P O R T F O L I O (2017 to 2020)
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Janhavi Manjrekar Landscape Architect and Architect
Projects
About Me I am a recent graduate of Master of Landscape Architecture Program from School of Planning and Architecture- Delhi, and a registered architect with Council of Architecture, India. I am keen about people, places and their cultures. While landscape allows me for an expression of my ideas, it is the intersection of landscape with urban design that has aided me in brainstorming about the future of our public places such that they represent the diversity of its users. In all my works, I put forth the perspective of an individual trying to indulge into the social and cultural aspects of an urban grid, trying to make things stand out instead of just fitting them altogether in one box.
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M ahakaleshwar Temple Rudrasagar
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S tudy of the open space system
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M apping the uncharted
Lake Integrated Landscape Development, Ujjain
along the Najafgarh Drain , 1.Mahakaleshwar Temple Rudrasagar Lake Delhi Integrated Landscape Development, Ujjain 2.Railway, Study of the open space system systems along the Ring along the Najafgarh Drain , Delhi. Delhi.
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R esources and Urbanisation3. Decoding the experience
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Analysis and Documentation: of an Urban Village- ‘Lado Sarai’, A case of Raipur Delhi. 4. Mapping the uncharted eclaiming the hillockSecondary School, systems along the Ring Railway, Delhi. Gwalior 5. Resources and Urbanisationive Urban SketchingCapturing theDocumentation: ‘real’ Analysis and Urban Sketchers Gwalior and A case of Raipur Indore chapter 6. Reclaiming the hillockSecondary School, Gwalior 7. Rejuvenation Center for Ayurveda and Naturopathy Treatment, Omkareshwar. 8. Live Urban Sketching- Capturing the real member of Urban Sketchers Gwalior and Indore chapter
Academic Landscape Design Thesis
I June 2020
Thesis Guide: Dr. Aarti Grover; Reviewers: Pankaj Jain, Savita Punde and Krishan C Singhal
Mahakaleshwar Temple Rudrasagar Lake Integrated Landscape Development, Ujjain
01 Proposed Visuals for the Landscape
This project was orientedtowards studying the cultural landscape of Ujjain around the Mahakaleshwar Temple-Rudrasagar Lake through the layers of history and proposing ‘Landscape Master-plan’ to provide better pedestrian connectivity by the means of an open space system. Research on the cultural and historical facts available from the accessible literature deciphered socio-cultural aspect of this landscape. This design took into consideration, the last maximum peak footfall recorded during Simhastha 2016 (around 8 million) people spanning over a month’s period. There were constraints like existing & archaic built up on the site, some of which were proposed for preservation/ relocation, based on the site analysis for academic purposes.
Academic Landscape Design Thesis
I June 2020
Analysis of existing slopes
Immediate context Infrastructure mapping Vegetation mapping in and around the periphery
Accessibility and Circulation
Dominant vegetation on site
Vegetation mapping revealed a predominance of Ficus Religiosa in the landscape for mythological reasons. The newly introduced Azadirachta indica trees near lake indicate plantation done after the implementation of CDP. The trees like Aegle Marmelos and Butea Monosperma were also spotted owing to their religious importance and association with Shiva. For a larger region, tree clusters were marked as per on site observation.
Summer
Monsoon
Post-Monsoon
Tracing seasonal water level changes in the Lake
The maps to the left, present the seasonal variation of water in the lake and flooding boundaries of the river (781 m approx.). There was also a variation of 5m in the water level post and pre monsoon on the site.
Temple Infrastructure has been studied to understand the system’s wanting facilities. The basic utilities that a pilgrim would need during his/her journey to the temple were mapped to understand the pedestrian connect to and fro. The Current Queue complex was studied, where it was found that on an average day, a person would need 1 hour and more to reach to the main shrine from the proposed entry of Mahakal corridor. The walkable radiuses trace the trajectories from nearest public transport nodes and these have been overlaid with ceremonial procession paths that are associated with Temple.
Academic Landscape Design Thesis
I June 2020
WEEKENDS and FESTIVALS
Circulation Planning: Proposed Pedestrian, Vehicular & NMV movement
WEEKDAYS
Academic Landscape Design Thesis
Interlinking layers for Design Development
I June 2020
Section D
Section C Proposed Site Sections and Visuals- Mahakal Van
1. Leg of the Flyover landing down. 2. Ticket center, Security and frisking node, face detection point, E- rickshaw pickup zone. 3. Food plaza, stepped lawn, Waiting area and Decks. 4. Triveni Museum 5. Midway node, Rest-area 6. Mahakal Pedestrian Node 7. Rudrasagar Lake 8. Meditation zone 9. Mahakaleshwar Temple complex 10. Koti- Tirth Kund 11. Anna- Prasad Lawn 12. Local Vendor stalls street 13. Harsiddhi Temple 14. Vikram Teela 15. Pedestrian Bridge 16. Meditation Garden 17. Mahakaal Van, Agni Kund 18. Panchbhuta Garden 19. Community Plaza, Shelter extendible space. 20. Kailash 21. Srishti Kendra 22. Parking
Proposed Landscape Masterplan 2020
Academic Landscape Design Thesis
I June 2020 Stories of Faith- Expressions in Landscape
Infinite column of lightGenesis of the world by Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu
Fire well- Symbolising amorphous deity
Gateway to the abode of the deity through various tiers.
Mandala
Vishwa janak
Agni Dev
Borrowed Landscape
The center of the universe as ‘Shiva’Circumabulation performed by Ganesha.
Niwasi
Kailash
Pancha Bhuta
Srishti- Kendra
Designed Landscape
Five elements of LifeWind,Water, Fire, Sky and Earth as an embodiement of Shiva
The ascetic mountain God Shiva- ‘Kailashvaasi’
Sections from the Temple Complex Rubric for Design Manifestation
The temple is the spiritual center of the region. Rudra Sagar Lake which is one of the seven holy reservoirs worshipped here forms the foreground for the temple. The study revolvedaround problems like urban congestion that has by far changed the visual quality and environment of the temple, thus leading to loss of character. This assisted in redefining the modern landscapes of a culturally significant structure and the importance of crowd management and multi- utility ephemeral landscapes flexible in use for a longer time owing to the surrounding land uses. It also targeted the revival of cultural and ecological value of the manmade lake on site along with possible pedestrianisation of the 750 m stretch in and around the site.
Academic Landscape Design Studio
I March 2019
Instructors: Dr. Aarti Grover, Prof. Nikhil Dhar, Prof. Suresh Purandare, Amrita K Slatch
Study of the open space system along the Najafgarh Drain , Delhi.
The Najafgarh drain is an extension of Sahibi River flowing into Yamuna as its tributary. During 1960s, it started being used as a major drain for Delhi entering at Dhansa regulator, hence its name. The entire stretch of Najafgarh Drain passes through various agricultural lands near Jheel and some residential colonies like Inderlok and Punjabi Bagh. It was found that most of the outlets of local untreated sewer lines opened into the drain in residential areas that ultimately resulted in heightening of BOD levels of Yamuna. Approximately 100 species of avifauna were spotted in the ‘Jheel’ area and the spotted flora included native trees of Delhi. Apart from that, there was a visible outbreak of Prosopis Juliflora along the banks of Drain, even in constructed
Najafgarh is one of the largest of the 3 basins formed in Delhi due to its physical and geographical attributes. The Central Ridge contributed to a large amount to the watershed of the drain. Its catchment area once ranged upto 600 sq km which has now deteriorated over the years due to increasing urban density and encroachment on the banks of the Drain. The Nala was once a clean stream where accounts of leisure boating by royals are substantial in realizing the quality of water it had then. The river on entering Delhi gave rise to Najafgarh lake that was formed due to large depression which remained flooded for most of the seasons. This seasonal depression gradually channelized into small stream which was the origin of Najafgarh Drain. Gradually the Lake was drained and the stream was widened to be used as a stormwater outflow for the city and thereafter began the exploitation of the Drain. The condition is such that the Central Pollution Control Board categorized it as one of
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embankments where it cracked. The other invasive species like water hyacinth in the Najafgarh Jheel have now wiped out the possibility of any aquatic life in water. The open spaces along the drain are somehow not visually/physically connected to Drain due to a 3m high wall around the Drain and the situation is worsened due to the foul smell that causes a social disconnect with the people.
Visual Elements
the most polluted wetlands. This project explores the possibilities in reviving the catchments and watersheds for the Najafgarh and Barapullah Drain that feed several small drains, which might impact the intensity of pollution that Yamuna river is dealing with. The study was undertaken considering these issues that would help revitalize the basins of Delhi by knitting them back into urban grid with sponge zones as potential water recharge sources.
Tentative Soil Profile as per CGWB research
Typology of Greens along the Drain
Physical Infrastructure along the stretch of the Drain.
Academic Landscape Design Studio
I March 2019
Delhi University North campus forms an important part of institutional infrastructure and can have a potential recreation space adjacent to the canal. The water quality here is continuously degrading due to the release of untreated water directly into drain that increases salinity of the soil. Hence the vegetation is mostly Prosopis juliflora and Eucalyptus along the banks. Extensive odour and High walls across the Right of Way of Drain are a threat to its social linkages. Site has a commercial character surrounded by residential colonies housing hostels which form potential user group for the urban landscape being proposed.
Variation in the neighbouring landuse gives an opportunity to host varied activities in these stretches. Constructed bund along the canal restricts the physical and visual accessibility to the edges of the drain. Densely vegetated area in DRDO land acts as potential open space and can cater to the need of larger open spaces in the context. Developing a gathering zone for the community residing here which can establish a healthy community interaction space will increase the value of drain as an asset for community.
Presence of commercial Complex and secondary connection with Banda Bahadur Marg creates potential for footfall generation. However, encroachment is a major concern. Presence of considerable numbers of native and migratory birds at the confluence of supplementary drain and Najafgarh drain creates an interesting opportunity for avifauna enthusiasts. The site thus could act as urban oasis to varied user groups from the surroundings.
Extensive unbuilt open spaces and dense vegetation characterise this stretch.The site owes its dynamic nature to different emerging and existing heritage landmarks accompanied by water level fluctuations on flood plains of the mighty Yamuna.
Academic Landscape Design Studio
I March 2019
CIRCULATION
Masterplan Policies of Stretch 1
RECREATION
Planting policy for the selected zone
Varying length of Open spaces along the Cross section of Drain
130 m Panjchor Park and Entrance Plaza
Pedestrian Bridge over the Drain
Institutional recreation zone
SRCC Sports Center
AFFORESTATION
Proposed Landscape Sections
90 m
Panjchor Park and Open Air Theatre
Drain
Residential Quarters
77 m
Kid’s Play Zone
Driveway
Drain
Ridge Heritage Interpretation Park
Academic Landscape Design Studio
I Nov 2019
Instructors: Dr. Aarti Grover, Ameet Babbar, Savita Punde and Minesh Parikh
Mapping the uncharted
systems along the Ring Railway, Delhi.
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First Ring Road
Ring Railway Loop
The city of Delhi has witnessed several transit networks introduced to cater to the National Capital Region. One such transit system developed in the 1960s was Delhi’s Ring Railway which ran parallel to the Inner ring road and was connected to nearby towns such as Shahdara, Rohtak, Rewari etc. that now lies unused. The objective of this design exercise was to analyse the utility of such open spaces surrounding this railway route for public use as urban green linkages in terms of parameters such as Ecology, Culture and Community. Reframing these greens would therefore enhance the open space system of the city that could connect vital landmarks and enhance the viability of ring rail system. The 32km long Delhi avoiding line was meant to decongest the existing city stations of the interstate goods traffic, to better facilitate the throughput of passenger trains at these stations. After few years, the suburban railway was converted to a passenger train to serve as an important passenger transport link during the Asian Games of 1982. This is now managed by the Indian Northern Railways. This route had approximately 24 trains running clockwise and anti-clockwise taking around 90 minutes to complete the loop. Each station was strategically planned due to proximity to different residential, commercial and tourist destinations across the city. Today, the city growth and non integrated development of other transit system networks have left the urban transport underutilized making it unsafe at many points, inaccessible, and most importantly neglected by common masses. It is thus important to integrate this network back into the urban fabric and determine proper program to put them to public use. These green spaces also serve as prospects to connect larger green corridors within the city.
Infrastructure and Landmarks in Stretch 1
Academic Landscape Design Studio
I Nov 2019
Distribution of Open Spaces
Masterplan Objectives
Stretch 1 of this loop is comprised of greens that can broadly be classified into above categorises and hence interventions in this area look at cultural and ecological integration of landscape. The surrounding context include Lodhi Art District, Safdajung airport, Barapullah Nala, Railway museum etc. and are marked as target zones to ensure a better pedestrian network in and around these significant spots. The markets are key spots which have the possibility of getting linked with these tourist attractions that could boost up the economy and make the areas even more walkable. These areas if integrated with other stretches by certain core parameters would help re-invigorate the entire loop with a new set of objectives as per the stakeholders. The masterplan here thus looked at cultural and ecological integration of landscape.
Proposed Visuals- Photomontages
The route has specks of open spaces within the study area in the form of both formal and informal open spaces. Some of them also include Neighbourhood parks, District Parks, Community Areas, Open Fields etc. These open spaces thus have an opportunity to be knit into a network of greenways to major chunks through pedestrian connects. After analysing these voids stretch wise, it was also found that the percentage of usable open areas in Stretch 1 and Stretch 4 are higher than the other 2 stretches due to the planned development that has occurred in these areas over time. Some of the archaic buildings and their conservation zones like Barapullah drain, Humayun’s Tomb, Sunder Nursery, Raj Ghat, Indraprastha Park, Zoological Park etc. also lie in the study area. Master plan policies and strategies primarily aimed at achieving the predefined aim of creating open space system throughout the route, but the head-wise strategies were contextually varied due to different conditions prevailing in each stretch. The open space system also targeted large green network in lieu of fragmented greens that will be ecologically and socially significant for the city. The revitalization of urban greens was seen as a milestone in the process to ensure smooth functioning of open spaces
with respect to security, privacy, active-passive recreation and cultural gatherings. The master plan culminated with a set of probable sites chosen for comprehensive landscape development and proposing design interventions with respect to spaces, aesthetics, function, requirements and stake-holders.
Landscape Resource Elective Seminar
I August 2019
1/Objective
Instructors: Dr. Aarti Grover, Amrita K Slatch
Resources and UrbanisationAnalysis and Documentation: A case of Raipur
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Chronology of Raipur
The map has been created to understand the greens and blues in totality and aid in identifying potential sponges that might help elevate water level under the ground. Ponds and Vegetation Raipur district has a total of 2563 ha of canal system. 130 ponds existed in the city earlier which were filled up with earth to give rise to new commercial development in the city. Acacia species are found in uplands, whereas the other dominant species in the region are Neem, Mahua, Shisham, Eucalyptus, Peepal, Banyan, Mango etc.
2/Objective The map looks simultaneously at topography, drainage and waterbodies superimposed with newly urbanised areas to point out areas suitable for preservation and water retention. Topography and Drainage Raipur is located on the periphery of Chota Nagpur Plateau. The region around Raipur has a gentle slope ranging between 0-5%. The region is dominated by the presence of crystalline rocks such as granite, gneiss, schist, phyllite etc. Such crystalline rocks accompanied by quartz veins form the strata of the river basins. The red yellow soil formed by Chattisgarh supergroup supports paddy crops while the rest of the region has black soil.
Context Raipur is the capital city of Chattisgarh State in India. It is primarily a rural state with dense forest cover. LOCRaipur Located on 21.23 latitude and 81.63 longitude at an elevation of 296 meters, It boasts of a population of approx. 679,995 people. The area is dominated by tribes such as Teli, Satnami, Kurmi near the plains whereas forests are a home to Gond, Halba, Kamar/Bujia and Oraon. The city is surrounded by Durg, Bemetara, Dhamatari, Balod, Gariyabandh, Mahasamund etcetra.
Road Networks and nodes
There are three main rivers of Raipur district- Sheonath, Kharun and Mahanadi. General slope of the city is towards east and north-east.
Architecture Design Studio
I August 2015
Instructor: Prof. Sanjay Singh Jadon
Reclaiming the hillockSecondary School, Gwalior
This structure has been designed for Government funded Navodaya schools that require cost effective infrastructure. The school’s morphology is guided by geographial contours and the desire to integrate landscape with the built. The blocks have been placed as per their purpose of usage according to the slope and topography. The school building affords views of the various hillocks on the city outskirts and hence provides gateways to borrowed landscape.
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Site Plan Layout C
Sections through different blocks
The general slope of the site is towards the North East. The blocks represent a hierarchy and create an envelope of natural woodlands to the foot of the hillock. The elevation difference creates picturesque frames all the way from top to bottom that keep the users amused and engaged in the landscape.
Function and Massing of Blocks
Urban SketchingI 2017- Till date
https://www.instagram.com/urbansketcher_manjrekar/
(Personal Venture)
Live Urban SketchingCapturing the real
Member of Urban Sketchers Gwalior and Indore chapter
Urbansketching allows to capture the essence of a space at all hours of a day. As an architect and a landscape architect, it has allowed me to stay rooted to human scale and get public perspective of a space that have shaped my projects. These live sketching sessions have not just enhanced my observation skills but have also led me to realise the importance of context of spaces.
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