PORTFOLIO
SELECTED WORKS 2013-2019
JIL SHAH
Prologue
Line of thought and brief introduction I have always enjoyed watching human interaction with built form and how relations are formed within an interactive frame. To my understanding the surrounding context and physical setting plays an important role in engaging such narrative frames, which when combined with other individual frames forms an urban realm. Architects and urban planners play an important role in shaping the public space and in providing possibilities for people to form a collective memory in this ever-changing technological society furthering human disconnect. Hence, conscious attempts to positively impact communities and connect humans at different scale forms the foundation of my line of investigations and design approach.
00 Contents
Selected works 2013-2019
01 Wayfinding A visual narrative of the built space at Mount Shetrunjaya, Gujarat Spring 2018 / 5th Year Final year research project
02 Threshold between land and water A port intervention for boat building in Mandvi, Gujarat Fall 2016 / 5th Year Design Studio V:Institution
03 Sacred Approach Reviving the path that leads to Kaal Bhairav temple in Varanasi, India Spring 2016 / 4th Year Urban design studio IV
04 Reading city fabric Mapping of Hampi town from macro to micro level Spring 2015 / 3rd Year Urban theory study
05 Diagramming an idea School of Indian classical music in Vadodara, Gujarat Spring 2014 / 2nd Year Design theory studies : Exploring thought process of Diagramming
06 Line as a language Travel sketches and measure drawings Sketching as a medium to understand the space
Temple Complex and ritual path leading to the destination
Existing water bodies and road network in the region
Existing topography of the region
Mount Shetrunjaya regional analysis
Existing topography of Palitana and delineation of the region
01 Wayfinding
A visual narrative of the built space at Mount Shetrunjaya, Gujarat
Final year Research Thesis project Spring 2018 - 5th year Site : Palitana, Bhavnagar district, Gujarat, India Instructor : Percy Pithawala Individual Academic work
Architecture is the manifestation and expression of culture responding to the religious values of the society & the surroundings with which it interacts. In the context of Jain mythology and cosmography, a sacred centre known as ‘Tirtha’ becomes the generator of ideas and has been associated with deeper theological and cosmological significance. The ability of an individual to orient and locate himself in these sacred spatial environment depends on the relationship between different components of the built forms, their organisation, assemblage and visual experience through journey, while manoeuvring through the space. The Sacred centre (Tirtha) influences the movement, pause, circumambulation and activities undertaken by the pilgrims that occupy the space and how people perceive the built space visually in successive progression. Experiencing space, locating oneself in the space and way finding through visual frames thus becomes a subtle act of human body and mind.
Hence, this project seeks to study the major components of the built form and analyse spatial configuration and way finding built successively through a set of narrative visual frames. The present study is intended with an objective of understanding various parameters that helps one in way finding through successive visual experience of the journeys for which purpose a case study of temple complex at Shetrunjaya Giri, Palitana has been documented. Shetrunjaya Tirtha on the whole is seen through the sequential visual experience during the journey, propagated by assemblage of the built forms upon the sacred topography. A set of visual narrative frames are generated while manoeuvring through the ambulatory (ritual path) to reach the final destination. Major elements identified in the study are temple units, ambulatory (ritual path), gate, landmarks (pause points) and the centre (final destination). Each of these elements have been studied in their physical terms as well as from the point of view of activity pattern integrated with the built form.
01/Wayfinding Narrative space
Scene 1 Elevation : 110m
The notion of a centre and always being visually connected to intermediate pause spaces becomes one of the most important parameter in ordering the movement of people towards the centre (final destination). These pause spaces (landmarks) in space form the reference points of a mental map that describe the relative presence of the pilgrim and connectivity with the built environment. Approaching further, silhouette of the Temple Complex starts revealing itself after covering a certain distance. Thus, unfolding deeper layers of spiritual realization, the path moves through various landmarks offering varied experience to the pilgrims.
Scene 2 Elevation : 352m
Three layered iconic structure called Samovasaran, marking the first reference point in journey.
Scene 3 Elevation : 451m
Shrine located on the steep slope, falls almost half way to the main Temple Complex at top.
Scene 4 Elevation : 565m
Large area with a number of shrines, a kund and a temple reflecting the importance of goddess Padmavati.
Entrance gate to the main Temple Complex, marking the beginning of second phase of the ritual path.
Final year Research Thesis project Visual experience of the journey The ritual path from the foothills is carved out corresponding to the topography of hill, thus dramatizing the visual experience of the journey. Built symbols are perceived as network of choices. On whole, the placement of built form at intervals along the way, water channels along the path terminating to baolis and kunds, dramatic unfolding of the Temple Complex skyline and the rhythmic movement of pilgrims chanting holy verses, with the mythological grandeur of the place in background makes the visual and spatial experience meditative.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
01/Wayfinding
I I
,/
,/
,
,/
,
Topography- southern summit of the Shetrunjaya hill
Main temple and other subsidiary temples build on levelled terraces
Hierarchy in placement of built form and establishment of the ritual path
In-between spaces formed as a result of clustering of temples
Temples and sub-shrines placed in harmony to the existing temples
Linkage elements defining the ritual movement in the temple complex
Chronological evolution
Stage 1: Around 6th century to 961 A.D.
Stage 2: 961 A.D. to 1232 A.D.
Stage 3: 1232 A.D. to 1400 A.D.
Stage 4: 1400 A.D. to 1700 A.D.
Stage 5: 1700 A.D. to 1837 A.D.
Stage 6: 1837 A.D. to present
Final year Research Thesis project Structuring elements of the Sacred Centre Structuring elements like topography of the region, holy Shetrunji River, sacred order established through positioning of temple on the highest point of the ridge, and religious practices endures the ‘place making’ of the sacred built form on the mountain.
Placement of temple on the hill
Ritual path leading to the sacred built space
Repetitive formation of temple cluster
01/Wayfinding Spatial Structure The fundamental pattern of thinking is attached to the spatial experience representing the beginning, the journey, intermediate pause spaces and the goal in making of temple.complex. Architecture externalizes this fundamental pattern of thinking into spatial structure of gate, the path, landmarks or nodes and the centre. The street is defined by the elements of transition such as stairs and plinths and smaller shrines which create spatial rhythm on the street and suggest movement. The courts on the other hand suggest pause, and hence ritual movement in tunk is geometricized in axial and circumambulation pattern. Thus, the path creates an organic rhythm which is characterised by movement and pause.
[Landmark] Shantinath temple
Neminath temple
Changing rooms
Window of virtue and sin
[Goal]
[Path] Sagal pol [Gate]
Hathi pol
Waghan pol
100 pillars temple
Dynamic character of the ritual path leading to the goal, suggesting multiple perspectives and pause spaces
Veer vikram tree
Development of axial path follows the nature of the ridge, which suggests slight shift in the direction of ritual path from the E-W cardinal axis
Ratan pol
Florists
Orientation of temples along the ritual path on the southern ridge
Adishvara temple [Goal] Sagal pol [Beginning] Axial ritual path
Landmarks
Ratan pol [Gate]
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
Scene 1 STUDENT PRODUCED BY AN VERSION PRODUCED BYAN AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION PRODUCED BY AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION Scene 2
Plinths in Heirarchy
Silhouette
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
Horizontals
PRODUCED BY ANAUTODESK AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION PRODUCED BY AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION PRODUCED BY AN STUDENT VERSION PRODUCED BY AN AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
01/Wayfinding
PRODUCED PRODUCEDBY BYAN ANAUTODESK AUTODESKSTUDENT STUDENTVERSION VERSION PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION PRODUCED PRODUCEDBY BYAN ANAUTODESK AUTODESKSTUDENT STUDENTVERSION VERSION PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
PRODUCEDBY BYAN ANAUTODESK AUTODESKSTUDENT STUDENTVERSION VERSION PRODUCED PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
SceneBY 4 AN Scene 3 PRODUCED AN STUDENT VERSION PRODUCED BY ANBY AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION PRODUCED AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
PRODUCED PRODUCEDBY BYAN ANAUTODESK AUTODESKSTUDENT STUDENTVERSION VERSION PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION PRODUCED BY AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION PRODUCED AN STUDENT VERSION PRODUCED BY AN ANBY AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
Parameters guiding visually to the final destination The perception of space through visuals is largely based on the relationship with the scale of the built form. Various parameters like repititive elements, perspectives, horizontals, etc. contribute to guide visually to reach the final destination. Within the temple complex, way-finding is directly related to the organisational properties of the spatial environment. Pause spaces, steps leading upwards (horizontals), axial visibility, repetition of elements, silhouette, enclosure of the built space, etc. helps one orient and locate in the space. The visual experience is enhanced through the hierarchy of spaces, modulation of light and shadow, geometric and linked spaces and degree of penetration. PRODUCEDBY BYAN ANAUTODESK AUTODESKSTUDENT STUDENTVERSION VERSION PRODUCED PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
PRODUCED PRODUCEDBY BYAN ANAUTODESK AUTODESKSTUDENT STUDENTVERSION VERSION PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
Final year Research Thesis project
Inferences The case study demonstrates that the sacred centre at Shetrunjaya Giri has grown around various elements and shaped by various influences. Those influences are topography and notion of movement towards the center, while the elements are the built symbols scattered along the ritual path leading to the temple complex, the ambulatory (central spine), cluster of temples and the in-between linked spaces within the temple complex enclosure. In the context of temple complex at Shetrunjaya Giri, way-finding and visual orientation can be analysed at three levels: one from the foothills of the Tirtha, another while approaching the temple complex along the ritual path and last while being inside the temple complex approaching the final destination (centre).
From foothills
Approaching the Temple Complex
Within enclosure of the Temple Complex
B6
Topography and landscape: -the myths and beliefs associated with the landform -hill-locks surrounding the Shetrunjaya hill -holy river Shetrunji Temple Complex: -location of temple complex on summit of the hill -ritual path generated to reach the temple complex -built symbols scattered along the ritual path
Pause space: -maneuvering through built forms at certain intervals along the ritual path -intermediate pause spaces, way-side shrines, kunds, water reservoirs, etc. -pause spaces as reference points in space Ritual path: -main ritual path analogous to an ambulatory leading to the temple complex -movement of people and density of activities along the ritual path
Ambulatory: -generator of movement and pause -open spaces like courts formed along the path acting as gathering spaces -axial central spine, movement towards the highest point on the hill Organization of built mass: -interpenetration of in-between spaces and geometric built forms offering multiple perspectives -juxtaposition of plinths in hierarchy -open courts and gates for entering the holy precinct
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
Area of Impact
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
[Rukmavati bridge] [Assembly of Ships]
Area of Intervention
[Typical pol housing]
[River Rukmavati]
Mandvi regional landscape
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
[Existing Shipyard]
Existing ship building on the banks of river Rukmavati and surrounding urban fabric
02 Threshold between land and water
A port intervention for ship building in Mandvi, Gujarat
Design studio V : Institutions Fall 2016 - 5th year Site : Mandvi, Kutch district, Gujarat, India Instructor : Gurdev Singh Individual Academic work
Schematic section of proposed institute as an anchor point of the public relam
Trade, whether by land or by sea represents a society’s capability of producing and marketing surplus in return for a range of commodities, which in turn assumes a range of cultural meanings. It becomes generator for emergence of spaces which are also an experiential entity. The study into the water based trades and the mobility among the distant countries has enlightened the whole issue of the movement along the coastline, which has declined in the past decades. In the case of Mandavi, a port town located on the estuary of the river Rukmavati and the Gulf of Kutch, it’s 400 year old wood ship building industry plays an important role in the economy of the region. A disconnect is observed today between the city and the river which does not hold much importance. The river Rukmavati being a non-perennial one only fills up by the high tide in the sea, also lost its importance to the locals. One needs to draw the connections with the town and engaging all kinds of people with their work, trade, leisure and every detail that’s needed for it to be alive.
The project brief catered to study the nature of port as a significant agent of change to the urbanization, as a market place supporting constant movement on the trade route link and hence develop a institute as an extension to the traditional shipyards which would provide means to revive the age old craft. It would be such to which the boat building community along the creek can relate to and where these highly skilled boat builders can acquire knowledge about the advanced technologies. It would be a living museum where one can go back in time to experience the days when craftsmen and sailors used traditional skills to build and sail classic wooden boats. The institution (as an anchor point of the public realm) would be connected with the existing maritime activities. It would have 3 parts to it: ship building, display of the age-old craft and learning of Boat building techniques. All three of them put together create a Realm, which is at a different level of hierarchy, with the aim to enhance the city and water relationship.
02/Threshold between land and water Shipbuilding craft of Mandvi Shipbuilding craft in Mandvi is a unique relationship between traders, boat makers and fisherman, Traders invest, boat makers make and fishermen use. The building of ship starts after the craftsmen get an order, with the specification of the weight it is supposed to carry. After all the sourcing of wood is done and the site is decided, at first they put the backbone of the ship called ‘Pathan’. Curved framework known as ‘Vakia’s’ are made by joining and chiselling the logs of ‘baval’ wood and mounted on to ‘Pathan’. ‘Patia’s’ form the third layer or the outer skin of the boat and they are fixed onto the framework. One of the important process is of bending and twisting the ‘Patia’s’ to get the curve and right twist. To turn the wood craftsmen use anchors of ‘firma’s’, the wood is slowly heated from below and the ‘firma’s’ are twisted to turn and bend the wood. Finally to fill the gap between wooden members a sealant is used, which is made of cotton dipped in fish oil. When the water comes in towards the coast during a high tide,everyone gathers their full strength to move the boat, with pulleys and chains, into the water.
Material movement MOVEMENT OF MATERIAL EXISTINGshipyards SHIPYARDS Existing MAJOR INSTITUTIONS Major institutions
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
Design studio V : Institutions Wood processing flow
Delivery of wood on site
Raw material- wood logs
Wood storage area
Processing of wood
PRODUCED BY AN STUDENT VERSION PRODUCED BYAUTODESK AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
Inner frame work
Laying base- ‘Pathan’
Curved frame structure
Shaping logs for base
PRODUCED BY AN PRODUCED AUTODESK BYSTUDENT AN AUTODESK PRODUCED VERSION STUDENT BY AN AUTODESK VERSION STUDENT VERSION PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION Ship ready to sail
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
Last layer- bending ‘Patia’
Filling gaps- cotton dipped in fish oil
Initial diagram- Dependency on industries
Considering the scale of industries
Taking in consideration the nature of spaces, the sawmill requires parallel space to the shipyard
Adding the layer of program and assigning functions to each strip, the diagram changes
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK PRODUCED STUDENT BY AN PRODUCED AUTODESK VERSION BYSTUDENT AN AUTODESK VERSION STUDENT VERSION PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION PARKING PARKING
Students and Staff Residence Students and Staff Residence
Anchor walls are placed parallel to the shipyards maintaining the porosity and connectivity between the city and the river edge
Continuous public realm is provided on the upper most level offering multiple vantage points and visual connection to the shipyards
PRODUCED BY AN STUDENT VERSION PRODUCED BYAUTODESK AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
The module repeats, housing all the informal spaces on the ground floor which requires open space
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDE
AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
Timber industry
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
Shipbuilding industry
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
Metal industry
Fish industry
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
Major character defining the ship building process is it’s dependency on other industries as the wood industry, metal industry, fish industry. Moreover many different types of work and jobs are related to the ship building industry including carpenters, joiners, sailers, barrel makers, blacksmiths, etc. The initial diagram taken as the boat building industry dependent on various other industries and to recognize their application. Integration of crafts sector and industrialization are the key directions.
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
Diagramming the idea
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
Preparing for second base
02/Threshold between land and water
Proposed port intervention master plan
Design studio V : Institutions Organization strategy The institution would be connected to the existing maritime activities. The spaces are divided into an elevated public relam, intermediate institution and learning spaces, while the material movement and workshops at a lower level. Ground level workshops and public arrival : The ground spaces cater to port facility, workshop spaces, acknowledging the site’s industrial function as a vital memory of the age old craft and part gathering place not directly connected to the material movement bay. Learning institute, viewing corridors : All the learning spaces are taken on the intermediate level while teh students are connected to the workshop spaces indirectly. The extended viewing corridors generate multiple relations and vantage points. Upper public realm and living museum : The uppermost level houses exhibition of replicas of dhows and boats, extended viewing decks for visual connection with the ship building area. One can go back in time to experience the days when craftsmen used traditional skills to build classic wooden boats.
PROGRAMMING INFORMAL SPACES (Directly connected to the shipyards)
FORMAL SPACES (Indirectly connected to the workspace, temporary scaffolding)
PUBLIC REALM (Visually connected to the shipyards)
Sawmill
Lecture rooms
Living Museum
Wood workshop
Seminar room
Recreational spaces
Metal workshop
Research labs
History expert’s lab
Material testing lab
Naval Architects lab
Retail shop
Rope making
Informal gathering area
Viewing decks
Fish oil production
Library Intern’s studio
Expected benefit The project intends to benefit the building craft sector, locals, tourists and workers by providing job opportunities, showcasing the cultural arts and crafts, providing event spaces, etc. The intervention will continue working towards the future of traditional building craft, exhibit the age old traditional craft and also activate the river edge as a public space. Provide job opportunities
Storage and processing facility
Market place
Recreational spaces
Event space
Institution and workshop
Showcasing local arts and craft
Increase in tourism
Shipbuilding education and information
Living museum and restaurants
Section through the institution and shipbuilding area
02/Threshold between land and water
19
18
17
6m WIDE SERVICE ROAD
LIFT
11
LIFT
ENTRANCE FOYER
ENTRY
UP UP 21
OUTDOOR STORAGE OF LOGS
1.1
SPACE FOR TRADERS AND LOCAL VENDORS 1.3
PORTABLE SAWMILL
11 1.2
TRADITIONAL SAWMILL
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
1.4
BAND SAW
1.5
JIG FOR BENDING THE RIBS
2.1
TABLE SAW WITH ROUTER
DN
10m WIDE ROAD
2.2
2.3
20
MATERIAL MOVEMENT BAY
3.2
2.4
UP
METAL WORKING MILL
OPEN SPACE FOR SERVICES/STORAGE
DRILL PRESS
3.1
WELDER
ASSEMBLY TABLE
4
DN INSTRUCTOR'S DESK
16
11
UP
5
6
DUST COLLECTOR 7
SUPERVISION DESK
8
DN
9
ENTRY TO WORKSHOP AREAS ONLY FOR WORKERS
STUDENTS AND STAFF
10
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
UP
22
ENTRANCE FOYER
VISITORS ENTRY
MATERIAL MOVEMENT BAY LIFT
17
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
UP
LIFT
15
14
DN
WAITING AREA (LANDSCAPING) FOR VISITORS
13
2M WIDE PASSAGE
ENTERANCE FOYER
SERVICE DUCT LIFT WARDEN'S DESK
COMMON RECREATIONAL AREA
INFORMAL VISITORS AND STUDENTS RECREATION AREA
INDOOR GAMES
12
Movement plan
WORKSHOP AREAS FOR WORKERS SERVICE BAY SPACE FOR UNLOADING AND STORAGE OF LOGS FORMAL PUBLIC SPACE CONNECTORS SERVICE ROAD
VISITOR'S MOVEMENT UPPERMOST LEVEL) Visitor’s movement (at(ATuppermost level)
STUDENTS'S MOVEMENT AT FIRST FLOOR LEVEL) Student’s movement (at (first floor level)
MATERIAL MOVEMENT Material movement
RESIDENTIAL PARKING
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
VISITORS PARKING
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
INFORMAL STEPS/VISITORS AND STUDENTS RECREATION AREA
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
Design studio V : Institutions
PRODUCED PRODUCED BY ANBY AUTODESK AN AUTODESK STUDENT STUDENT VERSION VERSION
Wall section and details
FITSAN
FITSAN
EXHB
FITSAN
FITSAN
EXHB
WATER REPELLENT ANGLE PLATE BOLTED TO BEAM AND COLUMN METAL BEAM (MAIN STRUCTURE) 200 X 200MM
WEB STIFFENERS FOR RAISED FLOOR SERVICES INSULATION
METAL CASE HOLDING THE TIMBER FINS GYPSUM BOARD INTERIOR FINISH INSULATION CALCIUM SILICATE WEATHER BOARD
HORIZONTAL CHANNELS FOR FLASHING TO PREVENT WATER ALONG HORIZONTAL JOINTS WEATHER BOARD HOLDER STEEL WALL STUDD VERTICAL MEMBERS SUPPORTING THE TIMBER FINS METAL COLUMN SUB STRUCTURE I BEAM
CEILING BOARD GYPSUM BOARD INTERIOR FINISH CALCIUM SILICATE WEATHER BOARD INSULATION HORIZONTAL CHANNELS FOR FLASHING TO PREVENT WATER ALONG HORIZONTAL JOINTS WEATHER BOARD HOLDER STEEL WALL STUDD
260 X 40MM TIMBER HORIZONTAL FINS ROPE DIPPED IN FISH OIL FOR WATER PROOFING
METAL COLUMN BASE PLATE FLOORING SCREED SERVICES CONTINUOUS RUNNER CHANNEL FLOORING SELF LEVELING MORTAR
PLATE BOLTED TO CONCRETE FOUNDATION WALL INSULATION ANCHOR BOLTS VERTICAL REINFORCEMENT BARS REINFORCEMENT TIES CONCRETE PIER COLUMN
DRAINAGE MAT
FOOTING TOP REINFORCEMENT MESH
FOOTING DRAIN
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
Primary street Secondary street Tertiary street Thatheri bazaar Antagriha parikrama Pilgrim movement
Brief site analysis
Area of intervention and study in Varanasi- Thatheri bazaar
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
03 Sacred Approach
Reviving the path that leads to Kaal Bhairav temple in Varanasi, India Urban design studio IV Spring 2016 - 4th year Site : Thatheri bazaar, Varanasi, India Instructor : Abhay Panchasara and Sunita Dalvi Initial group documentation and individual academic work for design proposal Group documentation members : Jil Shah, Anshumi Kharidia, Vrunda Soni Role in group documentation : Preliminary research, site analysis, measure drawings and collage representation
HIGH SPEED BROAD BAND CYBER CAFE
The city of Banaras is manifestation of symbol of universe. Being the holiest city of Hinduism it has various pilgrimage mandalas each having its own importance. It is an overlap of various layers of traditions, myths, culture, beliefs, events, etc. The significance of the city lies in each sacred zone of the city and the traditions still alive in many possible ways. The studio inculcated a deep understanding regarding the sensitive character of the city. The study undertook a complete on-site documentation of an age old street market- the Thatheri Bazaar, which later translated into various urban proposals for the same. Site study raised the question of orientation and legibility near Kaal Bhairav temple, which used to be the spiritual center for the yogis and pilgrims in the parikrama. Yet today the temple located on the south of maidagin chowk is no longer a mandatory and an important stop for the pilgrims. Moreover there is lack of legibility and is not evidently oriented along the route from maidagin chowk to the present Kaal Bhairav temple. Small wayside shrines and tem-
ples along the route are not worshiped by the people. The shifting of center of the vertical axis or the shifting of focus leads in gradual depletion of mythological importance of the place and the parikrama associated to those focal points. Hence it becomes important to reconnect and establish a relation between the lingas, small shrines and temples along the street. The project focuses on orienting the people (from a macro to a micro level) towards various focal points in the city and reviving the importance of those focal points as well as the path leading to that reference points. Here the scale of thresholds crossed by the users follow a hierarchy of CITY—STREET—DESTINATION. Guiding the users from macro to micro level and reviving the importance of destinations gives a better understanding of the myths and heritage associated to the city. Reference points along the route and a system of orientation can be developed which gives the area a better imagery of the important cultural past which helps in increasing the socio-cultural values, eventually increasing the tourism economy of the city.
03/Sacred Approach
Field research On analysing Thatheri bazaar in terms of the intangible parameters, an issue recognized was that though images of the lord upon the temples, public buildings and wayside shrines are seen of the mythological importance, but are not focused upon the passers-by resulting in lack of legibility and imageability. While moving around kinetic energy in the narrow lanes of the city is experienced. The body of the pilgrims and the users is totally engaged in the immediate successive scenes. On the primary streets at various nodes and near important temples the engagement of people in pilgrim activities and rituals gives the sense of holiness and depicts the importance of culture and tradition in making the city. The movement of people at a particular time depends on the time, activities, and events taking place in the temples. The role of image making is not distinct as the goal or pause space is not perceived directly due to the meandering streets, slopes changing in all directions, lack of refrence points along the pilgrimage path and other intangible parameters like sound, light, smell and ritual activities.
Urban design studio IV
Parikrama route Brahmanaal
Omkareshwar khand yatra
The pilgrimage route as a notional path connects the interiors to the edge linking the sacred places along. The main temple of Kashi Vishwanath situates on the higher ground on the cardinal axis with Antagriha parikrama encircled around it.
Vehicular movement Time bound vehicular movement Pilgrimage route Pedestrian path Brahmanaal
The city’s urban block is predominantly divided into grid pattern abutted by vehicular street on the western side. The steep contours towards the eastern side of the river triggers sudden shift in the regular pattern of the block - thus offering an interesting arrival at the ghats at an experiential level.
Important nodes IMPORTANT NODES
N
0
50
100
200
The linearity dissolves once the path is shifted at every point adding new perspectives for the users. The unfolding of the street, distractions, non-alignment, the activities that span across the street and the institutions act as markers or nodes. The nodes act as termination point or pause in the movement path.
03/Sacred Approach Mind map of the observations
Area of concern
Pause spaces During site study and documentation, many temples, wayside shrines and wall murals with images of God were observed which served as pause spaces for the pilgrims and locals. Also many vacant spaces were observed along the street which were considered as opportunities for redevelopment of the street market. Folded street elevation of temple area marked with existing pause spaces
PRODUC
Urban design studio IV
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
SAVOUR THE OLD CITY, NORTH OF CHAUK A- RAMILA COSTUME SHOP B- METAL SHOPS C- SHERWALI KOTHI D-SNACKS AND RAJA RAM LASSI E-MALAIYU F-HOUSE OF BHARTENDU HARISHCHANDRA G-AGARSEN COLLEGE H-OLD MANSION I-OLD BUILDINGS J-ALAMGIRI MOSQUE K-PANCHGANGA GHAT L-BINDU MADHAV TEMPLE M-KAL BHAIRAV TEMPLE
PLACES OF WORSHIP
Major pause spaces and refrence points in and around Thatheri bazaar
DHARAMSHALAS INSTITUTIONS
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
SHIVA TEMPLES BHAIRAVAS MOSQUE WAYSIDE SHRINES AND ART DECO WALLS TEMPLES WITHIN HOUSE TEMPLES OF OTHER DIETIES DHARAMSHALAS
Worshiping places in bulk and area of intervention
TEMPLE AREA (AREA OF IMPACT)
N
0
20
40
80
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
03/Sacred Approach
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION Identifying visual axis in order to provide better vistas and multiple perspectives
Design proposal
Local business and ritual activities are encouraged within the complex, hence providing more job opportunities
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
Process plans
GATEWAYS
PUBLIC TOILETS
FOOTWEAR REMOVING AREA
LOCAL BUSINESS
TEMPLES
TEMPLE TRUST AND LEARNING CENTER
PATH PEDESTRIANISED
Pilgrims and visitors are oriented towrards the temple complex, eventually reviving the importance of Kaal Bhairav temple in the circumambulatory path
The proposed design caters to providing open areas- maidans near the temple area and hence, increases the importance of the traditions and culture associated to the history of the temple. Reuse of heritage infrastructure for night halts for the pilgrims ensures the conservation of those structures and helps increasing the economy of the local people as well. Open pockets of spaces in the vicinity of the temple area encourages the local business. Pilgrim maps providing information are provided at temples and important institutional buildings which helps orienting the pilgrims to the various destinations along the path reviving the importance of the in-between reference points too. PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VE Proposed activities and refrence points
N
0
Section through Kaal Bhairav temple and open space (chowk) in front proposed
7.5
15
30
Urban design studio IV
Proposed intervention master plan
Hampi - Medival imperial city
Images showing Virupaksha temple with its surrounding and typical landscape of the region
04 Reading city fabric
Mapping of Hampi town from macro to micro level Urban theory study Spring 2015 - 3rd year Site : Hampi, India Instructor : Sunita Dalvi Individual Academic work Krishna temple
Virupaksha temple
View from Matanga hill
Virupaksha bazaar
‘Part to whole & Whole to Part’ approach has been adopted to understand the ‘layers in application’ which define the urban pattern of cities/ towns as well as their urban form and space at micro level. These components of applicability and their varying measures probably illustrate a process of diverse city forms/ patterns in making. The understanding of such layers & their impact on city’s growth pattern helps in addressing such parameters in totality at later stage as well as in relation with each other at macro level. The program brief caters to understanding the components of applicability in the evolution of cities/towns such as location, world view, historical events, economical-political-cultural-social conditions, institutional structure, urban linkages and morphology. It also caters to understand
Anjanadri hill Tungabhadra river
Achyutapura bazaar civilization - as phenomena & nature of its construct through various case studies. In the context of Hampi-an imperial city from 14th to 16th century, isolated hills along the southern bank of the river Tungabhadra divides the city into 3 major cores as sacred core,urban core and royal center. The presence of Tungabhadra river, nearby ridges and isolated hills play primary role in spatial and symbolic organisation of the city. Virupaksha temple on Hemakuta hill, which lies in the sacred zone is the most important and chief place of worship at Hampi. There are other shrines on Hemakuta hill which overlooks the Manmatha tank to the north. The temple complex aligned along an east-west axis gives a strong connection to other shrines along northsouth axis and is the highest point on the hilll.
04/Reading city fabric
Urban theory study
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
05 Diagramming an idea
Design theory studies : Exploring thought process of Diagramming Spring 2014 - 2nd year Site : Clock tower park, Vadodara, India Instructor : Gurdev Singh Individual Academic work
movement of student around guru (nodes)
shifting the nodal points in space
connecting the nodal points visually and physically
The project briefed designing a school of indian classical music adapting the thought process of diagramming in Vadodara, Gujarat. The studio laid emphasis on understanding diagram as an abstract means of thinking about organisation, which is triggered and set into motion. Diagrams are means to introduce new concepts and are suggestive to the questions arroused by the project. The diagram may be a 3D image, a flow chart, an icon, a sign, a painting, a philosophy etc. which necessarily does not represent the form of the building, but rather puts forward the organisational issues ,movement, spatial experience or the connection between the surroundings.
Initial diagram was chosen suggestive of the relationship between a guru (teacher) and a student in the process of learning. Since the origin of Indian classical music, it was handed down orally from the guru (teacher) to the shishya (student). Amalgamation of raag and taal makes music ,likewise the different functional spaces intertwines with each other creates a flow.The school serves the purpose of multifunctional space where one feels free to learn, practice, gain knowledge and develop personality. The diagram keeps on evolving as different layers of function, circulation, space organisation, volume, material etc. is added.
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
School of Indian classical music in Vadodara, Gujarat
“The diagrammatic machine does not function to represent something real, but rather constructs a real that is yet to come, a new type of reality.” - Gilles Deleuze and Felix Gualtari
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
A GOVT. OF GUJARAT ORGANISATION SIROs RECOGNIZED DSIR. GOVT. OF INDIA
SCIENCE COLLEGE COMPOUND, BEHIND BIOCHEMISTRY DEPT.
HP FOREST DEPT GUJARAT.
FACULTY OF COMMERCE MAHARAJA SAYAJIRAO UNIVERSITY, BARODA
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDE
GUJARAT INDUSTRIAL & DEVELOPMENT AGENCY STAND
06 Line as a language
Travel sketches and measure drawings Sketching as a medium to understand the space
Travelling across the country during the course of study and even after gave me the opportunity to explore the medium of sketching in order to understand typologies, urban fabric of the place and culture associated to the place. These sketches are an interactive frame defining blur boundaries open to interpretation. Such interactive frames enhance the play of light, shadow, texture, positive-negative and different levels of depth. I believe in the creative process of exploring different typologies, mediums of representation, learning about different people, making art through storytelling and sketching different urbanscapes to learn, evolve and improves.
Chrysler in view from Gramercy park
Manhattan bridge from Dumbo, Brooklyn
Colosseum, Rome
Brunelleschi’s dome, Florence
06/Line as a language Related study program drawings Upon participating in architectural study tours to Bundi in Rajasthan, Maheshwar in Madhya Pradesh, Bhutan and Varanasi, I realized the importance of on-site observation and documentation to design in harmony with the local environment. Measure drawings done on site and documentation were used to produce critical investigation about space, form and users of the space.
Section of a typical house in Paro, Bhutan
Elevation of a typical house in Haa town, Bhutan
Travel sketches and measure drawings
Section of a courtyard house in Thatheri bazaar, Varanasi
Epilogue Altogether, the people i have met in the process of learning and experiences sought, have shaped my thought process and how i perceive the relations between people and place. Furthermore, I aspire to develop a capacity to look comprehensively into the practice of urban design, explore systems to enhance qualitative interaction between people and place, foster innovative thinking and contribute in making resilient cities. Hence, this aspiration to positively impact communities by making them more livable, sustainable and balanced, affirms my interest in further study.
Jil Shah
jil29594@gmail.com Tel : +1 (630) 398-2876 Address : 1 Shore Lane, Apt 2301, Jersey city, NJ-07310