Beyond | Re-Imagining an urban wellness centre, Gurugram | Thesis in architecture, 2020 by avijitsaroya

BEYOND|RE-IMAGINING AN URBAN WELLNESS CENTRE, GURUGRAM

THESIS IN ARCHITECTURE 2020-2021

Submitted by:

AVIJIT SINGH SAROYA 160BARCHI149/SSAA/B.Arch./16

Guide: Rahat Varma, Assistant Professor Co-ordinator: Himanshu Sanghani, Associate Dean

SUSHANT SCHOOL OF ART AND ARCHITECTURE SUSHANT UNIVERSITY, GURGAON, INDIA

BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE

This dissertation is submitted by AVIJIT SINGH SAROYA student of Fifth Year B.Arch. session 2020-2021, at Sushant School of Art & Architecture, Gurgaon as partial requirement for the FiveYear B.Arch. Degree course of Ansal University, Gurgaon. Originality of the information and opinion expressed in the Thesis are of the author and do not reflect those of the guide, the coordinator or the institution.

Signature

Roll No.

: 160BARCHI149

Name of the student

: Avijit Singh Saroya

Date

: December 24, 2020

Signature

Name of the mentor

: Rahat Varma

Date

: December 24, 2020

Signature

Name of the thesis director : Himanshu Sanghani Date

: December 24, 2020

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to express my deepest appreciation to all those who provided me with all the support and guidance to complete this research paper.

Firstly, I would like to sincerely express my gratitude to my guide, Ar. Rahat Varma, whose contribution in simulation suggestions & encouragement, helped me gain & establish a concrete direction of my ideas. This paper would not have been possible without her constant support and help, the constructive criticism and extensive knowledge in the field of wellness & architecture.

Secondly, I would like to thank my mentor, Ar. Himanshu Sanghani & Ar. Madhur Prakash, who helped me in the initial stages to first & foremost channelize my thoughts on the topic without whom I wouldn’t have a head start on this paper.

Lastly, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my family & friends who enthusiastically and patiently took part in every conversation pertaining to my paper & gave me beneficial inputs for the same.

LIST OF TABLES Table 1: Statistics during Covid-19(Times of India) Table 2: Statistics & research

LIST OF FIGURES Fig. 1 Restoring the construct Fig. 2 Introduction to the context Fig. 3 Motivation & key factors suggesting the need of the project Fig. 4 Defining wellness Fig. 5 Formation of architecture for wellness Fig. 6 Defining the purpose and factors associated Fig. 7 Defining need & suggested analytics Fig. 8 Potential and Impact of the project Fig. 9 Why wellbeing? Fig. 10 Forming the basis of wellness Fig.11 Setting up the phenomenology brief Fig.12 Translation of function Fig.13 Maslow hierarchy of needs Fig. 14 Setting up argument claims Fig. 15 Vision chart Fig. 16 Problem analysis diagram Fig. 17 Parameter for site selection in reference to Maslow’s Pyramid Fig. 18 Stakeholder and user group Fig. 19 Location, context and connectivity Fig. 20 Factors & context identity Fig. 21 Key considerations Fig. 22Site evolution Fig. 23 Site study Fig. 24 Volumetric, site section & figure ground Fig. 25 Open spaces (Inferences & possibilities) Fig. 26 Vehicular movement and traffic Fig. 27 Pedestrian movement and public transport Fig. 28 Site pictures & condition Fig. 29 SWOT analysis Fig. 30 Sun and wind path Fig. 31 Weather study Fig. 32 The Roseate, New Delhi 4

Fig. 33 Design considerations Fig.34 The Roseate reception lobby, New Delhi Fig.35 Elements Fig. 36 Water features along with the Isfahan pillars Fig. 37 Generating the soundscape design to avoid the city noise Fig. 38 Usage of rhythmic and earthy colours and finishing Fig. 39 The exemplar wellness retreat (Aheli) Fig. 40 A thoroughfare usage of light and shadows to create a thrilling experience Fig. 41 Usage of fine lines and elements constantly in the design Fig. 42 The Trident, Gurgaon Fig. 43 Design considerations Fig. 44 India Habitat Centre Fig. 45 Core functions-IHC Fig. 46 Design implementations and response to context Fig. 47 Key factors and design ideology Fig. 48 Core functions-Jawahar Kala Kendra Fig. 49 Response to context & design implementation Fig. 50 Deign strategies and building of narrative Fig. 51 Case study inferences diagram Fig. 52 Functions and core idea Fig. 53 Concept building & ideation Fig. 54 Design prototype Fig. 55 Design prototype Fig. 56 Key functions and design strategy Fig. 57 Bubble Diagram Fig. 58 Iteration1 & 2 Fig. 59 Inference from Iteration 1 & 2 Fig. 60 Final zoning concept diagram Fig. 61 Final zoning & site plan Fig. 62 Massing & form development Fig. 63 Massing & form development Fig. 64 Ground floor plan Fig. 65 Beyond_Front elevation Fig. 66 Structure plan_Wellness Residence_Ground floor 5

Fig. 67 Framing plan_Wellness Residence_Ground floor Fig. 68 Material & render_Wellness Residence_Ground floor Fig. 69 Rendered view_Drop off_Wellness Residence_Ground floor Fig. 70 Rendered view_Entrance_Wellness Residence_Ground floor Fig. 71 Rendered view_AQ Pods_Wellness Residence_Ground floor Fig. 72 Rendered view_All day café_Wellness Residence_Ground floor Fig. 73 Structure plan_Wellness Residence_First floor Fig. 74 Framing plan_Wellness Residence_First floor Fig. 75 Material & render_Wellness Residence_First floor Fig. 76 Rendered view_Lift lobby_Wellness Residence Fig. 77 Structure plan_Wellness Residence_Typical floor Fig. 78 Framing plan_Wellness Residence_Typical floor Fig. 79 Material & render_Wellness Residence_Typical floor Fig. 80 Rendered view_Facade treatment_Wellness Residence Fig. 81 Rendered view_Typical apartment entrance_Wellness Residence Fig. 82 Rendered view_Yoga & meditation deck cum balcony_Wellness Residence . 83 Rendered view_Balcony view to urban trail_Wellness Residence Fig. 84 Structure plan_Spa club_Ground floor Fig. 85 Framing plan_Spa club_Ground floor Fig. 86 Material & render_Spa club_Ground floor Fig. 87 Rendered view_Central swimming pool_Spa club_Ground floor Fig. 88 Rendered view_Functions overlooking the pool_Wellness Residence Fig. 89 Structure plan_Spa club_First floor Fig. 90 Framing plan_Spa club_First floor Fig. 91 Material & render_Spa club_First floor Fig. 92 Rendered view_Experential corridor_Wellness Residence Fig. 93 Structure plan_Spa club_Second floor Fig. 94 Framing plan_Spa club_Second floor Fig. 95 Material & render_Spa club_Second floor Fig. 96 Structure plan_Retail_Ground floor Fig. 97 Framing plan_Retail_Ground floor Fig. 98 Material & render_Retail_Ground floor 6

Fig. 99 Rendered view_Dropoff_Retail Fig. 100 Rendered view_Dropff_Retail Fig. 101 Rendered view_Entrance_Retail Fig. 102 Structure plan_Retail_First floor Fig. 103 Framing plan_Retail_First floor Fig. 104 Material & render_Retail_First floor Fig. 105 Structure plan_Retail_Second floor Fig. 106 Framing plan_Retail_Second floor Fig. 107 Material & render_Retail_Second floor Fig. 108 Rendered view_Connect & access_Retail Fig. 109 Structure plan_Experience centre_Ground floor Fig. 110 Framing plan_Experience centre_Ground floor Fig. 111 Material & render_Experience centre_Ground floor Fig. 112 Rendered view_The walk_Experience centre Fig. 113 Rendered view_Library_Experience centre_Ground floor Fig. 114 Structure plan_Experience centre_First floor Fig. 115 Framing plan_Experience centre_First floor Fig. 116 Material & render_Experience centre_First floor Fig. 117 Rendered view_The walk_Experience centre Fig. 118 Structure plan_Experience centre_Second floor Fig. 119 Framing plan_Experience centre_Second floor Fig. 120 Material & render_Expeirence centre_Second floor Fig. 121 Rendered view_Terrace garden_Experience centre Fig. 122 Rendered view_Liminal & self-shaded spaces Fig. 123 Rendered view_Surface parking Fig. 124 Rendered view_Urban trails Fig. 125 Rendred view_View from the metro rail Fig. 126 Section AA’ Fig. 127 Section BB’ Fig. 128 Basement plan 1&2 Fig. 129 Beyond, Gurugram, Thesis-2020

Table of Contents 1

Introduction ................................................................................................................. 10 1.1

Motivation ................................................................................................................................. 13

1.2

Purpose ...................................................................................................................................... 15

1.3

Nneed(of a new world)............................................................................................................ 17

1.4

Why is it important .................................................................................................................. 18

1.5

Approach/methodology.......................................................................................................... 21

1.6

Idea Argument .......................................................................................................................... 26

Vision/structure ......................................................................................................... 28

Aim/Objectives & research........................................................................................ 29 3.1

Aim ............................................................................................................................................. 29

3.2

Objective.................................................................................................................................... 29

3.3

Keywords................................................................................................................................... 29

3.4

Research ..................................................................................................................................... 30

3.5

Problem analysis ....................................................................................................................... 30

3.6

Survey ......................................................................................................................................... 31

Feasiblity & viablity of the project ............................................................................. 38

Approach & process diagramming ............................................................................ 39

Area statement ............................................................................................................ 40

Site analysis ................................................................................................................. 41

Case study analysis ..................................................................................................... 49

8.1

The Roseate, New Delhi ......................................................................................................... 49

8.2

The Trident, Gurgaon ............................................................................................................. 56

8.3

India Habitat Centre, Delhi .................................................................................................... 57

8.4

Jawahar Kala Kendra,Jaipur .................................................................................................... 58

Selected components & program ............................................................................... 60

10 Concept ....................................................................................................................... 60

10.1

Prototype ................................................................................................................................... 61

10.2

Final programm approach....................................................................................................... 62

Zoning bubble diagram.............................................................................................. 63 11.1

Iteration & Inference ............................................................................................................... 64

12 Final zoning concept .................................................................................................. 65 13 Final zoning on site .................................................................................................... 66 13.1

Massing & form development ................................................................................................ 67

14 Ground floor plan ....................................................................................................... 68 15 Block plans ................................................................................................................. 69 16 Conlusion ................................................................................................................... 102 17 Bibliography .............................................................................................................. 103

1 Introduction The wellness industry in the last few years have evolved rapidly considering that there is a growing acceptance in people on their health and wellness. People of all ages are continuously taking measures to maintain a healthy lifestyle and prevent all lifestyle related issues. There is a huge relation of the human well-being on how the designing of a building is done. Architecture today needs to move beyond parameters, to a more holistic approach that support and develop human behaviours. The design creates a direct impact on our health & well-being, all leaving and developing a life long or long terms effects on the quality of our life’s. According to the WHO (World Health Organisation), the health and wellbeing of a human body is not just defined by its ill-health, but by “a state of complete physical, mental & social wellbeing”. Vitruvius quoted and wrote the importance of light, site, the winds and the waters; he said “a house was not an object to be imposed on the landscape but a dwelling working within it”. There have been constant efforts in the past be it the romans, Hindu traditions or the Chinese’s feng shui, who extensively worked onto creating for health and wealth of a human being. The idea of wellbeing is not something new but the one which has been followed for years & decades. Its in the recent times, of distress that the wellness industry and the need of wellbeing has increased in people, and architecture for wellness is a clear sign for people’s needs and demands. Ben Channon (founder of the “Mental Wellbeing Forum, UK) and a RIBA medallist says, “Happiness is an incredibly important but often an overlooked aspect of our lives. It can result to improved productivity in the workplace as well better learnings in life”. The way we design our buildings has a huge effect on how we function and how we look at things in life. The way we design our buildings play a critical role in shaping up the qualities of our environment, considering how architects works with the end users and tend to satisfy the needs and ambitions of its users, all contributing to their physical and psychological characteristics. “A building or a design that thrives for wellbeing determines how well a community lives and thrives” The earlier we move towards creating architecture for wellbeing, the faster we’ll move towards bringing the community towards normalcy and better living.

Fig. 1 Restoring the construct Wellness has been redefined with newer meanings in the recent times, and architects have constantly come forward to showcase and represent the fact about how the spaces we live in can completely change the way our wellbeing is reflected. Lets take a look onto some key changes & facts that has happened in the recent times and the current Covid-19 pandemic that has made everyone to talk about wellbeing again, a factor which is often neglected with being too obvious, but in reality we miss out creating spaces for people that let them be, and let them feel relaxed or calm.

Fig. 2 Introduction to the context

Throughout the research of the thesis period, I was constantly reminded about the fact on how architecture is not just about walls, columns, its about the spatial experiences, the narrative, the way one feels in them. In the course of our academics even, we are often told to stress upon the fact of building right , and building the correct way, but in totality & reality, no space is complete without one factor being in it, and that is comfort. Comfort is both physical & psychological. The figure 2, represents the key characteristics & data of the current scenario that we’re currently living in, the outbreak has shaken everyone, irrespective of their professions & standards. As architects tend to represent the society who ensure to build habitats, safe & secure, it as our immense responsibility to look back at the way we’ve been designing our spaces in the last decade. Wherein we almost sometimes forgot about our social responsibility and built spaces, dingy & uncomfortable just to cater the number & economics provided by the real estate provider. It’s sad to see a state wherein people have completely forgotten about the social commune or interaction that is one way or the other the pillar of our society and wellbeing. It has become immensely important to build spaces that are multi-disciplinary, that is they nourish and galvanize the human psyche and wellbeing as a whole. Everyday, the news flashing on our television and home screens talks about the rapid loss of jobs, which leads to increasing number of people suffering from factors like stress and depression, and this isn’t just about the people in jobs, but as a whole everyone has something or the other going on in their life that stresses upon how they feel disconnected with the community & architectural spaces. Spaces, today really need to develop a feeling or a sense of emotion that truly urges someone to be in it, or to experience it. This could be through the act of direct sunlight, biophilia, open and empty spaces, in architectural terminology, atriums & courtyards, anything and everything that abides people to be in it. Throughout the course of this thesis, the author has focused & developed points through observations and research, ranging from wellness to community, to building a mixed use construct, all leading to the formation and building of a new typology, imagined in an urban construct while keeping in mind the context around, the need, the future, but most importantly on how those spaces affects us and how all the functions when combined together forms our daily routine, but in spaces which bring them alive and reflect their development every day.

1.1

Motivation/cause

Time, they say, waits for none and when everything was going alright for the world, year 2020 happened. In the course of the last 7-8 months, the world has seen what it never would have imagined. From the entire world going into a lockdown in this coronavirus pandemic, to the bloodbath at the stock market, with the world economy crashing, to the Australian bush fires, to earthquakes and the recent explosion in Beirut. The world is surely living in a turmoil, wherein when we also saw a certain outrage on mental health and mental wellbeing, the growth at which the stress levels or the hypertension factor has increased is at alarming levels. If we go back in history, whenever the world suffered, or passed through a bad phase being it the wars, or the pandemic/endemic, people resorted to wellness & wellbeing in order to redevelop their living characteristics.

Fig. 3 Motivation & key factors suggesting the need of the project The “human psyche” as represented in fig.3 depicts how we’ve been experiencing a drain in our everyday energy or lifestyle, and about how we function, which directly has an effect on how we live and work. With that said, there has been an immense absence of community, which impacts directly and indirectly on how our society flourishes. The places, which were often used to be filled with visitors and tourists are now empty, because of their notion of them being unsafe. With the lifting of the lockdowns, a 40% progression towards achieving normalcy has been seen, however to completely bring back a better place for all, there is a need to develop and redevelop factors, to 13

lift the current pause on progression, and bring a new module, that solely focuses on regenerating the happiness index, which is often defined by how we reflect ourselves in our living & working conditions, all hinting towards a need of a new mixed use construct.

Fig. 4 Defining wellness

Fig. 5 Formation of architecture for wellness An amalgamation of both architecture & wellbeing is needed to create a typology, that provide a comforting experience and environment. In today’s time, there is a dire need of a Happiness Index that need to be developed for people facing such problems, and this is where architecture for wellness comes to play. Architects have a huge responsibility on their shoulders right now in setting a module that serves all.

Today, wellness is not something that is being demanded or needed by a group of society, but the more it spreads, the better and faster we’ll help the civilisation get back to normalcy. Being an architecture student myself, I believe that the responsibility of the community’s wellbeing is possibly the highest of all, because it’s a community that develops/makes a space, it’s the community that helps business to run, or cities to flourish, and if the community only lives in fear or experiences this constant load of an unwell mental health/wellbeing, there will be a huge pause on the progress of our society. Hence, to develop/redevelop human needs & characteristics for a better lifestyle in such an era is alarmingly needed. This period of self-isolation has taken a toll on our self-thought and mindfulness, every day since we experienced the first ever country wide lockdown there have been a constant struggle of settling the mind at one place, this is something that a 22-year old is saying. The testimony if taken would be 1000+ pages long of people irrespective of their age facing the issue of mental health & wellbeing. The idea of wellbeing in my perspective is way ahead than just meditation or rejuvenation, it is more of a sensory experience that I have which makes me remember a space as a diurnal thought, a thought that refreshes my mind whenever I think about it. It’s like the memory that you have of your favourite song that leaves you mesmerised every time that you think about it. The creation of wellness should be beyond a centre or a retreat but an institute that celebrates it, educate you about it, makes you want to visit it again and again, like a diurnal structure. Because if there is something that the world definitely needs right now is normalcy, and holistic well-being that should be spread & taught by anyone who experiences it.

1.2

Purpose/need of the project

Purpose: Defining architecture for wellness: Wellness design is termed as the one which helps to develop focus/impact for people who live or work in them. •

The dire need of such a project is needed to make people feel better when they inhabit them.

•

Day by day, we are becoming aware of what the impact of built environment is doing on our planet, there is a growing interest on HOW THEY IMPACT US? Wherein the major effect of it is happening on our wellbeing, and our everyday lifestyle. 15

•

The purpose of the thesis is to provide a place for the community that is ahead of a centre or a retreat but more an institute that helps/develops their characteristics and leave them spellbound with the thought of a holistic wellbeing. With the increasing technology and research development, architects will soon become the flagbearers of a GLOBAL WELLNESS REVOLUTION, as during the course of pandemic we’ve realised that how spaces and design places an important role and aspect for the safety and health of all.

Fig. 6 Defining the purpose and factors associated We need to actively work on re-generating the human lifestyle, and build spaces which make them feel better when they inhabit them, the activities range from working, relaxing, eating, shopping & exercise, all of which when combined together forms our everyday life around a build space. The long-term impact of our built environment (space & design) suggests on how a space that spreads out the idea of wellbeing, will play an important role & aspect in the ongoing and post pandemic era. This helps us to formulate the basis of the need of our project which will be further discussed and focused upon. The need of the project is about defining a new world or a new construct that completely changes on how we react around built spaces.

1.3

The Need(of a new world):

There are various factors that clearly plays a part in improving our lifestyle, but most importantly wellbeing, it impacts us, both: Physically & Psychologically

Developing Phenomenology (for people) Wherein phenomenology is based on research & theory in architecture.

Fig. 7 Defining need & suggested analytics The fig.6 represents and talks about how the author has considered the user analysis as an important basis in building the context and design further in the design development, considering the idea of re-nourishing thoughts and lifestyle in safe outdoors and indoors, through the building design which in all has a direct impact on our wellbeing. The idea wherein is to create a mixed-use urban environment contributing to our wellbeing through health, ecology, nature & sustainability. According to a recent survey the percentage of our life being spent indoors have drastically increased as offices shut globally, so did schools & colleges, the community worldwide has been spending most of their time indoors which is in all ways affecting their mental psyche and lifestyle.

The thesis will majorly focus on creating a design that speaks about wellbeing on all sense & manners, that is a combination of all factors that tends to have an impact on our wellbeing.

1.4

Need(WHY IS IT IMPORTANT): Wellness of a human being have direct effects on: ▪

Performance at work

▪

Relationships

▪

Personality & Mood

▪

Lifespan

Fig. 8 Potential and Impact of the project The project aims to deliver an impact that is long lasting, while keeping in mind the components of our daily lifestyle, ranging from factors like access/exposure, conducive, interaction (collective identity) and the idea of dialogues and cross learning all under one construct. Such an architecture have been constantly in the limelight in the recent years with bringing a change in architecture also often termed as nudge architecture, who’s basic principle is to enrich lifestyle through the design, researchers and theorists all around the world who are talking about global warming or need of good spaces, are often seen talking about building spaces that focuses on these factors.

The thesis aims to create an Urban wellness + Experience centre, that’ll attract tourists, visitors and locals, pertaining to the site & context through active designing.

Fig. 2 Why is it important

Fig. 9 Why wellbeing? NOTE: Poorly designed environment creates a havoc on our wellness. There is a big impact of BUILT CIVILISATION on our planet, threat of climate change & global warming. ✓ Design that is more considerate and sustainable. ✓ Building design need to factor the impact it has on the world and people who live in them. ✓ An aspect of passive sustainability & natural wellness should be considered. NOTE: MAKING AN AGE OF CLEAN INTERIORS & HEALTHY BUILDING (all directly complimenting the idea of wellness), with the implementation of the above, architecture in the coming years will guarantee spaces that are future ready in terms of adaption and remoulding, and about how we need to always overlook on how and where we live, such factors when combined together formulate an environment which is safe and healthy to live in.

An overlook at the few statistics that surround the society today in the pandemic era, find it below: 61% Indians suffering from mental health issues during lockdown: Survey(Times of India)

Statistics during Covid-19 35%

33%

30% 23%

25% 20%

18%

20% 17%

16%

14%

15%

10%

12% 8%

5% 0%

Age group:16-20

Age group:21-40

Age group:40-60

Age group:60+

Depression

33%

23%

14%

16%

Anxiety

18%

17%

12%

Stress

20%

10%

Depression

Anxiety

Stress

Table 1: Statistics during Covid-19(Times of India) The above statistics (891 participants -Survey by Times of India) suggests and depicts on how the factors like depression, anxiety and stress have increased drastically. There are certain surveys that are being carried by varied other bodies too, including the WHO, which depicts a similar proposition being found out in people. It is really difficult to follow and maintain a healthy lifestyle when we are going through a crisis like this. There are varied uncertainty, constant worries that surrounds us be it finance, family, our job security, majorly our health. With the speculations about how long it’ll be and the horrendous news coverage & daily update on social media, have clearly taken a toll on increasing our stress & anxiety levels. It has disturbed the way we eat, the way we sleep, emotional outbursts, extremely low self-esteem & motivation to do anything or everything. People are resorting to the abuse of excessive alcohol, or bad habits in order to divert themselves, but what they are not realising is that they are harming their health more by doing it. Establishment of a space that helps to comes out of such a situation and time defines the purpose of the thesis statement. 20

1.5

Approach & Methodology:

Defined to be a plug in of an immersive experience through the layers of art, rejuvenation, meditation, mindfulness & photorealism forming the basis of a wellness centre, that is widely based on a holistic approach of revival and well-being, a need of the hour in the ongoing & post pandemic era. The thesis is divided into majorly 2 parts, that forms the basis of the methodology, that the division of wellness is done as people & site/context, wherein people form the phenomenology of the design and the site & context is looked considering the factors of International well-being standard, and varied other factors that affects a site & it’s context. The idea of the division is clearly done considering the factors that determine them, and form a relationship between them. The division is needed, as there are two major prospects that are being considered in the thesis, one that revolves around research & theory and one that revolves around analytics & data. The combination of both will further help to analyse the potential of the thesis and the areas to cover more clearly & will give a better approach on the understanding of the thesis, and all the translation of the ideas into an architectural space.

Fig. 10 Forming the basis of wellness

Methodology map: The methodology map is represented on how the entire thesis is structured:

Introduction

Motivation (experience and narrative)

Purpose (Characterstics & Statistics)

Approach (Setting the basis of wellness & setting up the phenonmenologybrief)

Idea argument (Claims)

Forming of the introduction

Idea of the future

Vision

Stating the vision

Aim (Architecture for wellbeing)

Objectives (Structure)

Research (Numbers & requirement)

Survey (Online survey conducted on people by the authir)

Forming the basis of the thesis Feasiblity & Viablity of the project

Site selection criteria

Approach & Process diagramming

Determining design factors

Forming the structure & backing Area Statement

Laws & Restrictions

Site analysis

Factors affecting the site

Forming the design context

Case study anaylsis

Design inspiration

Forming the design background & inspiration

The idea of phenomenology is put upon on a brief that sets certain classification on how the methodology is considered and extracted from the three theorist/researcher/architect on how they define wellness. This will help the thesis to form a strong backing in terms of how the architectural translation of worldly known exemplars have defined wellbeing and how their idea impact the human’s idea of wellness. Phenomenology tends to develop characteristics that can be determined and changed as the thesis progresses ahead, but there is a certain need to set an example or an idea that helps to develop the thesis more smoothly and explore the idea of wellness and wellbeing. These 3 exemplars have done numerous work & research on creating and identifying about the human needs, wellness & ideas that helps to develop them, all of which when combined will create an interesting translation. The brief also helps to develop a methodology map, that in turns gives clear perspective on determining factors laid out, which can be moulded and thought accordingly in terms & needs of the ongoing phase. There is an immense responsibility of a designer to develop a space that helps to take away all the stress and burden of the mind, hence its achievement can only be done when there is a research that not only focus on one aspect but the one developed in layers all channelizing and affecting the human psyche. Find below the diagram that explains the factors extracted:

Fig.11 Setting up the phenomenology brief

All the factors stated above forms the core idea on how the brief of phenomenology is being imagined that defines the basis on how the identity and design statement shall be followed for people as stated above in the division of wellness. The extraction of the above points serves as major takeaways that helps the thesis in forming a strong backing of phenomenology that is based on case studies, research & ideologies of varied exemplars. WHY NEED OF THE HOUR? The reason being that if we go back in history, after every pandemic/endemics, or natural/manmade disasters, the need of wellbeing emerged as one of the largest industry, considering the fact that people experienced extreme isolation, low self-esteem or even the need of learning something new that could help them get back to a normal lifestyle, and shape up their characteristics & redevelop living experience.

Fig.12 Translation of function The above figure represents the translation of function required from singular to plural something that we have been constantly seeing in the recent times, and as said above, after all pandemics, endemics, whenever man suffered it was the wellness industry that emerged as the largest of all, keeping in mind the 4R’s, Re-generate, Re-nourish, Re-evolution, Re-develop.

Fig.13 Maslow hierarchy of needs The idea is to develop an architectural space that is an amalgamation of finer details of life, act of focus, breathing, physical sensations, based on the design discourse of art, convention, meditation, talk shows, virtual reality, photo-realism & immersive experience. WHY (art, convention, meditation, talk shows, virtual reality, photo-realism & immersive experience?) ANS. The research from Maslow’s hierarchy of needs explained that how by inculcating the Maslow’s pyramid into a design solution can make a design evolve over a better spatial & psychological experience. It helps in creating a habitat that is based on needs (psychological) & a-built space that compliments the human psyche. The pyramid can also be compared to a narrative experience in architecture, that is developed through finely curated spaces, considering the factors of colour palettes, material & spaces/functions that compliments human needs. The architectural translation of the Maslow’s hierarchy of needs can clearly help to create a space, that is filled with the flexibility of achieving & self-development.

1.6

Idea argument:

There are varied evidence that suggests and predicts the emergence of wellness centres around the world in the post pandemic era, be it the Aayushman Bharat scheme in India, that plans to create numerous wellness centres or be it industry leaders in hospitality like Taj or Oberoi, the industry of wellness is going to take a fast pace considering how people are going to resort to the idea of wellness in the post pandemic era, to revitalise their disturbed sense. Find below some images of some articles that talk about the same:

Fig. 14 Setting up argument claims

The media releases above states on how all the factors of the current situation is going to stay for a while, and how post that the idea of holistic well-being, that is focused on nutrition and rejuvenation is being talked about more than ever. The hospitality industry renowned & best 26

leaders are also seeing a very renewed interest in the wellness revolution. All backpackers, peace seekers are extensively looking out for health & wealth retreats to build back and replenish their immunity. The thesis, is a take on serving the humanity & community has a whole, wherein the spine of the thesis is based on providing & reviving the community back to the state of normalcy and the core thought of it being their wellbeing. In a recent research & and a report by the Global Wellness Institute, wellness tourism or the people seeking wellness is slated to grow at an average annual rate of 7.5% by 2022. The percentage is much higher to the projected 6.4 percent-rate of the annual growth of the overall global tourism, which means people are going to prefer to for a staycation, and step out of the hustle & bustle, and travel to a place on the proximity and outskirts of their cities, considering there are going to be a lot of people driving to nearby retreats and resorts, considering the factor of safety of traveling into their neighbourhood city/or outskirts instead of traveling through public transports like flights or train. With signs of normalcy, it is predicted that the wellness industry is going to be a priority for everyone, and people will plan their staycations around it. Already, a lot of industry leaders have started to form & carry out various programmes that focuses on building & attracting the wellness tourism, which is predicted to take a centre-stage in the coming months, as the signs of normalcy returns.

2 Vision The vision of the thesis clearly sets out onto creating a space that serves community and brings them near to the finer idea of life. The ideation of which will be done by bringing them closer to the idea of natural wellness & holistic healing, to provide a space that is structured keeping in mind the human needs from basic to self-fulfilment. Varied factors and research combined together to form a space, that in all sense brings out in creating a new world, or the main idea of the thesis that is wellness centre through immersive design & [r]evolution.

Fig. 15 Vision chart The vision chart in the fig.11 represents the key factors that have been finalized in choosing the site and determining factors for the basis and structure of the design process. The above points have been closely been attempted in order to develop a space that caters to all factors pertaining to wellbeing and what the urban ecosystem today actually requires. Factors like diurnal design, and activities have been looked carefully considering what the site needs, and how it’ll flourish the surrounding context too. A lot has been talked about wellness in fancy locations, or international resorts, but the idea here is to see it at an urban levels, and how functions can be moulded and re-looked accordingly.

3 Aim, Objectives & Research: 3.1 Aim: The thesis aims to provide a sustainable and a site & context responsive architecture, based on a holistic approach of revival and well-being, withstanding the human needs & comfort forming the basis of a wellness centre, a need of the hour in the ongoing and post-pandemic era.

3.2

Objective: •

To understand the basis needs & characteristics that forms the basis of wellness.

•

To implement & build a user responsive architecture based on phenomenology, and a site responsive architecture through features & ecology of the context

•

To identify the implication of the philosophical viewpoints on wellness, by varied researchers, architects, psychologist, theorist in wellness architecture, (Maslow, Peter Zumthor, Geoffrey Bawa).

•

Designing explored on the grounds of technology, sustainability, nature, landscaping & finer details in life.

•

To develop a common place for faith, peace & wellbeing ahead of the religion brigade.

•

To develop an influential place that spreads & educates about wellness.

•

To help people revive & revitalise their thoughts through designing sacred/fine spaces high on fine details & materials, and light.

3.3

•

To incorporate nature & natural wellness.

•

To incorporate the idea of passive sustainability & landscaping.

•

To respond to the existing features of the site & develop accordingly.

•

Focus on aesthetics & developing a feeling.

•

A wellness centre that is religion neutral.

•

To consider case studies of wellness spa, retreats, resorts etc.

•

To conduct a survey identifying the testimony on the need of a wellness centre.

•

To create a wellness ecosystem, that celebrates it.

Keywords:

Wellness, healing, mindfulness, meditation, retreat, community, light, air , material, site, people , comfort, sustainable, natural wellness, Covid-19, depression, anxiety, need of the hour.

3.4

Research: 200 million people suffer from depression in India as of 2020

42.5% of corporate emplyees in India suffer from depression.

Source: WHO

Source: Assocham

The government estimates 1 IN 5 people in the country needs counselling, either psychological or psychiatric.

36% of Indians are likely to suffer from major depression at some point in their lifes.

On average in India 20.9 people commit suicide out of every 100,00 people.

Source: WHO

3 of every 100 residents in urban areas are estimated to suffer from depression.

Suicide is the secong leading cause of death in 18-29 age group.

Wellness & Hospitality indutry is worth $4.5 trillion, and is expected to grow more in the coming years.

Table 2: Statistics & research The above points are taken out through various researches carried out by varied bodies like WHO, and global wellness institute wherein all the above stated points reflect on how there is an essential need of wellness to spread more amongst the people, and generating a community-oriented architecture, that heals as well as surprises them for a lifetime. An architectural translation that works solely in giving the community the idea of healing. The second part of the research will be done through a survey (through google forms, Instagram & Facebook), and questions like would you like to step out, or what are the major causes of stress in your life etc. will be asked. The survey will be designed in such a way that it gives a percentage of people reflecting their needs, what problems they have, what they wish to do, how they wish to do, and etc. The survey will help to develop a space that is completely community oriented and somehow satisfy what they seek when they think of illness.

3.5

Problem analysis:

The problem analysis attempts to reflect the current conditions and showcases the image of the city, with analytics that showcases public influx diagrams, and how it’ll increase after implementation of a wellness hub or destination. It further talks about the dire need of a mixeduse wellness center at a strategic location which becomes an example and flag bearer of 30

awareness & importance of wellbeing. It further talks about active & non active designing impacts, and also showcases the percentage analysis of the reformation of socio-cultural aspect post the design implementation, by fostering a destination where people can come & connect no matter what their background is, considering current fact and absence/lack of public spaces where people can seek wellness & wellbeing.

Fig. 16 Problem analysis diagram

3.6

Survey on Wellness:

The survey was conducted through an online questionnaire made with the help of the Google forms by the author, the idea was to identify people’s take on wellness, their experiences during the pandemic period and how they think wellness is a character that has caused an affect in their life. The survey was conducted on people of varied age groups & their diurnal thoughts were surveyed in the exercise. The survey will help to build a people sensitive design as mentioned earlier that how the design implementation of wellness will be people & site/context sensitive. The questions were as follows: 1. Your name? 2. Your age group? 3. What is your profession? 31

4. Has Covid-19 affected your mental health? 5. How often do you feel stressed? 6. What is your main source of stress? 7. Which human needs do you wish to have the most? 8. How busy are you on a scale of 1-5? 9. How much time do you spend indoors on a scale of 1 to 5? 10. Have you ever sought help to manage your mental wellbeing & stress? 11. If so, did it help? 12. How do you identify a wellness space? 13. What is your favourite activity for relaxation or for stress relief? 14. How do you define the past 6 months of your life in terms of stress, family & life? 15. Do you define wellness with religion? 16. How often do you wish to escape from the hustle & bustle life? 17. Have you ever been to a wellness centre? 18. If not, do you wish to? 19. A Wellness Centre, within the city, away from the city, or on the outskirts of the city? 20. Any thoughts in mind after filling this survey? Testimonies where people were quoted saying the following: •

“Change in the career progression leading to stress”

•

“Well it was pretty stressful because I wasn’t reaching my full potential and felt stuck but then I started therapy for it and it has been working well so far”

•

“The past 6 months have been stressful because of the coronavirus pandemic. Otherwise, my family is very understanding and supportive of my work and career.”

•

“Slowly Reaching the saturation point where I need a change of surroundings and setting.”

•

“Life is at a halt, boring and not exciting.”

Testimonies about what people feel about wellness & wellness centre: •

“This survey made me think about my mental state. It made me realise how having a wellness centre can actually be helpful, especially in today's time when mental health issues are growing at an exponential rate.”

•

“Wellness centre should be away from digital experience or any kind of technology. Ample day light, calm surroundings.” 32

•

“Wellness centre would be a necessity in the coming years”.

•

“Wellness is much needed amongst youngsters”.

The above testimonies are an example of people’s experiences and what they feel about wellness. The above testimonies will further be now represented through pie charts and graphs of the survey taken that states out the analysis on the questions the survey was conducted upon. The survey is made to observe people need’s and demands and upon how they feel about the need of wellness in their lives, the numbers will help us to cater and curate a design implementation that is hugely based on people’s characteristics and needs. Find below the pie charts and graphs of the survey as follows:

The survey has helped to analyse the factors, out of which the highest recorded are: 41.2% Covid-19 affected their mental health. 58.8% people felt they were stressed sometimes. 52.9% of the stress was due to work 52.9% of the people felt their most important needs were (air, water, shelter, sex) and (family friendship, intimacy) 47.1% was the highest accounted percentage of people being busy 58.8% for the time being spent indoors by people 52.9% people resorted for managing mental wellbeing and stress 58.8% people received no help

82.4% people defined a wellness space with calmness 29.4% people travelled to relief their stress 47.1% people said they don’t define wellness with religion 82.4% people wished to escape from the hustle-bustle life sometimes 88.2% people haven’t been to a wellness centre 52.9% wished for going to a wellness centre 52.9% people wanted a wellness centre within the city Considering the above factors, a Wellness centre within the city will be the perfect factor for setting up the design site, catering to the community and neighbourhood level. The factors understood from the above points, and survey were structured in such a way that the site to be selected fits perfectly on all the inferences achieved from them. The structure further in the document will be explored on how the site was chosen considering its feasibility & viability and the location it best fits in. All the stated factors have been taken into consideration while understanding the expanse of the project and about how it will be feasible and viable at the same time.

4 Feasibility & viability of the project: Setting up the Maslow’s pyramid parameter for selecting the site (as explained in approach/methodology): The Maslow’s pyramid parameter has been closely considered in selecting the site, considering on how these needs clearly explains the needs of the human & its usual behaviour. The reason for which is so, that the site & location should impact its context directly and so should the design implementation. We often build architecture at places it is not required and this is where we need to know and understand factors which will help our design or our project to flourish and become an example in the near future. The cities chosen to set up on the parameter were, Delhi NCR, Mumbai & Bangalore, based on the research of how these 3 metropolitan cities forms a major chunk of people experiencing issues related to stress and wellbeing, and lack of healthy public spaces.

Fig. 17 Parameter for site selection in reference to Maslow’s Pyramid Delhi NCR is satisfying highest numbers of needs when put on the Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, hence being a higher possibility of the design site.

5 Approach & process diagramming The ideal identification extracted from the above factors is: Urban re-generation + community living (i.e. creating mixed-use urban wellness construct), which helped to determine the stakeholder & user group as follows:

Fig. 18 Stakeholder and user group

The demography for the site should vary with the stakeholders and user group visiting it. With preferred strategic location of it being surrounded by residential & commercial units, making it a perfect hotspot for people seeking wellness in an urban environment.

6 Area statement Location: The site is located on the golf course road, Gurgaon, Haryana Context: It is located on the main road and is surrounded by business districts complaining of high stress levels, and also is in the proximity of a metro station.

Site area = 8.4 Acres = 34,000 sqm. It has a public typology Max permissible ground coverage = 25% of 34,000 = 8500 sqm. Max permissible FAR = 150% = 1.5 Total permissible area = Site area x FAR = 34,000 X 1.5 51,000 sqm = 12.6 acres Setbacks= Front, 4.5m. Side, 4m.

7 Site analysis The site analysis has been formulated and structured through various factors affecting the site and represented through diagrams & infographics as follows: The site is located on a strategic location as functioned in the points above, while keeping in mind its urban context, with it being easily accessibe too.

Fig. 19 Location, context and connectivity There are some major factors that lead on chosing this site, they are as shown below in fig. 20

Fig. 20 Factors & context identity 41

The context of the site is surrounded by prominent hotspots, both residential and commercial that make it the perfect location for an urban experience. The figure below represents the three major points that makes the site extremely beneficial for such a project, them being:

Fig. 21 Key considerations Wellness is exclusive (Need of an Urban experience) Most of the wellness programmes are alienated centres which are based either on the outskirts or away from the city which caters to a very limited audience. A mixed use wellness centre within the city will open new prospects for people to have a tranquil experience while being in the city and spreading the bigger idea of wellbeing. Strategic location (Proximity and location) Gurgaon serves as the ideal location for the design considering factors of its behaviour and existence on the context. With alarming levels, Gurugram, which caters to numerous offices & as a commercial hub and a millennial city, the idea can be very well implemented and shaped as the stakeholders will directly create an impact on the rest of the fabric and the city. Urban centrality and surrounding (Creating an impact) The location of the design site on the golf course road will act as a catalyst, the fabric wherein is surrounded by residences and offices and in all the research done it clearly shows that how an urban wellness hub can shape the betterment of the society and the fabric around. The place imagined to be a mixed-use urban construct can cater to varied needs while taking care of their wellbeing.

The figure below represents the historical images of the site and its context, and how it has evolved, it also depicts on how the fabric has constantly developed and how major roads in and around the site have taken place, with the site’s evident ability for vegetation and trees to grow.

Fig. 22 Site evolution Further the site analysis, was done on factors of road network, context, building heights, land use, movement around the site, and how it being on the edge is beneficial, refer to the diagram below:

Fig. 23 Site study

A volumetric anaylsis for the site was done, which helped in determining on how the site is surrounded by a mix of residential, commerical and office hubs. The site in the Masterplan 2031 is complemented for residential, public and semi-public use, hence making the site prefrence and selection an ideal location for our mixed construct urban wellnes hub. Further the figure ground study revealed the following points: •

Site is surrounded by plenty of open space around the site edges, with all the buildings inclined in such a way that none faces directly onto the site, except the metro rail.

•

Each of the residential complex around have their own ecosystem that they cater to.

•

Site can reflect and act as a catalyst.

•

Design implementation on the edge always helps to transform the rest of the fabric.

Fig. 24 Volumetric, site section & figure ground Further the analysis was done on the open spaces, vehicular movement and traffic, pedestrian movement & public transport, site pictures & condition, SWOT analysis, sun & wind path & weather conditions, refer to the figures below attached with their inferences:

Fig. 25 Open spaces (Inferences & possibilities)

Fig. 26 Vehicular movement and traffic As shown in the figure 25 above, the traffic congestion points are due to the recently put U-turns which cause traffic in the primary roads as lot of people don’t tend to follow the lanes. The figure also represents the width of roads being 42m Primary, 26m Secondary & 10m Tertiary.

Fig. 27 Pedestrian movement and public transport As shown in the figure 26 above, the site is easily accessible through all edges and transport systems and is well equipped with bringing public influx to the site. However, there in an immense need of a sidewalk and footpath which was also be proposed as a part of the design solution. The figure 27 below represents the current state of the site and its surroundings:

Fig. 28 Site pictures & condition 46

Further, the SWOT analysis was done to reprimand the key factors to be developed in the design solution, considering its Strength, weakness, opportunity and threat, refer to figure below:

Fig. 29 SWOT analysis A sun and wind path study was further conducted to analyse the orientation and placing of the blocks, in refrence to the site and its conditions, the final design solution is also kept in sync with its sun and wind study, since sun and wind plays an important role in making sure that an indvidual’s wellbeing is clearly catered, also further wind direction was analysed to find the correct angle for the placing of the blocks. According to which the inference gathered was that cross ventilation occurs on the site from NW-SE,hence placing the blocks at an angle of 30-45 degrees will further increase the ventilation, with the site experiencing gentle breeze throughout the year, hence making spaces where people can experience this feeling.Further a sunshine study was done to analyse the total sunshine hours, and the air quality index, all leading to the inferences and ideal factors in desgining the building, to keep it comofortable throughout the year,refer to the figure 29 & 30 below:

Fig. 30 Sun and wind path

Fig. 31 Weather study

8 Case-study analysis: 8.1

The Roseate, New Delhi:

Fig. 32 The Roseate, New Delhi The Roseate, New Delhi designed by the internationally acclaimed architect Khun Lek Bunnag is a marvellous depiction of an urban oasis that stands to narrates its visual language of nature & wellness very seamlessly weaved with its architecture, and in all ways, it somehow tries to represent the heritage of Delhi. The design is spread across 8 acres of luscious greens & a plethora of tranquil water bodies crisscrossing the entire length of this luxury retreat in Delhi.

Fig. 33 Design considerations

The idea was to create an escape from the hustling-bustling city life, wherein it is just a few minutes away from the airport, the corporate hubs, embassies, shopping malls and markets in Delhi & Gurgaon, and definitely serving as one of the best retreats in Delhi region. It is a brilliant example of creating an architecture that has so much to do with its material, soundscape, landscape, finely detailed elements, all things that somehow pleases anyone who experiences it. The mastery of creating an environment that lies on one of the busiest highways, yet designed in layers & layers of natural surroundings, landscape & soundscape making it truly a surreal experience to anyone visiting it. There is a unique architecture found at the Roseate, New Delhi which makes it very picturesque with its green landscape & the idea of natural wellness being used as background of a surreal experience. Architect Khun Lek Bunnag is famous for his depiction of finer things in life through his design implementations. He uses simple & earthy textures throughout his designs for keeping a close connection of the people with its surroundings. The approach of the design was done in such a way that it acted as a indefectible escape from the tedious 9-5 city life and the sense of living in a metropolitan city. Such resorts if divided on their placements works in three manners, when they are away, within or outskirts of the city. This particular retreat was designed keeping in mind the numerous footfall that occurs in Delhi everyday and for everyone who’s landing at the Delhi airport, considering it as an option for their stay. The Roseate, is a final example of considering and conserving a tranquil environment created and curated for its guests.

Fig.34 The Roseate reception lobby, New Delhi

The design is inspired by the 5 elements of Hindu philosophy, air, water, fire, earth & sky. The regally columned verandas are designed in such a way that in all sense they depict the mnemonic of the royal lineage of Delhi and the plush ornate greens that envelopes the structure into it, making it really welcoming and at the same time very sustainable. The water bodies are spread out in an area of 3 acres, making it an absolute connecting experience. The design is a mix of materials, wherein in there is an intricate bronze meshwork in the guest areas, with large and over 20ft. doors, with high ceilings and Isfahan pillars fused with a 5-century old Moghul architecture personifying the monumental ambience which in all senses illustrates and depicts aristocracy.

Fig.35 elements Contradiction with the author’s design idea: The design if considered as inspired from the Hindu philosophy is on contrary to the one the author is trying to establish, which will be a religion neutral design. The idea of which is to again keeping the centre a common ground for everyone and anyone visiting it, and not be defined or represented by one particular belief, it shall be a combination or an amalgamation of several beliefs under one roof, creating a connect that is beyond a singular belief.

Fig. 36 Water features along with the Isfahan pillars An idea of active designing is clearly seen throughout the retreat, wherein the water element is symbolized with a 102-meter long waterway which journeys along the entire length of the resort creating & simulating a therapeutic detox to the horrendous city life. Creating the soundscape: To avoid any sound coming from the over-populated highway and to generate a feeling of tranquillity around 650,000 leaves of the Ficus have been put up on the wall which not only acts a design element but at the same time acts as an insulator to the city sound. It’s innovation and that too natural features innovation that makes the design really appealing and pleasing, the way in which all the natural features are used to create an experience that is close to the nature and makes it worthwhile to anyone visiting it. The design is hugely centred on creating a good impact in terms of light, air and biophilia.

Fig. 37 Generating the soundscape design to avoid the city noise

Fig. 38 Usage of rhythmic and earthy colours and finishing

The design is extensively complimented by the usage of colours that are very rhythmic and connecting to each other as shown in Fig. 24, this thoroughly depicts on how the idea of material and colour sensitivity for a user is clearly maintained and looked upon. The design components in The Roseate, New Delhi can also be explained by words that truly define them i.e. Reflect, breathe, heal, share & soak (which are also the key components the author is looking upon while creating the thesis design experience).

Fig. 39 The exemplar wellness retreat (Aheli) The wellness retreat at the Roseate is imagined through more than just a state of wellbeing but a more dynamic process of self-growth which is seen through the factors of physical, mental, emotional & spiritual healing. There is a constant effort unto creating a natural surrounding and natural well-being inheritance for its users. There are varied activities designed and curated for people wanting to experience and enrich themselves unto discovering their inner-self, spiritualism, yoga, meditation, traditional bathing experiences, lifestyle nourishing programmes all meant to develop and re-develop human needs and well-being. The oasis is placed at a location where you can drive through and embark on a more wellful journey and healing amidst the hustling-bustling city life. 54

Fig. 40 A thoroughfare usage of light and shadows to create a thrilling experience

Fig. 41 Usage of fine lines and elements constantly in the design The Roseate, New Delhi by Khun Lek Bunnag is a fine example of a wellness retreat cum resort that tries to serve its user with experiences that are close to nature after being in the middle of the city, and that is what make the design really interesting and encouraging in all sense and manners.

8.2

The Trident, Gurgaon:

Fig. 42 The Trident, Gurgaon The Trident, Gurgaon is another exemplar project by the architect Khun Lek Bunnag, settled in the heart of the hustling-bustling Gurgaon region. The design of this is again a similar take to that of the Roseate. The design is a low-rise and is spread over an area of 7-acres. It is a similar blend of natural elements used extensively throughout with the usage of water, light in the design. The architecture is inspired from the influences and inspiration of Moroccan, Mughal and Rajasthani style used intricately in its architecture. There is a constant usage of natural features and functions like the gardens, reflection pools, creating a surreal retreat experience. Again, the idea of soundscape designing is hugely used, considering that its located on the NH-8, the landscape avoids all the noise coming from it by soaking and giving a wonderful experience while being in the middle of the city. The wellness centre at The Trident is equipped with providing its user wellness programmes 24*7, wherein one can use the facilities whenever they wish to, making it a very flexible & diurnal activity.

Fig. 43 Design considerations 56

8.3

India Habitat Centre, Delhi

Fig. 44 India Habitat Centre The India Habitat Centre is one of the finest examples in the history of well built buildings in India. It was designed by the exemplar Joseph Allen Stein (Stein, Doshi, Bhalla architects), with a site area of 38,850sqm. and a built of 53000 sqm. , with the ground coverage being 9500 sqm (25%), with FAR being 1.4 and maximum floors 5. The intend of the design was to provide a physical environment to individuals and institutions related to habitat to boost their relationship & effectiveness.

Fig. 45 Core functions-IHC

Fig. 46 Design implementations and response to context

Fig. 47 Key factors and design ideology Inferences:

8.4

•

Courtyards serve as an imortant binding element & tools for place making.

•

Vehicular circulation shall be restricted to peripherals.

•

The complex is broken into N&S blocks.

•

N is accessible to public with drop off

•

S is organized around courtyards and spillouts.

Jawahar Kala Kendra, Jaipur

Jawahar Kala Kendra, Jaipur is another prominent example of buildings that served design implementation with utmost essence of experience and at the same time catering to the human psyche and wellbeing by the way the design was done. Designed by the exemplar Charles Correa, the site is spread around an area of 34,900 sqm., with a built up area of 9000 sqm., and ground coverage being 8100sqm. (21%), with FAR 0.5 and maximum floors 2. The design intent was to provide a unique place where it could serve as the ideal location for documentation, preservation, and the showcase of art, culture and the extreme visual heritage of Rajasthan.

Fig. 48 Core functions-Jawahar Kala Kendra

Fig. 49 Response to context & design implementation

Fig. 50 Deign strategies and building of narrative Inferences: •

A good example of concept translated into design.

•

Experience of the city created in the built form.

•

The place evokes emotions in the uset through its planning and play of volumes.

An ideal inference diagram for all the 4 case studies was made to rectify the key takeaways and suggestions that the case study made in reference to the author’s idea , find below the figure for the ideal inferences diagram from the conducted case studies:

Fig. 51 Case study inferences diagram

9 Selected components and programs:

Fig. 52 Functions and core idea

10 Concept

Fig. 53 Concept building & ideation 60

10.1 Prototyping

Fig. 54 Design prototype

Fig. 55 Design prototype

10.2 Final program approach

Fig. 56 Key functions and design strategy

11 Zoning Bubble diagram

Fig. 57 Bubble Diagram

11.1 Iterations and inference:

Fig. 58 Iteration1 & 2

Fig. 59 Inference from Iteration 1 & 2

12 Final Zoning Concept

Fig. 60 Final zoning concept diagram 65

13 Final Zoning on site

Fig. 61 Final zoning & site plan

13.1 Massing and form development

Fig. 62 Massing & form development

Fig. 63 Massing & form development

14 Ground floor plan

Fig. 64 Ground floor plan

15 Block plans

Fig. 65 Beyond_Front elevation

Fig. 66 Structure plan_Wellness Residence_Ground floor

Fig. 67 Framing plan_Wellness Residence_Ground floor

Fig. 68 Material & render_Wellness Residence_Ground floor

Fig. 69 Rendered view_Drop off_Wellness Residence_Ground floor

Fig. 70 Rendered view_Entrance_Wellness Residence_Ground floor

Fig. 71 Rendered view_AQ Pods_Wellness Residence_Ground floor

Fig. 72 Rendered view_All day café_Wellness Residence_Ground floor

Fig. 73 Structure plan_Wellness Residence_First floor

Fig. 74 Framing plan_Wellness Residence_First floor

Fig. 75 Material & render_Wellness Residence_First floor

Fig. 76 Rendered view_Lift lobby_Wellness Residence

Fig. 77 Structure plan_Wellness Residence_Typical floor

Fig. 78 Framing plan_Wellness Residence_Typical floor

Fig. 79 Material & render_Wellness Residence_Typical floor

Fig. 80 Rendered view_Facade treatment_Wellness Residence

Fig. 81 Rendered view_Typical apartment entrance_Wellness Residence

Fig. 82 Rendered view_Yoga & meditation deck cum balcony_Wellness Residence

Fig. 83 Rendered view_Balcony view to urban trail_Wellness Residence

Fig. 84 Structure plan_Spa club_Ground floor

Fig. 85 Framing plan_Spa club_Ground floor

Fig. 86 Material & render_Spa club_Ground floor

Fig. 87 Rendered view_Central swimming pool_Spa club_Ground floor

Fig. 88 Rendered view_Functions overlooking the pool_Wellness Residence

Fig. 89 Structure plan_Spa club_First floor

Fig. 90 Framing plan_Spa club_First floor

Fig. 91 Material & render_Spa club_First floor

Fig. 92 Rendered view_Experential corridor_Wellness Residence

Fig. 93 Structure plan_Spa club_Second floor

Fig. 94 Framing plan_Spa club_Second floor

Fig. 95 Material & render_Spa club_Second floor

Fig. 96 Structure plan_Retail_Ground floor

Fig. 97 Framing plan_Retail_Ground floor

Fig. 98 Material & render_Retail_Ground floor

Fig. 99 Rendered view_Dropoff_Retail

Fig. 100 Rendered view_Dropff_Retail

Fig. 101 Rendered view_Entrance_Retail

Fig. 102 Structure plan_Retail_First floor

Fig. 103 Framing plan_Retail_First floor

Fig. 104 Material & render_Retail_First floor

Fig. 105 Structure plan_Retail_Second floor

Fig. 106 Framing plan_Retail_Second floor

Fig. 107 Material & render_Retail_Second floor

Fig. 108 Rendered view_Connect & access_Retail

Fig. 109 Structure plan_Experience centre_Ground floor

Fig. 110 Framing plan_Experience centre_Ground floor 91

Fig. 111 Material & render_Experience centre_Ground floor

Fig. 112 Rendered view_The walk_Experience centre

Fig. 113 Rendered view_Library_Experience centre_Ground floor

Fig. 114 Structure plan_Experience centre_First floor

Fig. 115 Framing plan_Experience centre_First floor

Fig. 116 Material & render_Experience centre_First floor

Fig. 117 Rendered view_The walk_Experience centre

Fig. 118 Structure plan_Experience centre_Second floor

Fig. 119 Framing plan_Experience centre_Second floor

Fig. 120 Material & render_Expeirence centre_Second floor

Fig. 121 Rendered view_Terrace garden_Experience centre

Fig. 122 Rendered view_Liminal & self-shaded spaces

Fig. 123 Rendered view_Surface parking

Fig. 124 Rendered view_Urban trails

Fig. 125 Rendred view_View from the metro rail

Fig. 126 Section AA’

100

Fig. 127 Section BB’

Fig. 128 Basement plan 1&2

101

16 Conclusion Humans have the worst tendency of forgetting and moving back to a place where he is most affected at, as an architect, it’s our responsibility to distinguish and idealize an architecture that solely works on providing a better place for people to sustain, that is finding sustainability not just in buildings but in how a human effects & behaves with a space. This is where the community will lay foundation of a future that is bended towards wellbeing not just psychologically and mentally but physically too, and an architecture that is developed on multi-level factors that brings in a comforting experience & environment. The thesis was an attempt to bring a solution and cater to a less known yet the most important factor in architecture, whose identity relies on human & its behavior in an architectural space.

“Architecture arouses sentiments in man. The architect’s task, therefore, is to make those sentiments more precise” Adolf Loos

Fig. 129 Beyond, Gurugram, Thesis-2020

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