SHIFTING PATTERNS A catalog of speculative patterns derived from the Mangrove in Mumbai
by Ishita Narendra Parmar
Masters of Science in Architecture: Design | Energy | Futures
KEYWORDS patterns // landscape urbanism // interface // ecological design principles // topological // behavioral // ornamental // performance // digital tools // ecological processes // cultural processes // systemic integration
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CONTENTS
I.
RESEARCH FIELD the domains within which this research and speculative design project occurs
II.
METHODOLOGY the investigative processes and explorations
III.
ADAPTATIONS the possible array of scenarios created through the pattern explorations done in section II.
IV.
CONCLUSION the possible impact the research aims to create.
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THESIS STATEMENT
The importance of patterns in landscape design is not anything new, but digital techniques and media have witnessed an unprecedented boom in recent years therefore the role of patterns can be revisited for reinvention. In a general sense, patterns may always be perceived as a decorative element of design, visually pleasing to the eye but what we often miss is a closer look at them for the performative and structural impact they create within our surroundings in the world. It is my core argument that patterns in their many and diverse forms have the capacity to reveal information, frameworks, relationships, and processes that influence our ways of seeing the world (1). I emphasize on pattern finding and pattern forming to be that communicative link for two primary reasons firstly they exhibit relational value, allowing people to relate to their environment, and secondly, patterns have an inherent way to describe natural and artificial behaviors within our surroundings.(2) Imagining the world from a bird’s eye perspective, looking down upon the patterns on the earth’s surface which include the streams and rivers joining larger water bodies, the different gradients of the land responding to the settlement patterns and land-use, the textures, gridlines, road and highway networks, all so divergent yet collectively contributing to the larger frameworks and processes that are not only linking them to each other but are also used to inform one and another. Patterns seem to be always in motion, they work towards connecting, distributing, disrupting, formulating, and so on explaining their generative and dynamic evolution. Patterns can influence and shape our affiliations with nature at a given point in time. They are linked to the environment and ecology as much as they are to physical representation and human innovation. (3) My interest in pattern design and its recognition is to develop a framework that is performative and aesthetically driven to understand the centrality of patterns within the broader, complex, and systemic urban conditions. Furthermore, I am focused on Mumbai as an urban region to understand pattern finding and pattern forming under the theme of the green networks of the Mangroves systems in the city. With the urban context of Mumbai where infrastructural projects are exponentially rising the need to create awareness, stimulate and maintain ecological systems in congruence with infrastructural development is the need of the hour. I aim to construct a documented catalog of patterns under three types namely topological, behavioral, and ornamental based on the learning from the book called Dynamic Patterns: Visualizing Landscape Architecture in the Digital Age written by Karen M’Closkey and Keith Van der Sys to understand and critique the working of patterns derived from mangroves systems within the larger urban systems of Mumbai. Our urban environments are rapidly evolving through patterns that are facilitating processes and frameworks at every scale. Here my purpose is not only to study existing patterns but also to derive repetitive patterns and exhibit a stronger interrelationship across the theme of the Mangrove system and the urban context of Mumbai.
(1). Foreword by James Corner in M’Closkey Karen and Vandersys Keith. Dynamic Patterns: Visualizing Landscapes in a Digital Age. London & New York, Routledge, 2017 (2). M’Closkey Karen and Vandersys Keith. Dynamic Patterns: Visualizing Landscapes in a Digital Age. London & New York, Routledge, 2017 (3). Ibid.
I.
RESEARCH FIELD the domains within which this research and speculative design project occurs
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Landscape urbanism: A general theory
The interest in the theory of Landscape urbanism can be considered as the starting point for this investigation to explore the research themes that provided a renewed interpretation of the built environment through the lens of ecology, “Landscape Urbanism: A General Theory” by Charles Waldheim, explains the two approaches to understand Landscape through the lens of Urbanism. Thus, this research occurs at the intersection of Architecture, Landscape and Urbanism. This diagram alongside (Refer to Fig 1), explains the key learning through the books and investigation of ten research topics within the larger context of Landscape Urbanism as a design theory. A common thread of thought through all the ten topics that came to my attention is their connectivity to the urban systems through patterns. The word ‘patterns’ is used as a communicative element in the domains of Landscape Architecture and Design. The inquiry in “patterns” within Landscape Architecture and Design is further explored through a book called “Dynamic Patterns: Visualizing Landscape Architecture in the Digital Age” by Karen M’Closkey and Keith VanDerSys, where one may understand the role of digital techniques and media to understand the role of patterns in our interpretation of the built environment. Purpose: methodology to understand this interrelationship between humans & the natural environment, essentially through patterns.
I. Research Field
Fig 1. Shifting threads of thoughts: landscape through the lens of urbanism 5
Literature summary of Dynamic patterns: Visulaizing Landscape Architecture in the Digital Age by Karen M’Closkey and Keith VanDerSys Book Organization: Chapter 1: Topological Patterns: that explores how processes that influence form and organization in the designed landscape are geometrically and parametrically measured and modeled.(Fig. 3) Chapter 2: Behavioral Patterns speak about patterns being temporal and relative in nature rather than static ground elements. With the digital tools and techniques, humans have the immense capacity to manipulate the environment and it becomes difficult to maintain the distinctions between organic & synthetic, natural and artificial, or animal and human, thus providing a framework that is devoid of these dichotomies.(Fig 4.) Chapter 3: Ornamental Patterns highlights the ongoing discussion of the utilitarian & symbolic functions of “patterns” and promotes an idea of patterns behaving as a conjoining medium for ornamental and functional aspects and offers renewed interpretations of landscape processes that are relevant in the current urban contexts, by material palettes, sustainability mandates, and functional criteria.(Fig.5)
I. Research Field
Fig 2. Correlating themes surrounding which the discussion of pattern finding and pattern forming occurs in the book.
Fig 3. Category I: Topological Patterns that is further subcategorized into Divisble Patterns and Accretive Patterns
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Fig 4. Category II: Behavioral Patterns
I. Research Field
Fig 5. Category III: Ornamental Patterns
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Topological Patterns: The visible and invisible characteristics are cataloged and translated into points, pixels, and lines. The study and creation of patterns involve the transfer of organized information from one medium to another.
I. Research Field
Ornamental Patterns: Ornamental Patterns have been associated with pleasure, allure, and the ability to ignite the imagination. How may one reinterpret the idea of ornament in today’s environmental context?
Behavioral Patterns: Behavioral patterns are relevant for thinking about relationships among entities separated by space and time. These patterns bridge the scales by linking the behavior of physical systems such as energy, or animals to abstract systems such as information.
Fig 6. Literature Summary Diagram
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II.
II. Methdology
METHODOLOGY the investigative processes and explorations
General Introduction to Mumbai City Mumbai is located on the western coast of India, orinally made of seven islands that were joined together under the British colonial rule and that came to be known as the island city. WHile a large area of Mumbai Suburbs is reclaimed land from the Arabian Sea. Thus, today most of Mumbai is low-lying regions and being surrounded by sea on 3 sides, the coastal zones are essentially Mangrove habitats. With the attempts to increase N-S connectivity of the linear city, the Government is investing huge amounts of time and money in the Coastal Roads, infrastructural project that is a project of bridges and sea-link connections as shown in the map to reduce traffic on the interior arterial roads and save time in transit. Against this, the local citizens and NGOs have combined forces and began a campaign called “Save the Coast” that is further elaborated in part III. of this booklet.
Fig 7. Location of Mumbai city
Mumbai Suburbs
Island City
1700
1890
1925
1969
2000
Fig 8. Growth boundary of Mumbai city
Fig 9a. Railway+Road+ Urban Settlement Fig.9b. Topography: mostly flat low-lying region Fig 9c. Coastal Road Infrastructural Projects 13
Visual documentation of the current conditions of mangroves in Mumbai. This documentation captures see the dried up condition of the coast, the informal settlements built by the economically marginalized communities and the dumping ground they become.
Dried up managrove roots
Dry coastal conditions
Being near free water, the inland regions near the mangrove have informal settlements
The pneumatophores- Mangrove roots above th
II. Methdology
he ground
Dry bed rock conditions
Plastic and garbage accumulation- serving as a informal dumping ground
Fig 10. Visual documentation of existing conditions of mangroves Image source: Mongabay Series
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Digital modelling of the mangrove roots at different conditions
Horizontal expansion In this condition, we see the highly dense connection that generates from one unit module of the roots. The roots are in the process of spreading over horizontally creating the marshy swamps of the greens when viewed by a satellite in a plan view.
Vertical growth In this condition, we see the shoots growing vertically – Pneumatophores, a special structure that help the underground roots access air even when submerged by the tide. The roots are in the process of spreading over horizontally creating the marshy swamps of the greens when viewed by a satellite in a plan view.
Initial branching In this condition, we see the branching in 3 directions as represented in the plan. Their matured growth is further influenced by the coast and tidal waves.
II. Methdology
Plan
Sectional Elevation
Plan
Sectional Elevation
Plan
Sectional Elevation
Fig 11. Digital modelling of mangrove roots in 3 unique conditions
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Extrapolation Extrapolating a unit root module, I imagined them at different scales from a unit to a collective system. And this formed bases for exploring patterns under the 3 categories mentioned earlier.
Unit
II. Methdology
Module
Collective system
Collective system
Fig 12. Extrapolation of root module
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Pattern finding & pattern forming Category I. Topological Patterns Divisble Patterns
Anchor Points
Connecting Lines
Core line
Diagnol connections Fig 13. Base diagram to derive Divisible patterns
Fig 14. 6-point unit module that is transformed into hexagonal pattern
Fig 15. 5-point unit module that is transformed into pentagonal pattern II. Methdology
Fig 16. 4-point unit module that is transformed into rectangular pattern
Fig 17. 3-point unit module that is transformed into triangular pattern
Fig 18. All divisble patterns
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Pattern finding & pattern forming Category I. Topological Patterns Accretive Patterns
Mangrove unit module
Anchor Points
Connecting Lines Fig 19. Base diagram to derive accretive patterns
Fig 20. Accretive pattern variation 1
Fig 21. Accretive pattern variation 2
Fig 22. Accretive pattern variation 3
II. Methdology
Fig 22. Accretive pattern variation 3
Fig 23. Accretive pattern variation 5
Fig 24. Accretive pattern variation 6
Fig 25. Accretive pattern all variation
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Pattern finding & pattern forming Category I. Topological Patterns Divisble and Accretive Patterns
Fig 26. base diagram for pattern derivation
Fig 27. Divisble Patterns
II. Methdology
Fig 28. Accretive Patterns
Pattern finding & pattern forming Category II. Behavioral Patterns
Waterbody+sandy surface+mangroves
Waterbody+mangroves
Waterbody+mangroves+concrete land
1997
2005 Fig 29a. Illustrating 3 typical conditions of mangroves found around the coastline Fig 29b. Mapping the loss of mangrove cover on the coastline of Mumbai
Fig 30. Relationship between the consequences of Mangrove deforestation, their unique ecological attributes and potential of the economic benefits if encouraged to be preserved and enhanced.
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Pattern finding & pattern forming Category III. Ornamental Patterns
Fig 31. Attracted away from the module
Fig 32. Attracted towards the module
II. Methdology
Fig 33. Attracted away from the module-all layers
Fig 34. Attracted towards the module- all layers
Pattern finding & pattern forming overview all categories TOPOLOGICAL PATTERNS
DIVISIBLE PATTERNS
BEHAVIORAL PATTERNS
ACCRETIVE PATTERNS ORNAMENTAL PATTERNS
This drawing is an overview of the pattern finding and pattern forming iterations in the three categories that formed the basis for dvance explorations as shown in Fig.36.
Fig 35. Overview of the pattern finding and patten forming in all 3 categories
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Advanced pattern iterations Deformation of grid
Grid based pattern iterations
II. Methdology
Grid based pattern iterations
Fig 36. Advanced pattern iterations
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III.
III. Adaptations
ADAPTATIONS the possible array of scenarios created through the pattern explorations done in section II.
Adaptation logic This diagram encapsulates the self-derived intentions in relation to the intentions suggested in the dynamic patterns book. Topological patterns are interpreted as a means of ground organization, Behavioural Patterns respond to the save the coast campaign mentioned earlier through a series of diagrams and participate in the socio-political discussion created through the campaign, and lastly Ornamental patterns are intended to be embedded in popular culture that would create that connection and awareness among the general public.
Fig 37. Satellite image of test site
Under Topological Patterns: to understand the operability of patterns under this category, I have selected a test site that is a promenade in the western suburb district of Mumbai, located on the western side of the city. Under Behavioral patterns the patterns to engage in the sociopolitical discussion of the “Save the coast” campaign and there is a change of scale while understanding patterns at the ornamental scale. Mangrove
Promenade
Road
All layers
Mumbai ward map
Fig 38. Different layers
Fig 39. Pattern adaptation logic diagram
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TOPOLOGICAL PATTERNS Projective scenarios
Selected test site along the linear stretch of the 1.2 km long promenade
Edges along the 1.2 km long linear stretch of the promenade Fig 40. Selected region on the test site
Condition 1: test region overlapping with mangroves III. Adaptations
Condition 2: test region being the periphery of mangroves
Key plan Fig 41. Imagined coniditons
Condition 1
Condition 2
Fig 42. Geometric progressions for both conditions
Fig 43. Module generated out of the curves from geometric progressions that serve as foundation for the pattern variations produced
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TOPOLOGICAL PATTERNS Projective scenarios
Fig 44. Pattern variations to be projected on the two conditions explained earlier
Fig 45. Typical pattern projection
Fig 46. Existing condition of promenade III. Adaptations
TOPOLOGICAL PATTERNS Projective scenarios
PRODUCTIVE & MULTIFUNCTIONAL Landscapes are programmed with the ability to adapt and change to different conditions, so they can require different types and lower intensities of maintenance regimes to sustain them to tend them in different ways so that community gardeners, and urban foresters alike are rendered as stewards and caretakers of space
Fig 47. Projective scenarios under one category in condition 1 and 2
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TOPOLOGICAL PATTERNS Projective scenarios ECOLOGICAL Creating floral and faunal habitat and pattern geometry allow for sediment accretion and slow surface run-off. The uneven surfaces promotes the trapping and binding of decayed matter enriching the soil of the mangrove.
ECOLOGICAL+ARTS+EVENTS Creating floral and faunal habitat and pattern geometry allow for sediment accretion and slow surface run-off. The transformation and alignment of the pattern allow for hosting a variety of arts and interactive events within the mangrove ecosystem.
CULTIVATED Creating a lush green and rich image and develop an identity of the city. Secondly, they may behave as green infrastructure reducing the number of resources spent on active systems such as filtration/purification plants instead allow the landscape to flourish at large scales.
PRODUCTIVE & MULTIFUNCTIONAL Landscapes are programmed with the ability to adapt and change to different conditions, so they can require different types and lower intensities of maintenance regimes to sustain them to tend them in different ways so that community gardeners, and urban foresters alike are rendered as stewards and caretakers of space
ACTIVITY AND PROGRAM Generating healthier urban environments, cultivate new kind of urban landscapes, new kinds of urban experiences and support a wide range of social interactions and relationships. They have positive cognitive impacts and visual impacts on the actors using them.
CIRCULATION Navigation or circulation derived from the green infrastructure and not the other way around as the organizing grid of the patterns catalyze the ecological processes and setting them as a priority over human interactions.
Fig 48. Projective scenarios in condition 1 III. Adaptations
TOPOLOGICAL PATTERNS Projective scenarios ECOLOGICAL Creating floral and faunal habitat and pattern geometry allow for sediment accretion and slow surface run-off. The uneven surfaces promotes the trapping and binding of decayed matter enriching the soil of the mangrove.
ECOLOGICAL+ARTS+EVENTS Creating floral and faunal habitat and pattern geometry allow for sediment accretion and slow surface run-off. The transformation and alignment of the pattern allow for hosting a variety of arts and interactive events within the mangrove ecosystem.
CULTIVATED Creating a lush green and rich image and develop an identity of the city. Secondly, they may behave as green infrastructure reducing the number of resources spent on active systems such as filtration/purification plants instead allow the landscape to flourish at large scales.
PRODUCTIVE & MULTIFUNCTIONAL Landscapes are programmed with the ability to adapt and change to different conditions, so they can require different types and lower intensities of maintenance regimes to sustain them to tend them in different ways so that community gardeners, and urban foresters alike are rendered as stewards and caretakers of space
ACTIVITY AND PROGRAM Generating healthier urban environments, cultivate new kind of urban landscapes, new kinds of urban experiences and support a wide range of social interactions and relationships. They have positive cognitive impacts and visual impacts on the actors using them.
CIRCULATION Navigation or circulation derived from the green infrastructure and not the other way around as the organizing grid of the patterns catalyze the ecological processes and setting them as a priority over human interactions.
Fig 49. Projective scenarios in condition 2 37
BEHAVIORAL PATTERNS Projective scenarios
Fig 50. Save the Coast campaign-Instagram page- social media used as a medium of advocacy and propaganda Image source: official Instagram page
III. Adaptations
Fig 51. Growth and Reproduction- Mangroves as an ecosystem
BEHAVIORAL PATTERNS Projective scenarios
Fig 52. Creating a living habitat- Mangroves as an ecosystem
Fig 53. Creating a living habitat- Mangroves as an ecosystem
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ORNAMENTAL PATTERNS Projective scenarios We shift our focus towards ornamental patterns, where I completely shift gears and understand how might these patterns be embedded in popular culture and in everyday phenomenon’s and products to create that connection and awareness about the mangroves that is beyond the scientific knowledge. These patterns are morphed at two scales products one being generic products used on a daily basis.
While the second scale is envisioned at a furniture scale that involve an aspect of functionality and utility. Within this category the patterns perform the role of identity creation and integrating relevance of ecological systems in sociology-cultural dimensions.
Fig 54. Generic products- cloth bags, coffee mugs, t-shirts
Fig 55. Furniture design-vases, tables, lamp shades
III. Adaptations
IV.
CONCLUSION the possible impact the research aims to create.
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TOPOLOGICAL
As surface expressions for ground organization
IV. Conclusion
BEHAVIOR
Cross-over between
RAL
natural and artificial systems
ORNAMENTAL
Embed the patterns in everyday popular culture at product and furniture design
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SHIFTING PATTERNS A catalog of speculative patterns derived from the Mangrove in Mumbai
by Ishita Narendra Parmar
Masters of Science in Architecture: Design | Energy | Futures