter 5: Technology research

40

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LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1 Typical street view in Mallarpur, conjuncture of vernacular and contemporary architecture (Source: Author) ............................................. 6 Figure 2 Yakshi learning Centre, Telangana (Source: Ar. Siddharth Menon) .................................................................................................................. 10 Figure 3 Anubhuti Seva Samiti (Source: Ar. Siddharth Menon) ................ 10 Figure 4: Workshops with local community (Source: wrkshp.org) ........... 11 Figure 5: Construction of Hariharpur Project (Source: wrkshp.org) ......... 11 Figure 6 Centre of Hope (Source: Hundredhands) ................................... 15 Figure 7 Circulation and courtyards (Source: Hundredhands) ................. 15 Figure 8 Section and Elevation (Source: Hundredhands) ......................... 16 Figure 9 Ground Floor Plan (Source: Hundredhands) ............................... 16 Figure 10: First Floor Plan (Source: Hundredhands) ................................. 17 Figure 11: View from approach road (Source: Hundredhands) ................ 17 Figure 12: Development Alternatives (Source: Author) ........................... 18 Figure 13: Site Plan (Source: lafargeholcim-foundation.org) ................... 18 Figure 14: Section- Details (Source: lafargeholcim-foundation.org) ........ 19 Figure 15: Displacement Ventilation (Source: teriin.org) ........................ 20 Figure 16: Interior (Source: Author).......................................................... 20 Figure 17: Friendship Centre, Bangladesh (Source: akdn.org) ................. 21 Figure 18: Pedestrian Axis (Source: akdn.org) ......................................... 23 Figure 19: Views of the Center (Source: akdn.org) ................................... 23 Figure 20: Functional Diagram and Adjacency Diagram of Different Components (Source: Author) .................................................................. 32 Figure 21: Location of the site (map source: Wikimapia.com) ................. 34 Figure 22: Solar Path at site (Source: Autodesk)....................................... 35 Figure 23 Solar irradiance at site (Source: weatherspark.com) ................ 35 Figure 24 Wind Direction at site (Source: weatherspark.com)................. 36

Figure 25: Average Temperature of Mallarpur (Source: weatherspark.com) .................................................................................................................. 36 Figure 26: view of Ramakrishna Ashram from site (Source: Author) ....... 37 Figure 27: view of Petrol pump from site (Source: Author)...................... 37 Figure 28: view of site from railway line (source: Author) ....................... 37 Figure 29: Custom CSEB (Source: Auroville Earth Institute) ..................... 41 Figure 30: Funicular Shells (Source: BMPTC) ............................................ 42 Figure 31: Ferrocement Channels (Source: BMPTC) ................................. 42 Figure 32: Biomass Gasifier (Source: TERIIN.org) ..................................... 43 Figure 33: Solar Chimney (Source: TERI) ................................................... 44 Figure 34: Earth Air Tunnel (Source: TERI) ................................................ 45 Figure 35: Displacement Ventilation (Source: TERI) ................................. 45 Figure 36: Phytorid System (Source: NEERI) ............................................. 46

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PART A: DESIGN INVESTIGATION Chapter 1: Introduction 1.1: Synopsis in English 1.2: Synopsis in Hindi 1.3: Rural Architecture in 21st century India 1.4: Role of Architects 1.5: Thesis Proposition

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1.1: Synopsis Projections show that due to urbanisation, 50% of world’s population will be residing in urban areas by 2050. This is a milestone in the history of human settlement. We all know the importance of a strong foundation for a strong superstructure. In order to be prepared for this milestone, rural development will provide us with the needed foundation for the urban development of this scale.

As per 2011 census, about 70% of India’s population resides in rural areas.

I take this opportunity of this thesis to research in the direction of sustainable architecture for rural Birbhum district of West Bengal, where the site for a centre for Mallarpur Nai Suva is located. This non- profit organisation works for the welfare of Santhal communities of this region.

The site is immensely rich in resources like laterite soil, basalt stone, huge solar energy and good and skilled craftsmanship among others.

These opportunities have been harnessed in the project and properly translated in the architecture of the project.

This facility for the community has been designed to cater for decades to come. And it will also inspire the local community to adopt alternative construction technology for their personal construction projects.

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1.2: Synopsis (Hindi)

अनम ु ान बताते हैं कि शहरीिरण िे िारण, विश्ि िी 50% आबादी 2050 ति शहरी क्षेत्रों में रह जाएगी। यह मानि ननपटान िे इनतहास में एि मील िा पत्थर

है । हम सभी एि मजबत ू अधिरचना िे ललए एि मजबत ू आिार िे महत्ि िो

जानते हैं इस मील िा पत्थर िे ललए तैयार होने िे ललए, ग्रामीण वि​िास हमें इस पैमाने िे शहरी वि​िास िे ललए आिश्यि आिार प्रदान िरे गा। 2011 िी जनगणना िे अनस ु ार, भारत िी लगभग 70% जनसंख्या ग्रामीण क्षेत्रों में रहती है ।

मैं इस शोि िे इस अिसर िो पश्श्चम बंगाल िे ग्रामीण बीरभम ू श्जले िे ललए

स्थायी िास्ति ं ान िरने िे ललए लेता हूं, जहां मल्लारपरु ु ला िी ददशा में अनस ु ि नई सि ु ा िे ललए एि िेंद्र िी जगह श्स्थत है । यह गैर-लाभिारी संगठन इस क्षेत्र िे संथाल समद ु ायों िे िल्याण िे ललए िाम िरता है ।

साइट लेटराइट मिट्टी, बेसाल्ट पत्थर, विशाल सौर ऊर्ा​ा और अच्छे और कुशल मशल्प कौशल र्ैसे संसाधनों िें बेहद सिद् ृ ध है । इन अिसरों को पररयोर्ना िें

लगाया गया है और पररयोर्ना की िास्तक ु ला िें ठीक से अनि ु ाद ककया गया है । समद ु ाय िे ललए यह सवु ि​िा आने िाले दशिों ति परू ा िरने िे ललए डिजाइन िी

गई है । और यह स्थानीय समद ु ाय िो अपनी ननजी ननमा​ाण पररयोजनाओं िे ललए िैिश्ल्पि ननमा​ाण प्रौद्योधगिी िो अपनाने िे ललए प्रेररत िरे गा।

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1.3: Rural Architecture in 21st century India With 68% (Census 2011) of India’s population, rural India is very diverse and complex in terms of people, their power dynamics, socio-cultural and religious patterns, economic and political considerations, and caste and gender issues. These relationships play a very important role in the production of architecture in these regions. In developing countries like India, architecture is still made by people: skilled craftsmen, masons, carpenters and labour.

We trained professionals in construction industry are so intensely immersed in the landscape and skyline of the cities that we fail to acknowledge the need of our service in rural areas. They are the foundation are supporting systems for these ever growing cities and megapolis. India is a vast subcontinent with lakhs of villages spread across its length and breadth. And these cities emerge here and there in this network. We have to admit that the overemphasis of urban demands have forced the negligence to the state of Indian villages.

‘India lives in the past and the future we live 2500 years of history together’ – Khosla. R (1987) Figure 1 Typical street view in Mallarpur, conjuncture of vernacular and contemporary architecture (Source: Author)

When we think of villages, we think of it as primitive and fundamental as we are raised in this modern civilisation Nai Suva Centre

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and environment. The villages have enjoyed a kind of isolation, which is a blessing in disguise, and have been thus able to preserve a tradition handed down from times immemorial. It is very easy to get trapped in the romanticism of these materials and that is where the architect needs have the clarity of thought to understand what should be done.

Rural India is at a crucial juncture of time, where, if not guided properly, we could lose its diversity and knowledge forever to the homogenising qualities of globalisation and free-market capitalism. When an architect goes into a settlement here to study it, it is important that one looks at it beyond a museum exhibit.

We have to try to put ourselves in that context and time to understand why things were like this. Spaces here are very functional and practical and every detail has a reason. We have to put ourselves in that situation and try to figure it out. This is linked to materials, technologies, spaces and lifestyles. Often, studies of indigenous architecture do not move beyond this stage, as they are dubbed ‘vernacular’ or of the poor and not in tune with our times. Concurrently, it is equally of importance to not get stuck in the past. Things were done in the past in certain way as it made the most sense at that time. Yes, we must observe, document and learn from it; but not all of it may be applicable in this time period and that is where an architect has to be judicious to know what

aspects of indigenous architecture to take forward and what to leave behind.

The treatment of rural areas same as that of the suburban areas has depleted the potential of harnessing the rural energies. The proper understanding of the rural landscape should be the priority before taking any decisions. We have to proceed with great caution in our attempts to improve upon the villages, for once we destroy the villages, and they will be lost forever. One cannot, and should not, come into this landscape with preconceived notions of architecture and design like the ones propagated in architecture schools throughout the country. This process of research and discovery is exhaustive, time-consuming and requires an investment of time and energy from the architect to make it successful. Only then can we get an architecture that is true of the people, by the people and for the people.

“In any case, whoever is entrusted with the problem of solving the difficulties connected with evolving a rural architectural expression must be absolutely earnest, a kind of dedicated soul, in love with, and having sympathy for the village. There is a tremendous scope for work in this direction. But the man from the city, privileged as he is, must draw inspiration from the villages and must identify Nai Suva Centre

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himself with the village, with his ideas of life and living, before trying to improve upon them.” (Rahman, H.) To spread the awareness and impact of well-designed and sustainable architecture to suit the rural landscape, pilot projects are required. Generally, a public building used by the whole community is the best project to demonstrate and educate them the suitable building skill.

The involvement of the community to build a project for the community works in favour of the project in terms of the acceptance of the new vocabulary of building technology. The experience and the knowledge gained in the public building gets reflected and amplified in the personal buildings of the community engaged with. It starts a chain of knowledge transfer and sustainable growth.

The concept of capacity building centre or a community centre creates a strong connection and ownership towards the structure. This structure would then help and sustain several self- help groups (SHGs) which strengthens and supports the local economy.

The economic factor in the construction of any project for a non-profit organisation is of utmost importance. So, involving the local community in the process and making them responsible stakeholders creates an opportunity of “shramdaan” in exchange for training and skilling of local people for an employment opportunity. Also, the judicious and sustainable way of building techniques,

vernacular methods of that area and reinterpreting and evolving the use of materials leads to reasonable building costs.

1.4: Thesis Proposition 70% of India’s population residing in rural areas, are building and changing the landscape of the nation. The pace of change from vernacular techniques of building to the contemporary construction techniques is very fast.

This arises from aspirations of the people.

It is the role of the architects to guide the scene of the changing landscape. The third- tier towns are in a toddler stage from where they are at the brink of taking any shape which they are exposed to. And, the public buildings prove to be a great canvas to set an example for the communities to expose to the alternate sustainable construction techniques. The binding factor for the community at large are institutions for collective welfare.

In this case helping a non-profit organization to set up a rural community centre is a challenge in terms of economics and acceptability.

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Chapter 2.1: Research Areas 2.1.1: Architecture for Community 2.1.2: Understanding the ‘NGO: Mallarpur Nai Suva’ 2.1.3: Conclusion

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2.1.1: Architecture for Community Designing for a community is a complex process than just designing a structure in a site. It requires an in depth understanding of the local community structure, ecosystem, economical model and the beliefs and aspirations of the community as a whole.

To understand the community, there are mainly two ways architects can use: 1. Doing a study of the local vernacular architecture, building techniques, material palette etc.

Architect Siddharth Menon, has under taken study of building techniques in rural areas in different states of India before using the improvised techniques in his projects.

Figure 2 Yakshi learning Centre, Telangana (Source: Ar. Siddharth Menon)

Regional dialect-Yakshi learning Centre, Telangana and Rural community Centre for the organization Anubhuti Seva Samiti in rural Uttar Pradesh were done using mud and local materials.

His study addressed the use of locally available materials like mud, bamboo, and stone, with labor-intensive building techniques and community-based craftsmanship in this swiftly globalizing and homogenizing rural India, stating examples from across the country pointing out the unique ways in which building techniques are adapted to make them more contextually relevant.

Figure 3 Anubhuti Seva Samiti (Source: Ar. Siddharth Menon)

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2. Conducting workshops with the community to understand the aspirations of the people in a collaborative manner.

‘Workshop Architecture’, a student initiative in partnership with the Indian Trust for Rural Heritage and Development (ITRHD) and the British Council did a school project in Hariharpur village in Uttar Pradesh.

They conducted a series of workshops with the villagers, teachers and the mothers of the school children to come up with the masterplan and the final design.

Together with the teachers of the school, parents, local artisans and craftspeople, the design and construction of the school was an opportunity to learn from vernacular building methods, reinterpreting and evolving them to create a building which addresses today’s needs and aspirations.

Figure 4: Workshops with local community (Source: wrkshp.org)

Figure 5: Construction of Hariharpur Project (Source: wrkshp.org)

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2.1.2: Understanding the ‘NGO: Mallarpur Nai Suva’ About Mallarpur Naisuva Mallarpur Naisuva (MNS) is an informal group of young people inspired with the spirit of social work into a fullfledged NGO engaged in various rural development activities. It was in 1985-86 that these young men, instead of spending their leisure times by playing cards only, tried their hands in social work, being inspired by their mentors – late Dr. Ashok Pathak, a doctor practicing in the village of Mallarpur and Shri Sadhan Sinha, a National Service Volunteer of Nehru Yuba Kendra at Birbhum, West Bengal.

Today 75 youth clubs are partners of Naisuva in its various activities and in 2008 received the prestigious Netaji Subhas Chandra Basu award from the Dept. of Consumer Affairs & Fare Business Practice, Government of West Bengal. We have also received Award from NABARD in Promotion of Rural Entrepreneurship in the year 2009.

Their mission is to build up a cadre of socially conscious youth in the field of community development through capacity building.

Aims and Objectives of the NGO • To initiate the awakening process.

• To build up the people's organization and the capacities of the people.

• To strengthen women in the expression of their full potential and rightful place in the society.

• To try integrated and sustainable models of community health and rural development using, people participatory approaches.

• To develop the technical skills for the people of the poorer section for their lifestyle through maximum utilization of the local resources.

• To provide education and other alternatives for integrated development of the children, especially the girl child.

Area of Operation The development activities of MNS are spread over four blocks of Birbhum district, namely, Mayureswar I, Mayureswar II, Rampurhat I, and Rampurhat II in West Bengal, India.

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Target Groups

2.1.3: Conclusion

The target groups of MNS's development activities are economically poor people, women and children, child labour, SC, ST, victims of calamities, people with disabilities and youth.

This project is beyond an architectural exercise. It is an opportunity to create a self-sufficient and sustainable ecosystem of culture, economy and resource management.

The required outcome will only be achieved by having an empathy with the community, understanding the needs of the project and its users. And also predict the possible demands in the coming future.

The first steps will be to understand the site, mark the resources and skill available which will be the potential opportunities. Conducting workshops with the user groups will help in identifying the needs and drafting a basic design for this community facility.

The way of living of the Santhal communities and the functioning and aspirations of the non-profit organisation has to be embedded into a single goal for the project.

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Chapter 2.2: Case Studies 2.2.1: Centre of Hope, Trichy, India 2.2.2: Development Alternatives, Delhi, India 2.2.3: Friendship Centre, Gaibandha, Bangladesh 2.2.4: Comparative Matrix

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2.2.1: Centre of Hope, Trichy, India



Architect

: Hundredhands



Location

: Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu



Client Name

: Hope Foundation

Site Area

: 4047 m²

This project has functions like an orphanage, vocational training and community facility.

The project is for the local community run by the NGO: Hope foundation.

The building is a low budget with sustainable approach.

Gross floor area: 2780 m²

Figure 7 Circulation and courtyards (Source: Hundredhands)

This mixed use facility has a set of public functions (open access for the community) - dispensary, vocational training and community hall & dining and a set of private functions (restricted access) - the orphanage and the old age home. The two program groups are clustered around two courtyards.

Figure 6 Centre of Hope (Source: Hundredhands)

Why this project is relevant:

Passive heating/cooling There is no air-conditioning in the building. Passive strategies include: deep, recessed opening shaded by Nai Suva Centre

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timber screens, slender plan forms helping cross ventilation, appropriately located back of house areas (restrooms, stores) and verandahs to shield from the western sun and brick used in the roofing (in vaults) covered with broken china (ceramic) serving as an insulator against the heat.

Cost effective features Use of recycled material (using waste teak wood from one of our other projects for timber screens), locally available materials (cudappah, attangudi tiles, brick), jungle wood door/window joinery.

Figure 9 Ground Floor Plan (Source: Hundredhands)

Figure 8 Section and Elevation (Source: Hundredhands)

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Figure 11: View from approach road (Source: Hundredhands)

Lessons learnt:   Figure 10: First Floor Plan (Source: Hundredhands)



Grouping of similar nature of functions together.

Use of courtyard and verandahs for natural ventilation and cooling.

Use of vaults of suitable size to control cost and restrict heat gain from roofs.

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2.2.2: Development Alternatives, Delhi, India Architect

: Ashok B. Lall Architects

Location

: Qutab Institutional Area, New Delhi

Client Name

: Development Alternatives

Site Area

: 3,316 m2

Gross floor area: 4,775 m2

Figure 13: Site Plan (Source: lafargeholcim-foundation.org)

Why this project is relevant:    

This project is an office building.

This is a best example to study several sustainable passive techniques used together.

The use of CSEB (Compressed Stabilized Earth Block) The use of Ferro cement channels.

Figure 12: Development Alternatives (Source: Author)

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Figure 14: Section- Details (Source: lafargeholcim-foundation.org)

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HVAC



  

The central courtyard and the void to bring winds in for natural ventilation and evaporative cooling.

The use of Ferro cement channels and stone floor finish.

The displacement ventilation system for airconditioning.

The site planning for rain water collection and storage.

Figure 15: Displacement Ventilation (Source: teriin.org)

Displacement ventilation is used in the building. The gaps in the Ferro cement channels are used to take out return air.

The CSEB blocks are used in both internal and external walls in rat trap bond.

Learnings: 

The massing and orientation of the blocks in north- south direction.

Figure 16: Interior (Source: Author)

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2.2.3: Friendship Centre, Gaibandha, Bangladesh Architect

: Kashef Mahboob Chowdhury

Location

: Gaibandha, Bangladesh

Client Name

: Friendship NGO

Site Area

: 8093 m

Why this project is relevant:  



2

Gross floor area: 3,053 m2

This project is a capacity building run by an NGO. The context is very similar as it is adjacent to paddy fields in warm-humid climate of Bangladesh.

It received Aga Khan Award for Architecture 2016 which made this project popular and directed a new dimensions of rural institutional architecture.

The Centre was created to train staff of an NGO working with people inhabiting nearby chars, or riverine islands.

Offices, a library, meeting rooms, and prayer and tea rooms are included in pavilion-like buildings surrounded by courts and pools. The Centre is also rented out for meetings, training, and conferences for income generation.

Site planning 

  Figure 17: Friendship Centre, Bangladesh (Source: akdn.org)



To prevent flooding, the Friendship Centre is built directly on the low land and the entire site is protected with an embankment which could be built and maintained for much less.

Divided into two parts- public and residential The ‘Ka’ Block contains the reception pavilion, offices, library, training/conference rooms and pavilions, a prayer space and a small ‘cha-shop’.

Between the two blocks are large tanks to collect rainwater.

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

The ‘Kha’ Block, connected by three archways, is for more private functions and houses the dormitories, the dining pavilion and staff and family quarters.

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Cross-ventilation is taken advantage of right through the building – from the layout of the rooms and courtyards, to the detailing of the doors and windows, the building is kept cool with passive airflow.

Figure 18: Pedestrian Axis (Source: akdn.org)

Learning:    

The clubbing of functions.

The creation of clear axis The pavilion style structures for comfortable spaces using natural ventilation.

The integration of rain water harvesting tanks with the structure.

Figure 19: Views of the Center (Source: akdn.org)

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2.2.4: Comparative Matrix Project name

Centre of hope

Development Alternatives

Friendship Centre

Architect

Hundredhands

Ashok B. Lall Architects

URBANA

Client

Hope foundation

Development Alternatives

Friendship NGO

Location

Trichy, Tamil Nadu, India

Gaibandha, Bangladesh

Site area Total built up area

4,047 m² 2,780 m²

Qutab Institutional Area, New Delhi 3,316 m2 4,775 m2

Climate

Hot And humid Avg. temp. 36oC

Composite Avg. temp. 33oC

Site Surroundings

Outskirts of the city

Topography

relatively flat with no existing vegetation

Slight steep slope, near Aravali ridge Dense green cover adjacent

Hot And humid Avg. temp. 25.2oC Avg. Rainfall 208cm Paddy fields, small sheds, low cost structures Flat land, small ponds clayey soil

Programme Components

Design Concept

vocational training classrooms, public dispensary, community hall, large dining hall, orphanage, small old age home  It has public functions (open access for the community) dispensary, vocational

9,210 m² 3,053 m²

Offices, auditorium, classrooms, crèche, cafeteria and shop

Training centre, classes, meeting rooms, office, library, accommodation, kitchen, dining, mosque

Massing is done around a courtyard.

North-south orientation

 Building in low lying land, earthen bund around the periphery created a walled

 

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training and community hall & dining and a set of private functions (restricted access) - the orphanage and the old age home.  The two program groups are clustered around two courtyards.

Construction Structural system

Materials

Construction technology

Functional assessment

Loadbearing masonry with reinforced concrete  Use of recycled material  locally available materials (cudappah, attangudi tiles, brick)  jungle wood door/window joinery  brick vaults covered with broken ceramic  region has very good quality bricks  sophisticated tradition of brick masonry construction available The two program groups are clustered around two courtyards.

town arrangement with inward looking spaces  Courtyards  Earthen rooftops with green cover

RCC framed structure with rattrap CSEB walls and Ferro cement channel slabs.  CSEB blocks  RCC  Terracotta pots  Certified wood  Ferro cement channels  Vertical kiln bricks  Rat trap bond wall  shallow domes in auditorium  stone tiles roofing on top of Ferro cement channels

Loadbearing masonry with reinforced concrete     

Terracotta brick In situ RCC local mahogany wood Kota stone brass hardware

 labour-intensive  available locally skill sets

 The offices and classrooms are  a seamless continuity of arranged in separate wings. material, simple  The cafeteria, shop, crèche are  Spaces flow easily in ground floor Nai Suva Centre

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Climatic assessment

 north-south orientation  Restrooms and deep verandas were located along the western edge  Timber screens help shade the windows and facades  catching the prevailing breezes from the South west and north east

north-south orientation vegetation in façade shading devices used evaporative cooling using cascading fountain in courtyard  mutual shading used to decrease heat gain  the pervious pavers in driveway reduces heat island effect  china mosaic roofing protects roof from heating    

 Cross-ventilation  Exposed brick masonry construction is breathable  Climatic advantages of being a subterranean structure  Green roof

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Chapter 3: Project Introduction 3.1: Essence of the project 3.2: Area Program 3.3: Functional Diagram

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3.1: Essence of the project The project is envisioned as the Centre of this NGO from where all its activities will be carried on. It will be a capacity building for the community through this project.

To understand the components of the project, the functions of the NGO and scale of the facilities have to be understood.

The followings are the proposed components in this project: 1. The NGO office: the main heart of the project has to be the office of the governing body.

2. The office for the kiosk banking: Mallarpur NAI SUVA is a channel partner for Financial Inclusion Program with STATE BANK OF INDIA. 3. Vocational school: for training and skilling of women and adolescents. They run adolescent residential training program for youths who are deprived of education.

4. Workshop for production of small scale outputs like handicrafts or clothes. They support self-help groups (SHGs) for their economic and infrastructural support. Culinary activities, kantha stitching, kalamkari printing, jute and shola works being some of the activities.

5. A production facility for GOONJ- cloth repair and packaging.

6. Primary Health Centre: majorly a health Centre with out-patient department. Emergency service with two 6 bedded wards. The requirement is formed with IPHS standards for Primary Health Care Centre.

7. A Primary school: 2 sections each till fifth grade 8. A Crèche 9. A Multi- purpose hall for dining facility and organizing lager gatherings.

10. A Solar Kitchen- community kitchen powered by solar cooker 11. Dormitories for women and adolescent boys and girls.

12. Staff housing and housing for visiting doctors and teachers.

With all these different kinds of activities, this campus still remains an institutional building with a lot of area for community welfare.

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3.2: Area Program Main Components: Gross Area

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S.NO .

Space Name

Are a

No. of space s

Occupancy / Space

Total occupanc y

Total Area

NGO Office 1

Reception

50

1

2

2

50

2

President’s office Offices

30

1

1

1

30

28

10

3

30

280

Secretary office Conferenc e Room Server

30

1

1

1

30

60

1

20

20

60

28

1

1

1

28

55

478

3 4 5 5

Total

Primary School Reception

40

1

1

1

40

Principal’s office Office

17

1

1

1

17

14

1

3

3

14

Teachers room Classroom

16.5

2

4

8

33

45

10

25

250

450

Computer lab Dining hall

60

1

1

1

60

62

1

0

0

62

Kitchen, store Science lab

28

1

4

4

28

45

1

1

1

45

Art room

45

1

1

1

45

Gross area (40% for circulation, toilets etc.)

192

music room

45

1

1

1

45

Total Area

670

Knowledge centre

45

1

1

1

45

272

884

Vocational School Reception

42

1

5

5

42

Total

Directors office Admins office Faculty room Classroom

18

1

1

1

18

Gross area (40% for circulation, toilets etc.)

354

Total Area

1238

14

1

1

1

14

28

1

8

8

28

45

12

24

288

540

Library

142

1

2

2

142

Crèche

200

1

16

16

200

321

984

Total Gross area (40% for circulation, toilets etc.)

314

Total Area

1298

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3.3: Functional Diagram

This diagram shows the different components of the project and relations between them.

These components are clubbed as per the nature of the facility.

Figure 20: Functional Diagram and Adjacency Diagram of Different Components (Source: Author)

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Chapter 4: Site Introduction 4.1: Site Information 4.2: Site Photographs 4.4: Site Plan 4.5: Site Analysis

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4.1: Site Information Geographical location

Mallarpur Railway Station: 1.5km, Rampurhat Railway Station: 13km

Mallarpur, Birbhum, West Bengal, India Latitude: 24°1’N Longitude: 87°7’ E RAMPURHAT

MALLARPUR

Figure 21: Location of the site (map source: Wikimapia.com)

Location of site in Regional Context: Nai Suva Centre

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CLIMATOLOGY Solar Data It shows the sun angle remains high during summer months. And reaches as low as 40° in winters.

And no sunrays comes from north.

Figure 23 Solar irradiance at site (Source: weatherspark.com)

Figure 22: Solar Path at site (Source: Autodesk)

Rainfall It receives more than 1200 mm of annual rainfall with June – July getting 300mm rainfall during monsoons.

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Wind data It shows the prevailing winds in summer months are from west. And in winter months, it is from north-east. For natural ventilation, westward winds has to be utilized.

Figure 24 Wind Direction at site (Source: weatherspark.com)

Temperature The monthly diurnal average chart shows the time of the year when the temperature differences deviate from the comfortable zone.

The temperature difference can be controlled by passive design techniques.

Soil Type: Laterite Laterite are highly weathered soil. It contains variable amounts of iron oxide and aluminum. It is red or brown in color. It hardens quickly in air and becomes resistant to meteorological agents.

Figure 25: Average Temperature of Mallarpur (Source: weatherspark.com)

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4.2: Site Photographs

Figure 26: view of Ramakrishna Ashram from site (Source: Author)

Figure 28: view of site from railway line (source: Author)

Figure 27: view of Petrol pump from site (Source: Author)

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4.4: Site Plan

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4.3 Conclusions The study of the functional components and the site study concludes the following design directives: 

     



  

There are different components of the project which can be arranged in the hierarchy of public nature to private nature.

The components like health center and school needs and buffer from the main road.

Whereas the residential components needs filtered access to its premise.

The health center needs a designated entrance.

The workshop and the community kitchen requires separate service yards.

The adjacency diagram shows the links between the components.

The site analysis shows that the potential entry points, and the placement of the built components.

Due to the location of the petrol pump and the ashram, the blocks has to be pushed into the paddy field end Due to the highway, there is a setback of 13m required on the road edge.

The wind direction is a major factor for orientation of blocks in this warm- humid climate.

The natural hydrology of the site helps in identified the suitable spaces for surface water collection.

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Chapter 5: Technology research 5.1: Structural Systems 5.2: Services

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5.1: Structural Systems Structures

for landscaping later, the soil dug from the site itself can be used in construction.

The choice of materials and construction technology is determined by the following factors:

Maini, S. (2002) proves that adding 2% to 5% of cement and cattle urine as stabilizers increases the strength.

1. Low embodied energy of materials and sustainable construction technologies in terms of resource usage and environmental impacts.

Using terracotta tiles and basalt stone on the outer face of custom made CSEB makes it more durable.

2. Economical and employing local labours and craftsmen and keeping the capital within the community

Columns and Beams: Custom shaped CSEB

3. Social and cultural acceptance of the structure.

Foundations: Basalt stone The basalt stone quarries in Baramasai and Pachami Stone mines are in the range of 20km from the site. The hardness of stones is very good and can be used in construction. The cost of transportation will be also less.

Walls: Compressed Stabilised Earth Blocks (CSEB) The soil available in the region is laterite. Laterite are highly weathered soil. It contains variable amounts of iron oxide and aluminum. It is red or brown in color. It hardens quickly in air and becomes resistant to meteorological agents.

After removing the fertile topsoil of the site and storing it

Figure 29: Custom CSEB (Source: Auroville Earth Institute)

Reinforcement is used to tie corners and edges of the structure.

Maini, S. (2002) Intermediate slabs: Ferro cement channels and basalt stone panels. And funicular shells and shallow domes with CSEB. Roofing: CSEB vaults with china mosaic roofing.

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Window projection, shelves, water tanks: Ferro cement Doors and Windows: Poplar wood from populous trees (locally available) Structural system is load bearing walls with reinforced columns and beams. Slabs are compressive members with Ferro cement channels and funicular shells.

The construction process is labour intensive and use local labours and craftsmen and creates opportunity in skilling of community and strengthening local economy.

Figure 31: Ferrocement Channels (Source: BMPTC) Figure 30: Funicular Shells (Source: BMPTC)

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5.2: Services Electrical: Energy source: Solar panels and biomass gasifier other than drawing from the grid.

Efficiency of using biomass gasifier: Biomass gasifier as described by Majumdar, M. (2002) is fed by bio-degradable waste of the campus and the nearby agricultural lands. In a biomass gasifier this biomass is burnt efficiently. Any surplus energy that is generated can be used to recharge the battery bank.

The battery bank is thus served by two sources of power, namely the photovoltaic panels and the gasifier.

Figure 32: Biomass Gasifier (Source: TERIIN.org)

Daylighting: By optimizing the orientation and the width of the buildings, most spaces are day lit. Light shelves have been used to reflect light and the curved fibrocement channels spreads light evenly into the space.

Skylights have been used in the workshops to day lit the spaces. The classrooms are placed on the northern side to receive shadow less and glare free north light. The circulation is arranged in western and southern faces to create buffer.

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Mechanical: The mechanical load of elevators are limited for economical purposes and the total number of stories are limited to four. For universal accessibility, ramps have been provided. Only Health Centre has elevators.

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning: Passive techniques are used: 1. Thermal Insulation: CSEB walls with rat trap bonds provide a lot of thermal Insulation.

2. Natural Ventilation: The orientation and alignment of the buildings along the wind direction naturally ventilates the spaces. The hot winds are passed through jaalis to make it cooler and is circulated by the corridors.

3. Thermal mass and evaporative cooling cannot be used in warm humid climate.

Most spaces are cooled by these passive techniques.

Solar chimney, Majumdar, M. (2002), is used to induce natural ventilation by the thermal-buoyancy effect. The structure of the chimney absorbs solar energy during the day, thereby heating the enclosed air within and causing it to rise. Thus air is drawn from the building into an open near the bottom of the chimney. The air exhausted from the house, through the chimney, is replaced by ambient air.

Figure 33: Solar Chimney (Source: TERI)

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Earth air tunnel uses earth as a heat sink or a source for cooling/heating air in buried pipes or underground tunnels.

Earth berming: earth sheltered building reduces infiltration of outside air and the additional thermal resistance of the surrounding earth considerably reduces the average thermal load shown by Majumdar, M. (2002).

Figure 34: Earth Air Tunnel (Source: TERI)

For cooling of specific areas of health centre and the office block, displacement ventilation is used.

Displacement ventilation: The solar chimney clubbed with earth air tunnel cools the spaces by displacement ventilation system. Where the cool air is supplied by the earth air tunnels.

Figure 35: Displacement Ventilation (Source: TERI)

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Water sources: In the absence of any water supply from governing agencies, ground water becomes the most important water source.

Rain water is harvested and collected to recharge ground water. Permeable paving surface and percolation pits are used to absorb rainwater.

On site waste water is treated and recycled for flushing, landscaping, evaporative cooling.

Waste water treatment: CSIR-NEERI’s technology of Phytorid waste water treatment is used in the project. It is very efficient, cost effective and low maintainace system. The total area required for the system is approximately 35 sq. m. for 20 m3/day.

Figure 36: Phytorid System (Source: NEERI)

Safety Construction safety: the process of construction with the earth blocks are simple and safe to execute with minimal training required.

The corners are reinforced with vertical steel reinforcement. The lintel band and the floor bands anchors the structure.

Earthquake safety: The site is in earthquake zone III. The structure has load bearing cross walls and star shaped columns.

The custom made CSEB with jute diaphragm, provides additional strength to the walls.

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Fire safety: Adequate setbacks are provided around the building.

Automatic Sprinkler System is to be used.

A system of water pipes fitted with sprinkler heads at suitable intervals and heights and designed to actuate automatically, control and extinguish a fire by discharge of water.

Naturally ventilated spaces with adequate open areas are provided. Fire staircases are placed at suitable areas.

Sustainability GRIHA rating: The project uses several sustainable techniques to make efficient management of natural resources.

As per the GRIHA rating system, this project aims to achieve 4 star or above rating.

Also following ECBC standards makes the passive design techniques more efficient.

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Chapter 6: SWOT Strength    

The shape of the site in vey uniform with gentle slope.

The site is rich in laterite soil The workmanship available is very skilled There is no major built structure to influence the design.

Weakness 

 

The climate is warmhumid which has needs of good ventilation of the spaces The huge front setback pushes the built mass further into the site There are deferent kinds of functions which needs proper buffer space to function properly

Opportunity 





 

The resources provides a chance to experiment the alternative technologies Earth air tunnels can be used as an experiment for this region The different components can work together to make a close loop of resources The paddy fields can be a source of fuel for biomass gasifier The huge solar power can be harnessed by solar kitchen.

Threats   

The landscape is very different than an urban area.

There is a chance of over densifying and overbuilding FAR and related bylaws can pose a threat to the design

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PART B: DESIGN TRANSLATION Chapter 7: Concept Development

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51

Chapter 8: Design Development

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53

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The way the design developed:  The axis was maintained throughout the stages  The entrances of different components were oriented towards the plaza in order to enforce the axis  The circulations in each block were wrapped around the courtyards  The wide verandahs of 2.5m wide were maintained even they increased the total built up area. These verandahs help ventilating the spaces  The built up area was drastically decreased in order to make the campus contextually synced.  The pedestrian path were made legible and connected to the extents of the site  The pedestrian entry was aligned to the main axis, which made it more prominent  The parking was arranged to provide the required buffer from the highway. And also it gave the building the required setback from boundary line.  The structural systems adopted are an experiment of the alternative technologies which have a potential here as the site is rich in resources.

Proposition revisited: 70% of India’s population residing in rural areas, are building and changing the landscape of the nation. The pace of change from vernacular techniques of building to the contemporary construction techniques is very fast.

This arises from aspirations of the people.

It is the role of the architects to guide the scene of the changing landscape. The third- tier towns are in a toddler stage from where they are at the brink of taking any shape which they are exposed to. And, the public buildings prove to be a great canvas to set an example for the communities to expose to the alternate sustainable construction techniques. The binding factor for the community at large are institutions for collective welfare.

In this case helping a non-profit organization to set up a rural community centre is a challenge in terms of economics and acceptability.

Providing a design proposal which focuses on harnessing the resources available in and around the site and using them in sustainable ways possible. This will inspire the community to adopt and invest in alternative technologies. Also, due to the empowerment of the public spaces in the project, the institute will gain the acceptability and feelings of ownership among the community.

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Chapter 9: Final Design

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Context Plan The surroundings are predominantly paddy fields. The site in in the outskirts of Mallarpur.

The massing provides the required buffer from the petrol pump and the Ramakrishna Ashram.

58

Site Plan 59

Site Sections 60

Design outcomes The final design was the derivation of the initial sketches of the arrangement of different components around courtyards.

The axis leading to the multi-purpose hall remained as the connecting spine of all the components. The dormitories and the staff housing forms a separate residential area, separated from the public areas.

The number of stories of each component changed as per the economics and functionality of the component.

Proposed Vs Achieved Area statement

Built-up area Ground coverage FAR

Proposed 20700 30 100

Achieved 13600 30 68

The built up area has been drastically reduced as the campus was being overbuilt in order to achieve the allowed FAR.

61

NGO Office and Vocational School This block comprises of offices of the NGO, Kiosk banking, conference room and classroom and staff rooms of the vocational school.

The inner sunken courtyard is used by the crèche. And the outer one by the retail stores of the workshops.

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NGO Office and Vocational School The top floor of the vocational school has a library.

63

Community Health Centre It is majorly an OPD facility with in patient department with 15 beds.

The minor operation theater caters to maternity ward and emergencies.

64

Community Health Centre

Vo

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Primary School It has 2 classrooms each of 5 grades.

It also has a dining hall for midday meal scheme and separate rooms for computer and extracurricular activities.

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Workshop It has workspaces which can be rented to self-help groups. It also has a pavilion style GOONG center.

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70

3D Views

71

MODEL PHOTOGRAPHS

72

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Conclusion Overall by this thesis managed to create an architectural language which syncs with the local context. The alternative building technologies and the experiments with the resources available in and around site, opens an opportunity in a direction which is environmentally sustainable and helps the third tire cities and rural area develop with no hindrances.

Jury comments 

Due to the restricted time in presentation, the discussion was based on the ideas of sustainability, the built volume with respect to context rather than design in particular.



They acknowledged the attempt to use all the context responsive strategies and sustainable technologies.

 Jury found the project to be overbuilt as per the context and criticized the ‘FAR’ concept and discussed in the possibility of building in phases.

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References Khosla. R (1987); Variations and Traditions, The Architectural Review 1987, part 8 pg.51 Majumdar, M. (2002); Energy-efficient buildings in India, TERI, pg 185-223 Maini, S. (2002); Arches, Vaults and Domes, Auroville Earth Institute Rahman, H. (1959); Rural Architecture. In Seminar On Architecture, New Delhi,Lalit Kala Akademi. Retrieved from https://architexturez.net/doc/az-cf168524

Bibliography Annual Report 2015-16, Mallarpur Nai Suva Chintamani, G. (2013) Hariharpur WS. Retrieved from http://wrkshp.org/hariharpur/ Mehrotra, N. (2016), Friendship Centre Gaibandha, Bangladesh. Retrieved from https://archnet.org/system/publications/contents/10690/original/DTP103075.p df?1475512503 Menon, S. (2015) “It’s not about mud: the role of a 21st century architect in RuralIndia”, Domus. Retrieved from https://sidmenonarchitect.wordpress.com/2015/09/10/the-role- of-a- 21stcentury-architect-in- rural-india/ Menon, S. (June-July 2015), Its not about Mud, Domus. Retrieved from https://sidmenonarchitect.files.wordpress.com/2015/06/di_41_its-not- aboutmud.pdf Menon, S. (September 2015), Mud Architecture, Domus. Retrieved from https://sidmenonarchitect.files.wordpress.com/2015/09/di_43_mudarchitecture.pdf

Phytorid Wastewater Treatment Technology; CSIR-NEERI, Retrieved from http://www.neeri.res.in/content/phytorid-wastewater-treatment-technology Sanyal, A. J. (2013) “Redefining the Role of Architects in the Rural Development”, IJSR. Retrieved from https://www.ijsr.net/archive/v4i9/SUB158298.pdf Schalcher, H. R., (November 2016) Office building in India- Development Alternatives world headquarters. Retrieved from https://src.lafargeholcimfoundation.org/dnl/7e006509-87e9- 4894-a442- 68f3c256875d/DA_India.pdf Tropical Buildings, Center for Hope. Retrieved from http://tropicalbuildings.org/case_studies/68 Workshop Architecture, (August 2013), Project Hariharpur, Uttar Pradesh.

Retrieved from http://issuu.com/aaschool/docs/13.11.05_project_hariharpur_book3/1?e=1402 1304/9811175 Weather Spark, Average Weather in Rampur Hat. Retrieved from https://weatherspark.com/y/111389/Average-Weather- in-Rampur- Hat-India

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