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01. ‘Viha’ The Himalayan spiritual retreat Thesis studio IX Semester August - December 2018
LOCATION : Rishikesh, Uttarakhand DESIGN POTENTIAL : Reinvigorate the ethereal and tranquil status of the city of Rishikesh, often called ‘An abode of the gods’ ( with respect to its high altitude and location, right at the foothills of the Himalayas and being a source of the sacred waters of Ganges), that was once swarming with tourists and economic potential, only to witness a downfall involving multiple factors. DESIGN INTENT : House the evolving needs and ideologies behind sacred spaces, while resolving conflicts between local and tourist activities and providing more opportunities to the local communities , whose major source of income are tourism and pilgrimage services.
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In mythical narratives, heaven is said to be above the skies and hell is said to lie below the earth. A respect to such an altitide of terrain and a source of the sacred waters gave rise to the holy land of present day Uttarakhand.
The only destination in the world which is equally popular for pilgrimage, Yoga, adventure sports and wildlife treks. International Yoga week, which attracts participation from across the world, is held here every year in February. The Chardham is one of the principal pilgrimages in North India and occurs between March and november every year. Rishikesh is an important transit node in the several pilgrim routes.
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The Bar graph shows a decline in the number of tourists to rishikesh. This is due to a variety of reasons such as natural calamities, mushrooming of unregulated tourist centres and ban on water sports. A higher number of tourists visit Rishikesh in the years when the Kumbh mela takes place.
ISSUES IDENTIFIED 1. Not enough areas of interaction and spaces for recreation, for current or projected population. 2. Commercial activity not adequate to meet the demand of tourists. 3. Largely all the tourist spots are located within the old city, which has the maximum population density. This leads to congestion and conflict between local and tourist routes. Rishikesh is divided into 8 sectors. High density in the old city (Sector 8) area and sparse density in the new areas can be observed.
Site selected from area with lower population density. Accessible from main road leading into the Old city and located close to the Old city so that there is pedestrian accessibility to the heritage buildings located along the banks of the river.
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FIG 1.1 : The path ascending to the Main hall is linked to the yoga and meditation studios, located at differen Ganga.
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nt levels. These studios face eastward and gets abundant early morning sunlight and also faces the river
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SECTION A-A’
SECTION B-B’
SECTION C-C’ 09
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FIG 1.2 : Outdoor spillout space for the library connects to the path along the water’s edge and becomes a viewpoint commanding magnificent prospects of the Waterbody, Bridge and the Main hall.
FIG 1.3 : The pathway stretching along the perimeter of the waterbody levels up and down to connect different spaces at different levels and the water edge is treated with local vegetation
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FIG 1.4 : The main entrance plaza leads to three paths - 1. The bridge and thereby the other side of the site consisting of the Main hall, sacred grove and the Yoga and meditation studios. 2. The public plaza, consisting of the lower level of the cafeteria, and the library. 3. The accomodation zone consisting of housing units for both staff and residents.
FIG 1.5 : Some parts of the path along the water’s edge are treated with steps to access the waterbody
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FIG 1.6.1 : The dome structure functions as a semi open hall that can accomodate upto 1000 people for large scale yoga and meditation practices and classes.
FIG 1.6.2 : The sacred groves become home to local himalayan vegetation of great medicinal significance and a walk through the grove could signify healing and cleansing.
The hall is placed at the highest part of the site and can be seen from all parts of the site. Smaller studios are placed at lower levels, leading upto the hall.
These could unify rural communities religiously and emotionally.
Placement at higher terrain renders a superior quality to the hall.
THE MAIN HALL
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THE SACRED GROVE
FIG 1.6.3 : The concept of the Lotus bridge is derived from the Fibonacci spiral and the elevational form is derived from the Lotus flower, as the name suggests. The lotus flower is an important symbol and holds spiritual significance in many cultures. It symbolises our ability to come from a place of suffering into the light. It symbolises the opening of the heart.
THE LOTUS BRIDGE
FIG 1.6.4 : Waterbodies are used extensively in spiritual centers and they symbolise the purification of the mind and soul. The waterbody divides the site into two segments of higher and lower terrain and the bridge connects both the segments.
THE WATERBODY
FIG 1.6.5 : A low wall is used to highlight the path leading to the bridge from the entrance plaza. This could also function as a mural wall to showcase folktales or local painting styles.
THE LOW WALL
FIG 1.6.6 : The main entrance leads into a plaza and redirects the users into three distinct parts of the site. The central path leads to the bridge and is further highlighted by the low wall.
MAIN ENTRANCE
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FIG 1.7 : The Cafeteria block consists of two floors and is located facing the public square. The cafeteria serves organic food and caters to the special dietary needs of the residents.
GROUND FLOOR PLAN
FIRST FLOOR PLAN The upper level is accessible from the main entrance plaza and caters to the residents.
SECTION THROUGH CAFETERIA
The lower level is accessible from the public square and caters to the public users.
Second floor plate
First floor plate functions as a mezzanine and overlooks the ground floor.
The open seating area of the library faces the waterside and functions as a viewpoint with great prospects.
SECTION THROUGH LIBRARY
FIG 1.7.1 : Semi open dining area of the cafeteria
FIG 1.8.1 : Second floor level of the library
FIG 1.8 : The form of the Library responds to the water’s edge and the public square. It has two entry points and is equally accessible to the public users as well as the residents.
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FIG 1.9 : The Lotus bridge strengthens connectivity across the waterbody and is the traditional symbol for Y rebirth.
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Yoga. It is regarded in many different cultures, as a symbol of purity, enlightenment, self-regeneration and
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MASSING MODEL USING MILLBOARD AND SUNBOARD
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02. The Port City revival Project Rewire
Urban design studio VIII Semester January - May 2018
GROUP : Team of six ROLE : Documentation and mapping , Analysis , Conceptual design and massing , Design development , Presentation. LOCATION : Mangalore , Karnataka DESIGN POTENTIAL : Reconfigure the structure and function of the region surrounding the Old port of Mangalore city and tap into its potential to draw in users and create a lively hub. DESIGN INTENT : To increase accessibility to the port side and seaside, utilize the unused strip of land at the Old port side, and shift industrial landuse spaces into commercial, office and open public spaces.
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Mangalore is the chief port city of the Indian state of Karntaka. Located between the Arabian sea and the Western ghats, the city developed as a port during ancient times. It has since developed into a major port of India that handles 75% of India’s cashew and coffee exports, and is the country’s seventh largest container port. Situated at the convergence of Gurupur and Nethravathi rivers, the Old Port(Bunder) had its own constraints to meet the growing demand for sea trade. The need for a new port was felt and the New Mangalore Port was born.
The region of the Old port is the most dense part of Mangalore city. It is also one of the oldest and is a hub of commercial, industrial and port based activities. Unplanned and organic development has led to the formation of very congested areas with little to no open spaces.
STUDY PRECINCT First zone
Kudla market and City bus stand
Second zone
SBI circle and Old port
Third zone
Fishermens dock and albaqueque tile factory
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6 AM TO 9 AM Morning Activity consists of active hotels where labourers eat before work. Fueling of boats is done at this time.
10 AM TO 2 PM Most active time of the day and consists of loading/ unloading from trucks and other wholesale market trading.
MAJOR NODES AND CONNECTIVITY
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4 PM TO 7 PM Least active time of the day. All shops and godowns shut and the place becomes unsafe.
WIND FLOW THROUGH THE SITE
High potential of the site as a waterfront area. It could revitalize Mangalore’s identity as a port city.
Willingness of the traders and fishermen to give opportunity for such development.
Trade and industrial activities at the Portside weaken the link of the public with the waterside.Lack of recreational spaces along the waterfront further deteriorates the approachability of the area.
The proposed Mangala corniche highway would highly increase the land value of the site surroundings. The buildings currently present are in dilapidated condition, which can be removed to bring in better recreational and commercial spaces for the city.
AREA FOR SEASONAL ACTIVITIES
OFFICE BLOCK OPEN AIR THEATRE
MUSICAL FOUNTAIN EXHIBITION CENTER OPEN CANTEEN
PERFORMANCE AREA SHELTERED GARDEN PERFORMANCE AREA CYCLE TRACK COMMERCIAL COMPLEX SPICE MARKET
TOURIST STAY CYCLE STANDS
HAWKERS POINT
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FIG 2.1 : The unused strip of land at the waterside belonging to the old port is converted into a recreational s
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space with bicycle tracks, performance areas, gardens,play areas and pavilions.
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COMMERCIAL COMPLEX The central pedestrian street passes through the center of the commercial complex and hence establishes a strong connection with the built form. There are two entry points to the complex from the south east side. A spaceframe covers the central open space.ide
SECTION AA’
SECTION BB’
ELEVATION (AS SEEN FROM THE HIGHWAY) 31
ROOF PLAN A geodesic dome covers the exhibition center and renders it with a unique character. It creates a play of light and shadow in the multipurpose hall below and adds drama.nce cc
EXHIBITION CENTER The exhibition center is designed for large scale gatherings and is equipped with a flexible multi purpose hall, seminar rooms and a library that is both accessible to the students and working professionals in the neighbourhood and to the general public traversing through the Mangala Corniche highway.a
SECTION AA’
SECTION BB’
SECTION CC’ 32
FIG 2.2 : While the waterside part is converted into a recreational lung space for the city, the opposite side i ering spaces. 33
is proposed to be equipped with commercial, office, and stay facilities, connected with walkways and gath-
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STUDY AREA MODEL USING MILLBOARD AND SUNBOARD
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03. The Haven A home for animals
The grid architects Competition Internship X semester April 2019
GROUP : Team of two ROLE : Conceptual Massing and design,Design development, 3D modelling and Rendering, Presentation. LOCATION : Ahmedabad, Gujarat DESIGN POTENTIAL : Create awareness among people, set an example and sensitize people through mutual interaction with the animals. DESIGN INTENT : Rescue, treat and Rehabilitate orphaned and traumatised domestic animals and birds and curate a self sufficient, economic and sustainable home for them, through the use of natural , renewable materials and techniques.
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FIG 1.1 : SHELTERS FOR TURKEY
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FIG 1.2 : SHELTERS FOR
DUCKS AND GEESE
FIG 1.3 : SHELTERS FOR EMU
FIG 1.4 : SHELTERS FOR GOATS AND SHEEP
FIG 1.1 : A cluster of three small shelters open out to a common central space and has access to pasture fields. Feeder bowls are provided at the center of each shelter. High stone walls topped with wire mesh ensure that the turkeys do not fly out. FIG 1.2 : The duck and geese shelters are located on a different contour level with a separate waterbody, that flows down into the main waterbody, creating an interesting waterfall feature. This way both the Waterbodies remain a single entity while also being separated for different users. FIG 1.3 : Two Shelters share a common pond in the center since emus love to swim and one of the walls raised and provided with water spouts for showers. FIG 1.4 : Goats and sheeps have a tendency to climb onto the highest point visible, hence a play of platforms and levels have been incorporated into the shelter. 40
CONCEPTUAL SKETCHES FOR THE COTTAGES
Shallow waterbody
Main waterbody
Feeder
Shelter for Ducks and geese
SECTION A- A’
Cottages
SECTION C- C’ Cafeteria
SECTION B- B’
Central walkway
Main waterbody
FIG 3.1 : Cobblestone paved walkways wind around the central waterbody and connects to the individual shelters, cafeteria and the cottages. The walkway has multiple stops that enable the users to take a pause and interact with the animals.
Local stone walls
Local stone floor
Local stone wall topped with welded mesh
Local Construction techniques and renewable/ reclaimed building materials are used, such as , Metal mesh, Thatch, Bamboo, Gum poles , Local stone and Rammed earth. This could also reduce carbon footprint due to less or no transportation of materials to the site.
MS Pipe (Reclaimed)
Locally made thatch roof
KEY PLAN
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FIG 3.2 : The central waterbody becomes the heart of the site, and is surrounded by local flowering plants an 43
nd trees. Stepped seating spaces are provided at the edges,overlooking the waterbody and waterfall feature. 44
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04. ‘Alokah’ A shrine for Shiva
The grid architects Internship X semester January - May 2019
GROUP : Team of two ROLE : Design development, 3D modelling and Rendering, Presentation. LOCATION : Nepal DESIGN POTENTIAL : Reimagine sacred and religious spaces and dwelve deeper into the relationship between such spaces and its users. DESIGN INTENT : Evolve a ‘ place of faith’, worshipping Lord shiva, at the foothills of the great Himalayas, that focuses on breaking away from the conventional hindu temple architecture and inspire exploration through design while instilling a sense of tranquility and security.
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Lord Shiva is one of the principal deities of Hinduism. He is part of the holy trinity, along with Brahma ( the creator ) and Vishnu ( the preserver ). Shiva is known as the destroyer or the transformer.In the shaivite tradition, Shiva is the supreme lord who creates, protects and transforms the universe.
ICONOGRAPHIC ATTRIBUTES OF SHIVA
THIRD EYE ON THE FOREHEAD - An Eye of wisdom
CRESCENT MOON ON THE HEAD- Signifies the mind
SERPENT AROUND NECK - Represents ego
TRIDENT IN HAND- Represents various trinities
NANDI BULL - Represents his vehicle
DAMARU - Represents cosmic sound
Jyotirlingas are unique representations of Lord Shiva. Jyoti means ‘ light’ and linga means ‘a sign’. Every jyotirlinga has a different story behind how it came to be and has a local folklore attached.
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GRISHNESHWAR JYOTIRLINGA, AURANGABAD
MALLIKARJUNA JYOTIRLINGA, ANDHRA PRADESH
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SOMNATH JYOTIRLINGA, GUJARAT
KEDARNATH JYOTIRLINGA, UTTARAKHAND
MAHAKALESHWAR JYOTIRLINGA, MADHYA PRADESH
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10. TRIMBAKESHWAR JYOTIRLINGA, NASIK
12 JYOTIRLINGAS
OMKARESHWAR JYOTIRLINGA, MADHYA PRADESH
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KASHI VISHWANATH , VARANASI
VAIDYANATH JYOTIRLINGA, JHARKHAND
RAMESHWAR JYOTIRLINGA, TAMIL NADU
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NAGESHWAR JYOTIRLINGA, GUJARAT
BHIMASHANKAR JYOTIRLINGA, MAHARASHTRA
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FIG 4.1 : The layout of the shrine is simple and straightforward and yet establishes a hierchachy in terms of b
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bringing together different elements.
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Cut outs provided behind each pod, establishes visual connectivity
04. WATERBODY CREATED BETWEEN EACH POD AND BEHIND THE SHIVA SCULPTURE
03. COMPOUND WALL PLACED ALONG THE BASE FORM AND A WATERBODY CREATED AT THE CENTER
02. SCULPTURE OF LORD SHIVA POSITIONED AT THE APEX OF THE BASE FORM AND 12 PODS PLACED ON EITHER SIDE OF THE SCULPTURE
01. BASE FORM DERIVED FROM THE SHIVA LINGA
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12 pods repre the 12 Jyotir
esenting rlingas
Waterbody between pods and behind the sculpture represent the River Ganga
Waterbody in the shape of a half opened eye represents Shiva’s third eye
Shiva sculpture placed on Damaru
Nandi sculpture placed on either side of the path leading to each of the pods
Murals depicting tales of Shiva run along the length of the compound wall
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FIG 4.2 : The arrangement of the pods and the orientation and shape of waterbodies, all help in drawing ligh
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ht to the sculpture, that seems to overlook the entire space.
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Thank you!
Gopika Viswanathan gviswanathan28@gmail.com +91-8095559741