Summer Architectural Tour- 2- NTCC- Contextual Study

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SUMMER ARCHITECTURAL TOUR-II APIDSAT102 AVNI GARG A1904018060

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2 CONTENTS

1. Aim 2. Objective 3. Methodology 4. Introduction 5. What is context?

5.1. Contexualism 5.2. Types of context 5.3. Research problem 5.4. Need for study 6. Case study of a settlement site chosen in Thanjavur, Tamil nadu, India with basic/ necessary drawing.

6.1. Introduction 6.2. Site selection and Settlement Planning 6.3. Building components 6.4. General Design considerations followed in the settlement 6.5. Evolution of Vernacular houses 6.6. Hierarchy of spaces 6.7. Basic Design elements in the settlement 6.8. Conclusion 7. Case study of a settlement site chosen in Leh, Ladakh, India with basic/ necessary drawing.

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Introduction 7.2. Settlement Pattern 7.3. Architecture- Spatial layout 7.4. Basic Design elements in the settlement 7.5. Design Techniques for cold climate housing 7.6. Conclusion 8. Analysis of context of my own neighborhood 8.1. Delhi 8.1.1. History 8.1.2. Climate 8.1.3. Geography 8.1.4. Economy 8.1.5. Cultural Life 8.1.6. Growth Pattern of Delhi 8.2. Laxmi Nagar 8.2.1. Contextual Response 8.2.2. Characteristics of Laxmi Nagar 8.2.3. Building Form & Orientation 8.2.4. Basic Design strategies in a settlement 8.2.5. What better design considerations could happen in Laxmi Nagar Housing?

9. Conclusion 10. Referencing

3 1. AIM: •

To comprehend idea of context or immediate surroundings.

2. OBJECTIVE: •

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To study the context or immediate surroundings through a detailed analysis and documentation of a larger context around a building, first in terms of a case study of a settlement site and then for our own house and its immediate surroundings.

It is aimed at developing understanding about context for a building and how different climatic conditions affect the architectural context.

To understand basic architectural techniques used for in a larger/urban context.

To recognize factors of surrounding which affect morphology of the area as well as the built structure.

3. METHODOLOGY: This exploration is divided into two processes, first is comprise of case study of any two settlement areas with a contrasting climate according to and its impact on a building through following factors: • • • •

Selection of two settlement sites for case study Literature review of sites and reference of research materials/publications for developing understanding for the term ‘Context’ Case study of the settlement site with basic/necessary drawings.

Analysis of Case study and devising parameters to understand context.

Second process is of defining and analysing context of own neighbourhood.

4 4. INTRODUCTION:

No building or a work of architecture stands alone in isolation. There will always be circumstances or interrelated conditions that are related to anything that will be created in an environment which is known as the context. In simple words one may say that the context is the immediate surrounding which may have impact on the site/building and vice-versa. When the background or the surroundings are referred to in the process of generation of a new site/building, it not only starts giving more meaning but also automatically acknowledges the new building in the existing fabric thus becoming part of the whole or a large urban context as we may say. Context may include physical, natural, social and cultural factors as part of the study.

The contextual study of a settlement site of one, Thanjavur (Tamil Nadu, India) and two, Leh (Ladakh, India), are chosen to develop a case study.

After analysis of the case study, we had to develop an understanding of our own house with its surrounding or context based on the parameters. Some broadly identified parameters for contextual studies are: • • • • • •

Geography Climate Green context Socio-cultural Architecture/Built environment Infrastructure, etc.

Context in Architecture- NIKHIL SANGHVI

5. WHAT IS CONTEXT? Context is defined as the interrelated conditions in which something exists or occurs.

In the words of Frank Gehry, “Architecture should speak of its time and place, but yearn for timelessness.”

Architecture should be connected to when and where it is being built, and yet, it should still stand out. Context, in simpler words, can be defined as the interconnected whole which is formed by its parts, just like words combine to form a meaningful sentence and stanzas combine to form a poem.

Contextual architecture responds to its surroundings by respecting what is already there, unlike de-constructivism or constructivism which deliberately works against established norms of design and fabric. Deliberate opposition breaking the uniformity of the surroundings makes the buildings contrast with their surroundings.

Figure: Area over which a development will have an impact is defined as the context area.

5.1. CONTEXUALISM:

Contextualism, or contextual architecture, is a process in which a structure is designed in response to its specific urban and natural environment. Rather than being an architectural style, contextualism can be seen as a set of values that incorporate, not only the immediate but the wider context of a building into its design.

In an architectural sense, context gives meaning to parts of a building by reference to its surroundings.

The context of a building includes physical/natural factors (for example, the curve of an adjacent river), socio-cultural factors (for example, the site’s previous use) and so on. These factors can be analysed, adapted and adopted to integrate the building into its context.

The relationship between architecture and context has much variety and we can thus mention different approaches.

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Context in Architecture- NIKHIL SANGHVI

5.2. TYPES OF CONTEXT

Figure: Types of contexts.

5.3. RESEARCH PROBLEM: Today, everyone wants ‘star buildings’ that stand out of the context and destroy the relationship between the old and the new.

Would they continue to be different when all of them are different?

There is a tendency to deplete the historical architecture while opting for contrasting designs to make the building stark and eye catching at a quick glance while at other times there are approaches that add value to the existing context. Buildings today do not have any relevance to their context, climate, and the user. This has resulted in the use of irrelevant design principles and materials in the built environment, which ultimately leads to environmental degradation. The building industry at present creates innumerable wastes in terms of spaces, skills and materials.

Architecture is the tool for expressing culture and reflecting the fascination and concerns of our time.

Figure: A figure showing contrast of a building to its context

Context in Architecture- NIKHIL SANGHVI

5.4. NECESSITY FOR THE PRESENT STUDY

The changing needs and requirements, the new materials and the process of construction have shaped, which is mostly irrelevant to our context and climate.

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Vernacular structures are the true expressions of their occupants and possess high durability. The highly significant features of these vernacular structures are their flexibility in spatial design, thermal comfort and longevity. Vernacular architecture is the source of essential knowledge for sustainable, energy efficient, and climate responsive architectural design principles. It is a direct response to the context, and resources such as materials and techniques.

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From the very beginning, shelters have been guided by the climate of the region.

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Vernacular solutions show a variety of designs related to the conditions that surround it, responding to the nature, culture, symbolic interpretations, and definition of comfort in that area. So it becomes essential for the present designers and architects, to understand the generic sustainable principles of the vernacular architecture which is highly specific to the context.

The studies have mostly focused on the climate responsiveness and the thermal comfort that exists in the vernacular structures in a very contrasting two places of India- Tamil Nadu and Leh, Ladakh. Hence, this study attempts a documentation and analysis of these structures, with a specific focus on the performance evaluation in terms of the architectural design principles and indoor thermal environment.

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6. CASE STUDY 1: THANJAVUR, TAMIL NADU, INDIA

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10 6.1. INTRODUCTION Basically, there are three different typologies of houses seen here, such as kachcha and semi permanent houses without courtyards, courtyard type dwellings (either at the centre or on one side), and houses with a double height central space.

AGRICULTURAL FIELDS

RESIDENTIAL AREA

AGRICULTURAL FIELDS

RESIDENTIAL AREA

Figure 1: Location of Thanjavur district in Tamil Nadu, India

Thanjavur is a region of historic and cultural significance located in Central Tamil Nadu, with a number of traditional settlements including different types of dwellings. The typology often changes within a short distance, in relation to the immediate environment, depending on the availability of materials and skills.

Figure 2: The land use map of Someshwarapuram settlement.

6.2. SITE SELECTION AND SETTLEMENT PLANNING The climate of a region has a direct influence on the settlement and on its built form. The layout, orientation and scale of buildings and settlements should therefore be controlled, in relation to the climatic zones which are specific to the context.

The settlement Someshwarapuram comes in hot and humid climatic zone. It is a small village situated 25 kms North of Thanjavur town.

Figure 3: Settlement plan of Someshwarapuram

The predominant materials used in construction are brick, and mud mortar for single storey tile roofed structures, and lime mortar for the double storeyed structures, wood and country tiles.

Figure 4: Street view of Someshwarapuram settlement

11 6.3. BUILDING COMPONENTS The building forms of the vernacular houses of Thanjavur region are linear rectangles, or an elongated plan. The front and rear door openings are aligned on a central axis or shifted axis, which facilitates continuous air movement through the building. The houses normally orient in the north-south direction and are either north or south facing. The streets are oriented E-W to take advantage of the prevailing wind.

The Hot Humid climate, normally receives heavy rainfall during the rainy season. To overcome this climatic constraint, the houses have a sloping roof facing two or four directions.

Figure 5: Central double height space with clerestory openings above

Figure 6(a) & (b).: Air flow facilitated through the aligned openings and court.

(a.) SECTION- WINTER

(b.) SECTION- SUMMER

Figure 7: Varying size and location of Courtyards as major climatic elements

12 6.4. General Design considerations followed in the settlement:

Figure 8: North south orientation of the building

Figure 9: Protecting the building by direct solar radiation

Figure 10: Mutual shading by adjacent building

Figure 11: Contemporary usage of Buffer or Transition spaces Figure 12: Provision of Open to sky space as micro climatic modifier

Figure 13: Provision of Open to sky space as micro climatic modifier

Figure 14. Wind Catchers to facilitate better air movement in dense areas

13 6.5. Evolution of vernacular houses

6.6. Heirarchy of Spaces

Figure 18: Privacy for the inmates and the passersby in the street, achieved through the thinnai.

MULTI FUNCTIONAL LIVING Figure 15: Circular and rectangular rural huts.

1.RAISED PLATFORM 2.LIVING( KOODAM) 3.KITCHEN (SAMAYAL) Figure 16: Stage 2- Tripartite division of spaces without a central court

1.RAISED PLATFORM 2.LIVING( KOODAM) 3.KITCHEN (SAMAYAL) 4.COURTYARD Figure 17: Stage 3- Tripartite division of spaces with a central court

Figure 19: Columns, segregating the living space from the courtyard provides privacy within the house

Figure 20: Visual connection is established between internal spaces and the street through axial alignment of spaces.

Figure 30: Linking of spaces creates smooth transition.

Figure 31: Level differences in the floors facilitate different activities

14 6.7. Basic design elements in the settlement:

Figure 32: Spacious courtyard along with living space accommodate family functions and get togethers.

Figure 34: Spatial effects due to changing light conditions

Figure 35: Wide streets accommodate the religious processions during festival seasons.

Figure 33: Daily rituals and ablution activities are carried out in the courtyard

15 6.8. BUILDING MATERIALS COMMONLY USED: Flat bricks, mud and lime mortar are the predominant materials used for the construction of the foundation and walls in Thanjavur region.

• The variation in wall thickness makes a significant difference in the comfort performance of houses. The rooms with thicker walls tend to be more comfortable and houses which have thick walls.

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Flat Bricks: They are used in both semi-pukka and Pukka construction. They possess high compressive strength compared to the modern country bricks, and are used mostly in exterior.

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Country wood: Consists of more fibre content, which is suitable for construction.

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Bamboo: The bamboo rafters exist without any damage for more than 250 years.

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Laterite blocks: They are available in abundance, and are the major materials of construction. The laterite blocks are mainly used as an external layer of the composite walls, within which the flat bricks in mud mortar are used as the core.

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Stone: As stone is not locally available anywhere in the Thanjavur region, the usage of this material is restricted to lintels, columns, bed blocks, and steps in pukka construction.

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7. CASE STUDY 2: LEH, LADAKH, J&K, INDIA

17 7.1. INTRODUCTION Ladakh is one of the extreme climatic zones for human survival. Located on the northern most part of India, the region experiences sub-zero temperatures during winters. Despite such extreme conditions humans have continuously inhabited the region for centuries.

Leh is the biggest town of Ladakh. As an urban centre, Leh is surrounded by a number of small settlements along river Indus. This group of settlements are interdependent and are similar in their settlement patterns.

Figure: Map showing Leh in Ladakh

7.2. SETTLEMENT PATTERN

Figure : The settlements located on the northern side of the Indus River.

RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL PUBLIC MIXED-USE PATHWAY VACANT Figure: Map of Old Town Ladakh prominently showing the palace, main bazaar and street pattern

Leh is the biggest town of Ladakh. As an urban centre, Leh is surrounded by a number of small settlements along river Indus. This group of settlements are interdependent and are similar in their settlement patterns.

Inhabitants of Ladakh have harvested the sunlight together with the employment of the vernacular architecture exhibiting the passive measures for climatic control. The site selection for the settlements has also kept on mind that the shadow of the nearby mountains is not cast on them. In order to increase the time duration of getting the sun the settlements are located on slope of the mountains rather than the plains of the valley.

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The settlements of various sizes are located along the meandering river Indus flowing from east to west. This arrangement allows the settlements to face south; thus allowing the maximum sunlight to be gathered.

The use of vernacular materials like mud bricks, quartzite stones, poplar, grass and timber in the construction helps in maintaining resilient climatic conditions.

7.4. Basic elements of a housing:

Figure: Pillar, capital and beam

7.3. Architecture-Spatial Layout

Figure: Door and its frame Figure: Ground Floor Plan of a house

Fig.: Timber window opening designs

Figure: Flooring Figure: First Floor Plan of a house

Most of the houses are two storeyed buildings. Larger houses are based on courtyard while smaller ones don’t have the courtyard. The Ground Floor is usually a dwarf storey not meant for human habitation.

It is used for keeping the livestock, storage purposes and also to collect toilet waste.

Having kitchen and sleeping area same the heat produced during cooking also adds to the warmth of the inside for the night.

In almost all cases terrace is used for family gatherings during day and also for drying various articles. This window is kept closed most of the times and never opened during winters in order to trap the solar radiation as an indigenous greenhouse mechanism.

Figure: Roofing

Figure: Section of a window

19 7.5. Design Techniques for cold region: In cold climates, heat gain is desirable. Hence, building should be located on the south slope of a hill or mountain for better access to solar radiation. Roofs have skylights for direct sunlight.

FIGURE: ROOFS WITH SKYLIGHTS HEATING THE INSIDE ENVIRONMENT

Buildings can be clustered together to minimize exposure to cold winds. Open spaces must be such that they allow maximum solar rays to be incident on the building. The street orientation should be wide enough to ensure to ensure that the buildings on one side do not shade those on the other side.

FIGURE: Maximum number of double-glazed windows.

FIGURE: TRAPPED HEAT HELPS IN MAKING INSIDE WARMER

Windows should face south to facilitate direct gain. Heat generated by appliances in rooms such as kitchens may be used to heat the other parts of tvvhe building.

During Sunlight

At night

Figure: TROMBE WALL- THE SUNLIGHT IS TRAPPED INSIDE AND THEN HELPS MAKING THE ENVIRONMT WARMER AT NIGHT

Trombe wall is a thermally massive wall with vents provided at the top and bottom.

They are usually made of concrete, masonry to ensure maximum solar gains.

FIGURE: COMPACT FORM HELPS REDUCING THE EXPOSURE TO COLD.

20 7.6. Building Materials commonly used:

FIGURE: Basic construction materials- mud brick, stone, timber.

The dependency on sunlight to maintain the comfortable climatic conditions is complimented by the traditional building materials and construction techniques.

• Primary building material is earth and timber available locally and offer climatic comfort in wide diurnal range of Ladakh.

• Sundried earth blocks are the primary unit of masonry construction. Usually made in the sizes of 300X150X150 mm they are employed in the construction of Walls of 300 or 450 mm thickness. In some cases stone blocks are used in the lower courses of the walls for added strength and protection against water, especially in low lying areas. Finally the wall is finished in Mud plaster.

• Quartzite stone is used only in the partial construction of forts and palaces especially the lower storeys to impart additional strength and provide protection from water.

• The use of vernacular materials like mud bricks, quartzite stones, poplar, grass and timber in the construction helps in maintaining resilient climatic conditions.

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Roofs are constructed in flat spans by using trunk of the local poplar tree as beams placed about 50-60cm apart. These beams are covered by using poplar willows spread in the other direction. The usual thickness of the willows is 20 to 30mm.

Floors of lower storey on the ground are made of mud while the upper storey in timber.

Timber floors offer better thermal comfort along with the furnishing of carpets.

Doors and Windows are made of Timber brought from Kashmir. The lintels of the doors and windows are corbelled features with ornamentation.

The sills and jambs are articulated by the plaster band often coloured in Red or Black. These timber lintels and plaster bands are the distinguishable features of the Ladakhi Architecture.

But, their evolution in not just for the symbolic reasons or for aesthetical purpose. Made of layers of timber these lintels acts as thermal barrier and prevent the loss of heat due to conduction from the wall.

It is observed that traditional construction of earth block and timber was able to offer temperature difference of almost 40ºC in extreme winters. When outside temperature drops to -20ºC inside temperature is recorded at comfortable 20ºC.

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Figure: Balcony

Figure: Tombre wall

Figure: Living Room

Figure: Dining Room

Figure: Bedroom

Figure: Kitchen

22 CHAPTER

CHAPTER

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8. NEIGHBORHOOD STUDY: LAXMI NAGAR, DELHI, INDIA

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26 8.1. DELHI Delhi has served as a capital for several centuries because of its strategic location.

It is a unique city, a kaleidoscope of old tradition and new forces. Delhi remains one of the oldest surviving cities in the world today. It is in fact, an amalgam of eight cities, each built in a different era on a different site – each era leaving its mark, and adding character to it – and each ruler leaving a personal layer of architectural identity.

8.1.1HOW TIME AFFECTED THE CITY? Delhi : A Transition through Time - As you walk along the narrow by lanes of this city of dreams, tread softly. Every crumbling wall has a story to tell. Rulers have come and gone. The city has lived through wars and resurrection, repeatedly rising from the ashes.

8.2.3. CLIMATE Delhi's has an extreme climate. It is very hot in summer (April - July) and cold in winter (December - January).

The average temperature can vary from 25oC to 45oC during the summer and 22oC to 5oC during the winter.

Rainfall amounts to about 800 millimetres (31.5 inches) per year, but it rains very rarely from October to May.

8.2.4. GEOGRAPHY Delhi is located at 23.38 degree north and 77.13 degree east in the Northern part of India and bounded by Haryana State on the Northwest and South, Rajasthan state on the Southwest and Uttar Pradesh state on the east. The metropolis city is demarcated into three parts with the Gangetic plains forming the major part, the Yamuna flood plain and the Delhi ridge. Delhi covers an area of 1484 Sq. Km. out of which 783 Sq. Km. is under the rural and 700 Sq. Km. is under the urban section. The land stretches about 51.9 km long and 48.48 km wide and lies on 200-300 m above sea level.

8.2.5. ECONOMY The service sector is the most important part of Delhi’s economy, and it is the city’s largest employer.

Manufacturing has remained significant, after a surge in the 1980s. Agriculture once contributed significantly to the economy of the national capital territory, but now it is of little importance. The bulk of Delhi’s working population is engaged in trade, finance, public administration, professional services, and various community, personal, and social services.

Figure: All the districts of Delhi.

8.2.2. HISTORY Delhi is a city of cities, built and destroyed several times. It is one of the oldest cities in the world. According to mythology, the city is about 5000 years old. In the Mahabharata, it has been described as Pandava’s capital Indraprastha.

However, archaeological evidence suggests that the city of Lal Kot founded by Tomar rulers in 786 AD, was the first city of Delhi.

8.2.6. CULTURAL LIFE Delhi’s cultural life exhibits a unique blend of the traditional and cosmopolitan styles. The city is dotted with numerous museums, historic forts and monuments, libraries, auditoriums, botanical gardens, and places of worship. Complementing such traditional institutions are the ever-changing urban commercial and leisure centres, with their privately held contemporary art galleries, cinema multiplexes, bowling alleys and other sports venues, and restaurants serving a variety of Indian and international cuisines.

27 8.2.7. GROWTH PATTERN OF DELHI

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30 8.2. LAXMI NAGAR, NEW DELHI, INDIA Laxmi Nagar is a prominent residential area in East Delhi, India. It is situated on Vikas Marg which is easily connected to other parts of the city. It is also well known residential area for the students coming to Delhi from different states of India. It has a popular commercial complex thus attracting various working professionals to reside.

8.2.1. CONTEXTUAL RESPONSE The various buildings situated besides my neighborhood have only common feature between them which is their height and the form. These are the repetition of a basic unit plan all over.

Figure: Satellite imagenary of Laxmi Nagar and its context.

Figure: Map showing my neighborhood area

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Laxmi Nagar Metro Station Stop is the nearest Metro Station located at Vikas Marg. Being the central location and focal point for east Delhi area, it has become a favourite shopping point for many people who like to come to Delhi for shopping and sightseeing.

The area is famous for its 'Mangal Bazar', meaning Tuesday market, which is a roadside shopping destination for many natives. Akshardham temple is also located at brief driving distance.

The area is very famous for its DDA sports ground which is created by Dr. Ashok Kumar Wallia. The presence of basic establishments has transformed Laxmi Nagar as one of the best residential areas of Delhi.

Figure: Problems faces due to improper construction principles.

Figure: Projections and Encroachment on streets has made them narrow.

Figure: Street views

Figure: Street sections of Laxmi Nagar.

Figure: Laxmi Nagar metro station

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Figure: Street section of laxmi nagar metro station

8.2.2. Characteristics of Laxmi nagar

Figure: the characteristics of the context

33 8.2.3. BUILDING FORM AND ORIENTATION

Figure: View of inside of a drawing room

Figure: A basic 3D view of a unit dwelling.

Figure: View of balcony

Figure: A basic plan of a unit dwelling.

Air movement Figure: View of inside of a bedroom

Figure: WIND MOVEMENT IN THE UNIT HOUSING

Cross ventilation helps draw cool air in and push stale or stagnant, hot air out of any building. This form of ventilation drives air from openings at one side of a building through to the other. The success of cross ventilation depends on the tightness of the building envelope and the positioning of the openings.

Figure: The settlement type in Laxmi nagar

34 8.2.4. BASIC DESIGN STRATEGIES IN A SETTLEMENT: Climate: Delhi has a Composite Climate (summers are very hot and winters are very cold).

The composite climatic zone is characterized by large seasonal variations. The main difference between, composite regions and hot dry zones is higher humidity levels during monsoons, otherwise most of the characteristics are similar. Thus, the design criteria are almost similar except that crossventilation is desirable in the monsoon period.

Passive cooling techniques

In cooler months, the lower position of the sun can heat the indoors.

Figure: Providing adequate shading to prevent solar radiation.

A ’passive’ solar design involves the use of natural sources for cooling to achieve thermal comfort in the building.

Orientation of houses In composite climate the orientation of the buildings is preferable in North-East. This helps in receiving less radiation which results in lesser heat gain from South-West Directions.

This also reduces the overall air conditioning requirement & Proper orientation also helps in receiving natural light. Thus saves energy & ventilation.

Figure: Trees around the building allows shade in summers.

Figure: High performance glazing to reduce heat gain and admit natural light

Figure: Orienting more windows in north

Figure: Incorporating thermally massive building materials by giving suitable insulation

35 8.2.5. WHAT BETTER DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS COULD HAPPEN IN LAXMI NAGAR HOUSING? Create proper ventilation, courtyards, and wind towers, shading devices, thermal mass, vegetation and insulation in our design to reduce energy loads for cooling.

About 30% of the unwanted heat comes from the building roof and more than 40% from the windows. To minimize the effect of radiant energy, a reflective waterproof coating and installation of a radiant barrier on the underside of the roof are essentially provided to reduce the energy.

In composite climate conditions, such devices block the undesirable solar radiation very effectively during summer.

Figure: Shaded landscape areas to reduce ambient temperature.

Sustainable Building Features •Natural ventilation •Solar power generation •Solar passive envelope design including walls & roof insulation & fenestration •Efficient electrical equipment as per •Waste water recycling for Cooling Tower •Rain water harvesting •Design inside temperature: 26º C

Figure:Site Planning with respect to Nature

36 STREETSCAPING

Figure: EXISTING CONDITION OF TRAFFIC ON LAXMI NAGAR METRO STATION ROAD

Figure: Proposed ideas for streetscaping

Intersections in Delhi: Key Issues

•Lack of Safe Pedestrian Crossings, Footpaths & Refuges •Missing Road Markings, Signage and Signals •Poor Road Geometry •Lack of facilities for Non-motorised Vehicles & Pedestrians •Termination of Service Lanes at Junctions •Parking close to intersections hinder movement •Poor condition of street, kerbs and street furniture •Barrier-Free Movement not possible

37 9. CONCLUSION

Every place on the planet offers challenges with respect to the climatic conditions while the vernacular and traditional understanding provides solutions for the same. Similarly, Thanjavur and Leh, illustrates a highly contrasting climatic variation, which makes there architectural context very different. The report is summarized to convey the evolved traditional understanding of manipulating the extreme climatic conditions through vernacular architecture; resulting in the survival of human beings for centuries.

This study provides a review of basic ability to understand the passive design strategies for composite climate and also presents the various methods of passive cooling techniques. The key of design take an advantage of local climate (microclimate) for human comfort. The actual comfort conditions achieved will be contextual and depend on the building topology and building design specifications.

Overall report introduces the study of context or immediate surroundings through a detailed analysis and documentation of a larger context around a building, first in terms of a case study of a settlement site and then for my own house and its immediate surroundings.

It further understands about context for a building and how certain set of conditions may apply to the creation of a newly built structure.

38 10. REFERENCING:

Reports/ Articles: 1. 15- 122. Nikhil sanghavi_Context in architecture Draft 2. A_Fading_Legacy_Ladakhs_Vernacular_Architecture 3. Leh Old Town, Ladakh 4. Leh ladakh-vernacular architecture 5. Leh-Vernacular Architecture and Climatic Control 6. Lost space of context architecture 7. Rethinking The Role of Context and Contextualism 8. Samaj-4208 9. Addressing the Urban Contextual Envelope and studio 10. Development of a settlement 11.A comparative study of thermal performances of three mud dwelling units with courtyards in composite climate 12.building-in-context-new-development-in-historic-areas 13.buildings-09-00108 14.context guide 15.Designing with Place Contextual Anchoring of a Contemporary City delhi 16.ECM1_Technical_information_Composite Books: 1. High_Altitude_Houses_Vernacular_Architecture 2. Jina, Prem Singh, 1996, “Ladakh, the Land and the People” Indus Publishing Company.

3. Ahmed, M., Harris, Clare, 2005 “Ladakh, Culture at the Crossroads” National Centre for the Performing Arts (India).

Website: 1. Shodhganga : a reservoir of Indian theses @ INFLIBNET 2. https://www.gcarch.goa.gov.in/dissertationsthesis.html