PALIMPSEST

P H O T G R A P H Y

Hard infrastructure with monofunctional conceptions is viewed as standalone objects, away from human interaction. There is purpose FROM the structure but not OF it, especially after their design life. Re-imagining them as haptic spatial elements instead of optic would allow them to weave together communities instead of fragmenting them.

Such infrastructure has minimal capacity for human engagement. They focus on separating conditions rather than integrating them. And in the long term, have bigger social and ecological repercussions. With the example of the submerged and defunct Hirebhaskara dam in Linganamakki reservoir, Sagar, Karnataka, this thesis claims that such a structure can be repurposed to a hybrid type. The construction of multiple dams on the Sharavathi river led to villages being submerged within the reservoirs, creating a man made island amongst other ecological repercussions.

The people lost not only their homes but also their culture and memories of the land called ‘Kalenadu’. Current communities struggle to survive with lands handed down to them by the Government in Forest areas with barely any resources/ climatic conditions required for agriculture. With lack of any amenities in the ‘island’ the current generation is forced to move out. The plight of the people either seeking connectivity with the outside world or a selfsustained island leads to negative connotations towards any future infrastructure project on the river. This thesis will explore how to extend the axis of this forgotten structure to give back to the community and ecosystem, instead of newer proposals on the river.It addresses the issues of the immediate context to foster resilience and connectivity, thus re-building community and collective memory. It pieces together the narrative of the land by linking past functions and future possibilities, so that people associate the dam with better memories.

LOCATION: Sharavthi valley in Western ghats

Jog falls- after Linganamakki dam

TIMELINE: Sharavathi Valley

WATER BASIN: Sharavathi

LAND USE MAP: Sharavathi Valley

Before 1920Sharavathi valley between Ambutheertha and Honnavar with multiple settlementsBio-diversity zone

1930s-

Construction of Hirebhaskara dam- 3rd and largest siphon volute dam in india at HirebhachhugaruFirst displacement

1964-

Construction of Linganamakki dam Submergence of Hirebhaskara Second displacement

PresentBridge construction ongoing between NH66 and NH69

Proposal of artificial waterfall and underground dam

Lowest Measured

Working Of Volute Siphon Dams

3rd and Largest Volute Siphon dam in India Sagar, Karnataka

The Hirebhaskara dam functions with the help of large volute siphons which automate the opening and closing of gates with fluctuations in water levels

LAYERS:

Natural- Existing contours, Forests: Muppane State forest, Sharavthi river

Man made InterventionHirebhaskara dam that intercepts water flow in the river human settlements like Tuma ri scattered around the river valley and the agricultural plots with cart roads

LAYERS:

Natural- Existing contours, Forests: Muppane State Forest, Sharavthi river

Man made Interventionsubmerged

Highest Measured

Bird’s eye view of Sharavathi yojana-Existing dams

Site is located along Hirebhaskara dam which was the first among the 4 major dams along Sharavathi river in Sagar taluk in Karnataka, which is currently submerged in the water of the Linganamakki reservoir which stores more water. Both dams cause relocation of multiple communities and submerged large areas of land and ecosystems. Hirebhaskara dam was the 3rd and largest siphon dam system in India when it was built.

“We planted trees here on this land. We don’t have the land documents and we will never get them also”

“We came here after Gante Harish sir left and we cultivated his land; do part-time in Bangalore for extra income. The water level receeds in may and we harvest one batch of crop and then its submerged for the rest of the year”

“When covid struck us here and we had to take them to the hospital, we had to travel kilometers to reach Sagar, the nearest hospital”

“Why should we allow Bangalore to take water when we ourselves cant use it? They plough lands belonging to KPCL and they cant even take water for agriculture, its only for hydroelectricity”

“Our family was displaced twice by both projects and we were given 13 acres of land in Purdal, our community was fully dispersed. They have declared this area as a Wildlife Sanctuary and deny us amenities until we are forced to move again”

Boats and ferry as only means of transport

“ When the ferry shut down due to covid lockdown drove the ambulance from Sagar to take people from here to hospitals in the nearest cities and used to work all day. didn’t come back home for half a month at times. We don’t have a police station here. If need to fight for my land in a law office plan a 2 day trip to Sagar and back because after 6 pm you are stuck on either side of this man made island”

Highlighting the issues faced due to the nature of the context:

1- Social Loss of land as it gets submerged in the reservoir, disconnect to mainland, declining local arts and culture without exposure

2-Nature: Fragmentation of habitat, misuse of forest land, decline of endemic species in the bio-diversity rich zone

“ We can’t use that land. What use is the land here when it rains? Of course my son went outside to earn money. We got the bad end of this deal. They promised us so many things but see none of them in reality.

So many of our temples have now drowned under the reservoir. Our elders made a mistake asking for a ferry thinking bridge will cause problems but now we know how hard it is to get anything here. “

“We used to have multiple Yakshagana institues in this area. It was called Kalenadu. Now only 2-3 of them remain. We are jains in this area. Inititally because of the queen there were a lot of jains in this region ,now the basadis are in ruin ( you will find many on your way to jog falls on the western edge) and our gods are now in the museum near Liganamakki dam. We would love to perform but we can’t arrange funds if people are not interested”

TIME CYCLE ISSUES

Durbars and markets that happened here are lost

Even though there is one hospital, no doctor wants to visit the place and we dont have other amenities as well

Ferry only works from 8am-6pm and the locals fight for a bridge or else they are stranded on a manmade island

Map showing type of vegetation (natural and cultivated) near the Hirebhaskara Dam in the Sharavathi Valley

West zone- Thickest vegetation cover- lesser variations in fish migratory path and habitat

Central zone- Most frequented by fishermen especially when water level else receeds.

Mostly in need of development due to overuse and lack of proper habitat

Map showing Lion-tailed Macaque sightings and current proposal area

33kV lines cant be taken from Linganamakki because of forest areas that come in the middle

East zone- Closest to habitation- lesser forest coverLeads to more flactuations in water temperature causing variations in fish habitats seasonally

Map highlighting the issues of fisheries in the area Breakdown of fish species: Sharavathi

Fragmentation of land due to water body increasing in area

Natural forest extent

Reduction of forest area by habitation and dam construction

Issue of fragmentation of habitat due to the submergence caused by reservoir constructionsThreat to natrual habitats of endemic species in the area

Locating the interviewees on the context map

Map showing type of fisheries near the Hirebhaskara Dam in the Sharavathi Valley

1-Holebagilu ferry point 1

2- Holebagilu ferry point

Issues related to ecologyHighlighted in articles

3- Tumari- site of interview

4- Sigandoor- site of temple

5- HIrebhaskara dam

Breakdown of the program in relation to the issues identified

Condition 1: Lowest water levelAll spaces support gathering and spread of cultural activities, the dam gallery is part of the design, structure tethered to dam acts as culture centre and exhibition

The dam as the main human intervention on site

Contrasting character of design on land and waterLand cluster being more solid and rooted and water cluster as a marker for existing structure, more temporal and transperent in character

Analysis from Site Visits is represented as a cycle and the concepts social and nature-related as well as aestheic and cultural interviews on site and articles published in

The dam as the main human intervention on site

Key Plan of project showing 3 major typologies on site:

1- Cultural Centre- tethered to Dam

2- Resort, Exhibition and Basadi- On Banks of the river

3-Research unit- On the Island at end of the Dam Site Sections

The project identifies the cycle and layers existant in the context, analyses the issues faced around the year due to such cycles and proposes 3 major typologies for combating the problems. It is sensitive to both the natural cycles and man-made interventions and needs.

The project retrofits into the cycle as an added layer, without hindering the dynamics; in fact, it compliments it and allows effiecient use of the landscape. Although the idea originates at an urban level, with consideration of the entire valley, the main focal point and first demonstration of the proposal is detailed as the thesis.

Type B- Bottom fish Type AMigratory fish HOSPITALITY RESEARCH UNIT CULTURE CENTER

Contrasting character of design on land and waterLand cluster being more solid and rooted and water cluster as a marker for existing structure, more temporal and transperent in character

1-Light dirzzleInteract

2-Heavy rainRain collectors to create views

EXTENTION OF CONTEXT EXTENTION OF NATURE

“We planted trees here on this land. We don’t have the land documents and we will never get them also”

Normal medium density rainfallRain wall- form enclosures with roof structure

“We came here after Gante Harish sir left and we cultivated his land; do part-time in Bangalore for extra income. The water level receeds in may and

Gopuja

The design enables experience on siteThe character of site during monsoons makes the site un-useable

Enable the spread of culture during times of lower water levelshidden structures resurfacing

Boats and ferry as

Type B- Bottom fish

“When covid struck us here and we had to take them to the hospital, we had to travel kilometers to reach Sagar, the nearest hospital”

Highlighting the issues faced due to the nature of the context:

The character of site during monsoons makes the site unuseable we harvest one batch of crop and then its submerged for the rest of the year”

Artificial reef plandeployment of units in complex for theatre structure in design

Introduction of artificial reef using the structure of the tethered design in the reservoir to increase aquatic habitat and help culture of endemic species.

The type of fishes, the unit structure and plan of arrangement of units shown.

Durbars and markets that happened here are lost

“Why should we allow Bangalore to take water when we ourselves cant use it? They plough lands belonging to KPCL and they cant even take water for agriculture, its only for hydroelectricity”

1- Social Loss of land as it gets submerged in the reservoir, disconnect to mainland, declining local arts and

2-Nature: Fragmentation of habitat, misuse of forest land, decline of endemic species in the bio-diversity

Even though there is one hospital, no doctor wants to visit the place and we dont have other amenities as well

Concept Sections

Enable the spread of culture during times of lower water levelshidden structures resurfacing

The conceptual section is represented as a cycle with 4 main conditions as the water level fluctuates through the year

Artificial reef plandeployment of units in complex for theatre structure in design

The project is designed to fit into the cycle exisiting and complement it.

When the water level is low and it reveals the man-made intervention of the dam in the context, the design also aims to capitalise on the human and social aspect by uncovering spaces for workshops and theatres.\

When the water level is high and nature has the upper hand then the design acts as a pavilion to view the scenic backdrops and the spaces where activities happen are introverted. (8)

Condition 2: Mid water level IThe water level starts increasing and rain is still minimal. The cultural activities continue and there is a slow shift of activity towards the hospitality sector.

Condition

4: Mid

6pm and the locals fight for a bridge or else they are stranded on a man-made path and habitat

33kV lines cant be taken from Linganamakki because of forest areas that come in the middle

All spaces support gathering and spread of cultural activities, the dam gallery is part of the design, structure tethered to dam acts as culture centre and exhibition

East zone- Closest to habitation- lesser forest coverLeads to more flactuations in water temperature causing variations in fish habitats seasonally Central zone- Most frequented

Mostly in need of development

Map highlighting the issues of fisheries in the area

Breakdown species: Sharavathi

The conceptual section is represented as a cycle with 4 main fluctuates through the year

Design is tool to experience nature. Research thrives.

The water level starts reducing but the rain continues. The design enables experience of context and interacts with the rain, rather than just shielding

ROOF

Extended large roof acts as barrier to noise and light escaping from design and creating disturbance for nature around. Inward looking design.

Roof ideas inspired by tree canopy and cover and the roofing in malenadu house, if re-created in a bamboo structure

STRUCTURE

EXPLODED VIEW OF DESIGN ON LAND:

EXPLAINING THE DESIGN DETAILS USED TO ACHIEVE THE CONCEPT

Parapet detail: The simple addition of a slab cut-out paired with the raised plinth is seen to trap insects during rains.

Bamboo half culm

Concrete grout

Steel gusset plate

Slab cut-out to trap insects by collecting water

Materiality:

Use of screens allows diffused light in the day; at night it appears to glow dimly

PARAPETS

Response to sun-

SCREENS

Bamboo and clay blocks used as main materials to evoke sense of building with wood and mud. Located closest to bamboo plantations- easily available Concrete plinth seen as relating to the human intervention of the dam

ENCLOSURE

Relationship with forest edge

Idea of a Malenadu house and programatically breaking down its functions for zoning activity on site

PLINTH & CIRCULATION

Plinth condition- Used by people above and animals below

Raised plinthAllows context to flow as ground cover and canopy

Shades the areas of reservoir under the structure

PLAN: RECEPTION SIDE

PLAN WITH RISE IN WATER LEVELS RECEPTION SIDE

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

Circulation patterns

Use of dam bridge as spine.

Before construction of dams and hydroelectric projects along the Sharavathi, locals lived peacfully in villages nearby, fishing in the small stream when needed

BEFORE DAM CONSTRUCTION

Main axis

Dam as datum. View points generated by forest, reservoir and dam.

When the dam was constructed, most of the villages were submerged fragmenting not just the vegetation but also the cultures

AFTER DAM CONSTRUCTION

AFTER DESIGN: Lowest water level

The design allows culture to shine through when the water level recedesspreading awareness about the regional traditions

AFTER DESIGN: Normal condition

It also enables the user to enjoy the scenic beauty of the place; creating a pause point in between over-populated tourist destinations

Grid introduced on site

The design engages with natural constraints like the weather and fluctuations of water levels, making it a part of the design mechanics

AFTER DESIGN: Highest water level

ILLUSTRATING THE CYCLE WITH DESIGN PLUGGED IN

SECTION A:

HIGHEST WATER LEVEL CONDITION

DETAILED PLAN OF FLOATING STRUCTURES:

HIGHEST WATER LEVEL CONDITION

SECTION A:

LOWEST WATER LEVEL CONDITION

SECTION A: NORMAL CONDITION

Proposed relation to dam

Existing dam bridge is used as spine. When the water level receeds, the Dam platform becomes extened part of design

BEFORE DAM CONSTRUCTION

PLINTH & CIRCULATION

STRUCTURE ARTIFICIAL REEF

AFTER DAM CONSTRUCTION

Tensile temporary roof 3

AFTER DESIGN: Lowest water level

AFTER DESIGN: Normal condition

AFTER DESIGN: Highest water level

1- Exhibition and Performance

2- Dance and culture workshops

3- Learning studio for locals from the research unit

4- Research unit display and workshops

5- Market and commercial

6- Dam Bridge

ILLUSTRATING THE CYCLE WITH DESIGN PLUGGED IN

The Desert Getaway

Located in Jaisalmer near the Bada Bagh Project type : Hospitality, Resort

BRIEF .

The Resrvoir and the Dam Integration with site

1. 2.

Enery conservation/ Urban heat island Water conservation/

Site 26.9533742, 70.8834762

Located in Jaisalmer near the Bada Bagh

In the location of India’s first wind farm Climate Hot and dry Resources available Wind/ Solar energy

14.5m

Site elements : Effect on design

Wind movement/ Orientation Necessity of screens Windcatcher profile

Green Building Qualities

Process i. Vehical circulation and parking as per proposed circulation ii. Public zone with access to monument through design

Public zone with ameneties

PROCESS AND MOVEMENT

Used mostly during evening and early morning hours

The levels follow the contours

Varying height of wind catchers as per the heights of the spaces served

Landscape as screen is used to shade and demarcate spaces

Used mostly during night hours and in the afternoon

OAT follow the design of the ghats

Integration of water bodies for cooling

ZONING WITH RESPECT TO ORIENTATION AND ACITVITY

Proposed circulation

Key:

CIRCULATION

Site features

Natural features on site like the levels due to contours, the trees and the edge conditions are preserved in the design

in-Between pauses: The film institue

Located in Mysore inside Mysore university campus

Project type Institution

Architecture acts as a lens to capture daily activities which happen within spaces

The objective of this project was to design a film institute trying to maximise the functionality of the space and heighten the daily experiences within

The design has porous edges with strategically places voids which capture activities happening within the institute from the exterior whilst also framing the views of the outside from the interior

Site 12.309034, 76.624669

Located in old Mysore University campus

Focus: Experiential architecture

Type: Institution

Context study

Plan and sections Entry,

The existing architecture inside the campus, the view sheds, main circulation paths and acitivity mapping was done to inform the zoning

Idea of the screen

Replacing one solid edge of a courtyard by a porous screen

Interconnected courtyards

The porus edge of one courtyard connects to the other to form a hierarchy

Framing the views

The design captures the views around through the screen, like a film strip

Axis

The predominant path for circulation is changed and building is organised along this axis i. Given site ii. Massing as per zoning and proximity diagrams iii.Promenade is introduced on one edge, integration of courtyards iv.By having the promenade cut through the site, it establishes a relationship between built and circulation paths, an urban street v. Variation of levels of promenade so it acts as vertical and horizontal spine vi. Integration with massing vii. Addition of courtyard, screens and informal spaces

The Broken Library

Located in Jaipur inside Jantar Mantar Project type Library, Public square

BRIEF

How multiple individual entities come together to create meaning in space~

This project started out with 6 cubes and a wall and how we can bring these elements togeher to create a functional yet interesting composition

Why Jaipur?

Jaipur has a very rich history and culture. Along with this it boasts of on of the largest literary fstivals in India.

Attention is being given to improve the reading culture among people. A bookstore 10 minutes away from the literary festival is proposed as solution in the Jantar Mantar observatory

Mandala

City planning of Jaipur is based on the Indian Shilpa Shastra. The mandala is usually a square of 3*3 to 9*9 but when applied to rectangles the perfect ration is described to be 1:1.5

Application

The site is divided into 7*4 grid of 27 m The number 7 as well as 9 was very auspiscious as per the vastu shastra. The instruments are inclined at a 27 degree angle

Creating the axis

Identification of grid points for suitable location of project by studying axis hierarchy and composition on site

RamganjBazaarRoad

Site 26.924720, 75.824231

Located in Jantar Mantar, Jaipur

Focus: Deconstructivism

Type: Book store

5 4 3 2 1 1 2 4 3 Section AA 0m 1.5m 4.5m 10.5m

The cubes based on their function acess contain recesses and extensions to emphasize said emotion. The addition of frame, plinth courtyard etc., serves to define the closed boundary created by wall for each cube. Arched openings establish links with existing architecture and highlight the idea of solid and void. The addition of frames creates views which lead the observer through the design subconsciously

Emphasizing the frame around the cube to visually create bigger volume of enclosed space

Solid and voids emphasized in design to highlight access exit and lobby areas

Volume of cube removed is added within the constraints of the cubes created by division of wall

Emphasis on solid and void with open colonnade spaces

The cubes without the idea of the wallextention or addition and subtraction is random and is a cluster of separate isolated objects with not relation to each other

Renders

The cubes with the wall Addition or extention is limited by the grid due to wall, visually connected and cubes form composition where they are reated to one another

7TH SEMESTER

Mapping the street

The loafer’s lane is mapped and the useage of each building is understood

Selection Of Sites For The Studio

The three sites were selected after a study of the Vasantnagar region in Bangalore which was done in groups.

The sites identified best suited a public intervention which could weave together the current fragmented activities happening along the main road. The aim of the studio was to create convivial spaces which energise

Swot

The swot analysis is done based on mapped information to aid structure plan

Multi-functional:

The spaces designed can evole with the time and useage. The wall enable people to pull out seating which can also double up as a basket for carraying food from nearby bakeires to the gathering spaces. It enables daily workers like the milk and coffee vendors to have a more formal location along the street

CONVIVIALITY POSTER CHARACTER OF CONVIVIAL SPACES

Flexibility:

The wall changes when a person interacts with it. For two people using the same space, the character of the wall depends on the previous person’s use. This creates spaces that are for the community yet affected by individual changes

From the SWOT analysis of the site, 3 areas are chosen for intervention along the Vasanth nagar main road, also 8th main road:

- Edge of the streetTheatre and public plaza

- Along the streetSpillout spaces for shops and activities in the neighbourhood

Where is the theatre?

During the times of covid when people did not go out to malls/ theatres, coming out on their balconies or terraces provided a break from the mundane life