FABRIC DENSITY
The densest parts of Kochi are situated in 3 main areas, highlighting the different stages of development the city has gone through:
- The first stage is visible in the densest parts of Fort Cochin and Mattancherry (shown in samples B and C).
OF DEVELOPMENT
- The expansion on mainland is visible through the new city centre, especially Ernakulam Market (sample E).
right side shows the building density of Kochi building’s footprint. This method allows for analysis of the maps on the previous two layer of temporality, as due to technological over time larger buildings footprints became Therefore, this map highlights the most recent especially towards East, where the city is analysed separately show the building with a footprint (red outline). This allows to create a differentiation which appear dense due to their fine grids, and appear dense due to their large building footprints. as the ones found in Ernakulam Market, Maradu are more desirable, as they tend to permeability and a more human scale, having great becoming walkable areas.
a high large deposwith a determined by developjuxtaposition, the arand local Fig.4b.68.) congestion, the rich activity con(seen in
e most buildings distance leads to a
- The expansion following 1990 is visible in the dense eastern extremities.
While a high density in the city centre is desirable in most cases, the expansion towards the East is especially problematic; the effects of this are further explored on page…
The urbanisation in Kochi has accelerated a process of casualisation of labour within secondary and tertiary sectors and failed to generate rapid growth of regular employment in modern, organised sectors. Kochi’s population is classified into labour force, migrants and not in labour force. The structure of the labour market in the city is characterised by the informal sector and casual labour, and this accounts for 80% of the total employment sector. More than one fifth of the unemployed population live in slums, where the rate of informal work is higher than in other urban areas. On a city level, 15% of poor and about 9% of non-poor households are not employed, where 45% of the population earns their livelihood as daily wage earners (Ramamoorthy 2021).The informal sector, despite being a huge contributor to India’s GDP, is often neglected when it comes to supportive policies especially in times of crisis (Waite 2001).
The urbanisation in Kochi has accelerated a process of casualisation of labour within secondary and tertiary sectors and failed to generate rapid growth of regular employment in modern, organised sectors. Kochi’s population is classified into labour force, migrants and not in labour force. The structure of the labour market in the city is characterised by the informal sector and casual labour, and this accounts for 80% of the total employment sector. More than one fifth of the unemployed population live in slums, where the rate of informal work is higher than in other urban areas. On a city level, 15% of poor and about 9% of non-poor households are not employed, where 45% of the population earns their livelihood as daily wage earners (Ramamoorthy 2021).The informal sector, despite being a huge contributor to India’s GDP, is often neglected when it comes to supportive policies especially in times of crisis (Waite 2001).
Ernakulam is particularly dense, showing a combination of fine grid and large institutional buildings. This is showing of the continuous development of Kochi’s city centre. While a high density is desireable, according to the compact city theory, such a combination can lead to congestion, in a similar way as Mattancherry, with the notable difference that Ernakulam has a good global integration value (Fig.4b.68.)
The urbanisation in Kochi has accelerated a process of casualisation of labour within secondary and tertiary sectors and failed to generate rapid growth of regular employment in modern, organised sectors. Kochi’s population is classified into labour force, migrants and not in labour force. The structure of the labour market in the city is characterised by the informal sector and casual labour, and this accounts for 80% of the total employment sector. More than one fifth of the unemployed population live in slums, where the rate of informal work is higher than in other urban areas. On a city level, 15% of poor and about 9% of non-poor households are not employed, where 45% of the population earns their livelihood as daily wage earners (Ramamoorthy 2021).The informal sector, despite being a huge contributor to India’s GDP, is often neglected when it comes to supportive policies especially in times of crisis (Waite 2001).
IMPACT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC
IMPACT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC
The COVID-19 pandemic has inflicted a shock to the economy and severe stress on state finances, with Kerala’s economy suffering a Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) loss of ₹1,56,041 crore between 2020-21. This has resulted in an increasing incidence of poverty among the most vulnerable communities, particularly the ones dependent on informal employment. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the opportunities for informal workers has been severely affected due to the ‘social distancing’ policy and the several local and national lockdowns imposed. These measures implied minimising contact with the outside world, making it impossible for some population groups to earn their wages and survive (Ramamoorthy 2021).
The COVID-19 pandemic has inflicted a shock to the economy and severe stress on state finances, with Kerala’s economy suffering a Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) loss of ₹1,56,041 crore between 2020-21. This has resulted in an increasing incidence of poverty among the most vulnerable communities, particularly the ones dependent on informal employment. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the opportunities for informal workers has been severely affected due to the ‘social distancing’ policy and the several local and national lockdowns imposed. These measures implied minimising contact with the outside world, making it impossible for some population groups to earn their wages and survive (Ramamoorthy 2021).
The Arakkakadavu area is another example of a considerable number of large footprint being present alongside smaller, denser areas. It is different from Ernakulam and Mattancherry through its residential character, being mainly composed of apartment blocks and residential developments. The contrast between the number of large building East and West NH66 is striking, and it strengthens the
A. Vypin
B. Fort Kochi
C. Mattancherry
D. Vallarpadam
E. Ernakulam market
G. Kaloor
H. Netoor
I. Veli
Several sectors have been greatly impacted by the new measures - namely the street vendors. Markets being shut down meant no income, so they became ‘mobile vendors’; moving around constantly to try and evade the police in order to find a market or clients despite increasing their exposure to the pandemic. Auto-rickshaw drivers have also seen a massive drop in demand. Daily wage labourers could not find work. Those in the hospitality business have seen a drastic drop in demand, as well as catering services. Wholesale markets have shut down across states affecting multiple trades and vendors throughout the supply chain. Agriculture workers were forced to sell their wares at low prices to the limited local market. Day labourers have been forced to return to their places of origin (Ramamoorthy 2021).
F. Kadavanthra Papampilly nagar
Several sectors have been greatly impacted by the new measures - namely the street vendors. Markets being shut down meant no income, so they became ‘mobile vendors’; moving around constantly to try and evade the police in order to find a market or clients despite increasing their exposure to the pandemic. Auto-rickshaw drivers have also seen a massive drop in demand. Daily wage labourers could not find work. Those in the hospitality business have seen a drastic drop in demand, as well as catering services. Wholesale markets have shut down across states affecting multiple trades and vendors throughout the supply chain. Agriculture workers were forced to sell their wares at low prices to the limited local market. Day labourers have been forced to return to their places of origin (Ramamoorthy 2021).
INFORMAL ECONOMY
IMPACT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC
The COVID-19 pandemic has inflicted a shock to the economy and severe stress on state finances, with Kerala’s economy suffering a Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) loss of ₹1,56,041 crore between 2020-21. This has resulted in an increasing incidence of poverty among the most vulnerable communities, particularly the ones dependent on informal employment. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the opportunities for informal workers has been severely affected due to the ‘social distancing’ policy and the several local and national lockdowns imposed. These measures implied minimising contact with the outside world, making it impossible for some population groups to earn their wages and survive (Ramamoorthy 2021).
A. Vypin
B. Fort Kochi
C. Mattancherry
D. Vallarpadam
E. Ernakulam market
Several sectors have been greatly impacted by the new measures - namely the street vendors. Markets being shut down meant no income, so they became ‘mobile vendors’; moving around constantly to try and evade the police in order to find a market or clients despite increasing their exposure to the pandemic. Auto-rickshaw drivers have also seen a massive drop in demand. Daily wage labourers could not find work. Those in the hospitality business have seen a drastic drop in demand, as well as catering services. Wholesale markets have shut down across states affecting multiple trades and vendors throughout the supply chain. Agriculture workers were forced to sell their wares at low prices to the limited local market. Day labourers have been forced to return to their places of origin (Ramamoorthy 2021).
F. Kadavanthra Papampilly nagar
G. Kaloor
H. Netoor
I. Veli
A. Mattancherry
B. Willingdon Island
C. Ernakulam
D. Arakkakadavu
E. Maradu
Fig.4b.X. Ernakulam
Arakkakadavu
Fig.4a.12. Geographical distribution of economic sectors in Kochi.
Fig.4a.10. Trade in Ernakulam Market.
Fig.4a.11. Migrant workers at the evening pop-up market, Perumbavoor.
Fig.4a.9. Economic sectors in percentages (Based on Ramamoorthy 2021).
Formal and Informal Economy in Kochi
Fig.4a.12. Geographical distribution of economic sectors in Kochi.
Fig.4a.10. Trade in Ernakulam Market.
Fig.4a.11. Migrant workers at the evening pop-up market, Perumbavoor.
Fig.4a.9. Economic sectors in percentages (Based on Ramamoorthy 2021).
Formal and Informal Economy in Kochi
Concentrations
Fig.4a.12. Geographical distribution of
Fig.4a.10. Trade in Ernakulam Market.
Fig.4a.11. Migrant workers at the evening pop-up market, Perumbavoor.
Fig.4a.9. Economic sectors in percentages (Based on Ramamoorthy 2021).
Formal and Informal Economy in Kochi
Fig.4b.7. Vypin
Fig.4b.6. Netoor
Fig.4b.3. Fort Kochi
Fig.4b.8. Mattancherry
Fig.4b.11. Veli - Wellington Island
Fig.4b.10. Kaloor
Fig.4b.5. Kadavanthra / Papampilly Nagar
Fig.4b.9. Ernakulam Market
Fig.4b.4. Vallarpadam
Fig.4a.12.
Rainwater Collection
Keep water out Keeping water out is important to protect the structural integrity of the building and in maintenance.
1. Tight seals on connections for steel frame.
2. Roof overhang to protect walls from heavy rainwater erosion overtime.
3. A system for diverting excess rainfall in the monsoon season to prevent water damage to the building and site. Water strategy
Structural undulating walls provide interior and exterior spaces for rest and reduce material volume
1. Floor structure Half facing brick tiles 10 mm screed
In-situ concrete Barrel split tiles (13.5 mm thickness) Steel I beam 127 mm
2. Wall construction Brick rattrap with flemish (brick 230 x 110 x 75 mm)
3. Ground floor construction 21 mm half brick flooring
In-situ reinforced concrete
4. Roof Construction
1 Floor structure
In-situ concrete over ceramic tiles (785mm w), 36 mm thick 21mm half brick facing 10mm screed
2. Wall structure x 110, 75 mm)
3. Floor construction, 21mm
4. 210 mm reinforced concrete Waterproof membrane 100mm Gravel
5.
construction diagram of the workshop and training building Ventilation and Lighting Solution - This system is engineered for durability, employing low-tech methods for its opening mechanism and utilizing the building’s fabric to channel light and ventilation into the space.
Axonometric
A. Strategic windows for ambient lighting
B. Jali walls for filtered lighting
C. Operable Ventilation windows
Jali Wall Explorations
the land and people - project concept images
Replenish - Hydrotherapy Centre
Embedded into the landscape, the centre’s holistic approach works to replenish both people & land through hydrotherapy, peat-land restoration and bio-filtration. This improves the quality of potable water for Powys residents whilst replenishing groundwater aquifers. The centre is spread across four levels, thoughtfully designed to take advantage of the site’s steep topography. The buildings feature a segmented, stepped form that follows the contours of the landscape, promoting harmonious integration with the environment. This design encourages visitors to engage closely with the surrounding natural landscape, enhancing their overall experience.
Hydrotherapy hall - levels are embedded into the hillside, for an immersive experience in the Elan Valley
Elan Valley, Wales, UK
Bachelor Thesis, 2020
Replenishing
Elan Valley Rhayader
Section Through All Levels Top: Views across the Elan Valley (pen and watercolour). Bottom: Section through all levels
10.
11.
13. Ducts 570x490mm
12. Light fixture
14. Plinth; 22mm Sitka Spruce, water proofing; 40 screed; 40mm insulation; D300 woodcrete blocks.
1. Roof construction: Soil membrane 250mm, Filter mat; 50mm drainage layer; root resistant membrane layer; waterproofing layer; 80mm rigid insulation; vapour retarding layer; 250mm hollow core pre-cast concrete slabs, steel structure system with hanging rods, 35mm composite timber acoustic panels.
2. Galvanised steel structure; 80mm rigid insulation; waterproofing.
4. Metal grating; drainage gravel ;permeable edge flashing; insulated outlet; proprietary outlet; geo-textile membrane.
5. 30mm Slate stone cladding; 40/50 metal installation clip; fixing rail structure; substructure attached through 12mm rivets; 80mm insulation; waterproofing membrane; support concrete structure.
6. 30mm double glazing;18mm cavity.
7. PVC strip curtain wall 2mm
3. Skylight- Hollow light transmitting polycarbonate dome, hydraulic; 50mm rigid insulation; Galvanised steel structure; steel plate 6mm.
8. 25mm tiles; 50mm screed; waterproofing;100mm pipe; 40mm excess on either side water collection; 15mm groove
9. D300 woodcrete composite with 100mm
Insulation
Plant room
22mm slate flooring slabs; 110mm metal grating; 44mm pipe; screed, 45mm rigid insulation; concrete floor depth varies; 50mm composite acoustics panels.
KOMA School Toilets & Treatment Facility
External Work, 2021 - In construction phase
As part of a broader initiative to enhance access to education alongside the KOMA school, the toilets and sanitation strategy is vital for the community’s long-term development. The sanitation strategy aims to establish a self-sustaining system that incorporates composting, permaculture, and rainwater harvesting. This approach not only processes waste but also generates usable by-products and collects water, offering a sustainable, low-tech solution to the village’s sanitation needs.
Koma Hills, Tuli, Nigeria
Low tech koma school WC building
Community permaculture and sanitation scheme
Front elevation
Right wall detail section
Left: Section through the water collection block. Right: Axonometric Construction Diagram
In The Round
Dalston Gillet Square, London
STORE Summer School, 2015
A design and construction of an open-air stage, bespoke to the script, performer’s requirements and the complex dynamics of the square. The encircled stage enables an interactive and complex relationship between the performer and the viewer. Two weeks of construction were carried out in full view of the public, allowing continual testing of the space and its components.
Cultivating The Communal
Story Garden, London
STORE Summer School, 2019
Working with Global Generation’s Story Garden and in consultation with local community groups, the project developed a flexible set of architectural interventions for the community garden. Each intervention serves a distinct function, including planting, rainwater harvesting, shelter, and seating. Together, these elements created the infrastructure for a communal feast, fostering a sense of community and enhancing the garden’s usability.
Construction and performance day photographs
Opening day
Plastering hybrid sand and fabric structures
Hybrid structures for the community built using sand, fibres, fabric and plaster
