Regenerative design

HERITAGE ECOLOGY SOCIAL

REGENERATIVE ARCHITECTURE Word Count : 6100 words

Tushar Mittal ( A0134554 H ) ISD-5103 Green Buildings in Tropics M.Sc- Integrated Sustainable Design National University of Singapore, 2015

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Tushar Mittal ISD 5103, National University of Singapore -2015

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Abstract There’s a new world view which says the world is more creative and dynamic as it was earlier thought to be so. There’s a shift in thinking which Charles Jencks argues, has changed from a traditional religious perspective to a more Cosmo genic orientation where mind and culture are not accidentally evolving in the self-organising world but are there coz of its creativity. This thought is very well linked in the field of architecture design, where this constant push of creativity and thinking has produced marvels in different era.

Architecture world or the Built world as we call it, supports the needs of human being and is vital part of urban eco-system; the need of such huge infrastructure needs to be regenerative and net positive like the living beings it supports. The three are chosen in three different categories – heritage, ecology and social regeneration where different capitals in each case study is discussed based on my understanding from the project details available online and from the first hand resources.

The understanding of the different capitals is seen from the perspective of the site context and time-frame when the project was built. A design philosophy is written for each of the three project case study based on the capitals each project serves. In the conclusion, an understanding of the regenerative, net positive architecture is explained based on literature studies and the three case studies.

Since, all project case studies are located overseas, the studies on projects was limited to literature, online research and information gathered by first hand sources.

The learnings about regenerative and net positive design is that each of the project delivers more than it was expected in the design brief and becomes an indispensable part of the ecosystem.

Tushar Mittal ISD 5103, National University of Singapore -2015

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Tushar Mittal ISD 5103, National University of Singapore -2015

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Approach The approach of regeneration worked a point ahead than sustainable systems, as the sustainable system, cannot return what is lost in time, but a regenerative approach helps in revitalizing those systems back into existence. This process is usually slow and takes times but the delivery is impactful in creating happiness and better health for humans.

It is primarily for the site selection for the module that many diverse projects were studied in terms of their regenerative approach and these projects were studied in different scales, fields and context. The projects in the built industry or architecture industry ranges from sustainability concepts done for celebrating idea to certain projects getting certain green mark ratings was the objective when the project was read from green, sustainable and regenerative approach. This in a way was cover-up for talking about the net positive position that each infrastructure should take. Though many of the projects were good case studies for functional, aesthetically pleasing architecture buildings which in some way, trying to make less harm to environment by taking a more sensitive approach towards the surroundings but often ended up solving the problems of the buildings or working around the exact site.

The argument about architecture for social good is something heard in architecture school, about the responsibility of the profession towards society but that role is at times limited to the individual plot line or the system boundary of the exact site. But why Architecture should be much more than just being functional and visually appealing built form is explained in Helena L. Jubany words, “it is the belief in architecture as a profession that architects are believed to be social catalyst, where a more liveable can be made with the right interventions while designing a new building.”

The projects chosen are from built/unbuilt form, ranging in scale and their time of completion, this was interesting to see as many throw the argument that sustainability is a very new field but the reality is that it’s the values in each project that matters more and there are projects performing better and placed more responsibly in the system without any green mark rating or any obligation. The reason on why they were planned with broad intentions of giving more to the society was a call taken right at the drawing board of the designer where a system based thinking was at work.

The seven capitals for which each of the project is analysed and the findings presented for the conclusion are Natural Capital, Human Capital, Built Capital, Social Capital, Political Capital, Financial Capital and Symbolic Capital.

Heritage regeneration The approach towards cultural heritage is very different in different areas, the same is used as a tool for urban renaissance whereas it’s considered a thing of past in many Asian developing countries, it’s considered a burden and something that should be changed with the modern times. A way to evolve or makes it relevance as per current trend is never imagined and worked out.

Erica Av rami explains “In the field of cultural heritage conservation, values are critical to deciding what to conserve — what material goods will represent us and our past to future generations as well as to determining how to conserve?” .In wordings of a scholar, working in Asia, Yanwei Han “Heritage-led regeneration attempts to marry “conservation” and “development” during times of rapid urbanisation”.

Tushar Mittal ISD 5103, National University of Singapore -2015

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Ecology regeneration Ecosystems can also regenerate with the right habitat, like other single micro-organisms which are capable of regeneration. In Asia, where the rapid urbanisation has destroyed many green habitats and polluted river for the industrialization, there’s a way out to replenish what’s lost. It requires sincere efforts and a integrated system level thinking where each part is given due importance, be it built mass, trees, humans and even microorganisms.

It’s the foundation of system ecology where the output is greater than the input in the process, to be called as net positive system.

Social regeneration Social regeneration in architecture field, is generally understood as the helping the disadvantaged and the poor society by giving them houses and places to work and such projects are called Social regeneration project. The other aspect of social spaces are the parks, monuments, public places and in Indian context, the famous Baazars. But with Indian cities growing and being densely populated, the spaces for social gathering are getting limited and there’s constant need of regenerating urban policies with a soft side, or being more focussed to the needs of the community.

As one of the scholars puts it “Developing strong community is a core concern of soft regeneration policies. Social regeneration is often referred to as people-focused as it focuses on the quality of life of residents and addresses problems at the individual and household level. It can work in tandem with physical regeneration, as part of an overall programme, or separately through the work of area-based initiatives.”

The reason for choosing projects from different spectrum is that it’s these three components heritage, ecology and social wellbeing that’s important for the development of the humanity and to continue the efforts in making the world a more better place to live in.

Tushar Mittal ISD 5103, National University of Singapore -2015

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HERITAGE REGENERATION Nagaur Fort conservation projects, Nagaur, Rajasthan

“A people’s relationship to their heritage is the same as the relationship of a child to its mother.”

- John Henrik Clarke

Tushar Mittal ISD 5103, National University of Singapore -2015

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NAGAUR FORT CONSERVATION PROJECTS, NAGAUR, RAJASTHAN Typology : Conservation, Restoration & Adaptive reuse Location : Nagaur, Rajasthan Client : Mehrangarh Museum Trust, Jodhpur Conservation Architect : Meenakshi Jain Design Team : Kulbhushan Jain, architect planner Sunil Prajapati, draftsman Jitendra Sharma, Poonam Jolly, junior architects Landscape Architect : School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi: Priyaleen Singh, Pradip Krishen Site Area : 145,686.0 sqm Ground Floor : 22,161 sqm Total Built up Area : 25,110 sqm Date of Design : Phase 1 – Jan 1993 – April 1994 Phase 2 – Oct 1998 – April 2002 Phase 3 – Feb 2004 – February 2007 Phase 4 – Feb 2005 – November 2008 Project Estimate : US $ 1,968,671

Project selection “Heritage has been absent from the mainstream sustainable development debate despite its crucial importance to societies and the wide acknowledgment of its great potential to contribute to social, economic and environmental goals. World Heritage may provide a platform to develop and test new approaches that demonstrate the relevance of heritage for sustainable development, with a view to its integration in the UN post-2015 development agenda.”

Statement at World Heritage Convention, UNESCO For India, which has huge treasures in terms of its magnificent cultural heritage is a national asset. This asset has made an important contribution in supporting economic activities for the people at regional and national level. In terms of sustainability, the value of land is huge and the upkeep of such infrastructure a project in itself but adaptive reuse is the way forward to keep the relevance intact and make best use of built heritage.

Nagaur Fort conservation projects, Nagaur is chosen in this segment of sustainability as its one of the project that lays down the guidelines for sustainable practise of using old palaces, forts and built heritage. Adaptive use of heritage properties is usually seen as economic exploitation with converting them into hotels and given to hospitality industry which makes changes in the form and structure to suit the purpose and functionality, the term sustaining the feel of the project is rarely seen in any such project. Through, the case study of this conservation project, an important discussion on net positive and regenerative architecture in the field of heritage sustainability is analysed. In words of Nobel prize winner and former chancellor of Nalanda University, Prof Amartya Sen “ the capability of individuals to live and to be what they choose, is a fundamental component of human development and ability to access, enjoy and care one’s heritage is essential part of this”.

Tushar Mittal ISD 5103, National University of Singapore -2015

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Abha mahal after restoration Picture credits - Minakshi Jain/ AKAA

Design Philosophy For conservation projects, it’s the traces of historic footprints that design teams need to find to make sure that the project is conceived in a way that’s more true to its original form rather than making it look beautiful or visually appealing. The art of conservation is much more exasperating as there are not much documentation on the project, difficult to find the right material and right people to work on it. The philosophy is simple, to be true, original and ethical in all ways of design.

When, the same question was asked to the Principal Conservation Architect Minakshi Jain, she responded “The 35-acre complex with its numerous palace buildings, pavilions, pools, fountains and water systems is situated in the hot and arid region of Rajasthan India.

Water was always a scarcity and a major challenge; yet it was tapped and dramatized throughout the complex in unique ways. The conservation project included a detailed documentation and restoration of water and hydraulic systems.

Begun in the 12th century on the remains of a fourth-century mud outpost and standing at the crossroads of developing trade routes, the fort was expanded by successive rulers until the mid-18th century. Today, after a dramatic transformation, it is a 35-acre complex with four main palaces and over 50 smaller buildings, surrounded by two fortification walls and—despite the arid climate—by extensive gardens, fountains, pools, and water systems. I think that conservation efforts allow the chance to bring back what was lost to the people and that is definitely an achievement.”

Tushar Mittal ISD 5103, National University of Singapore -2015

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Capitals in the project In terms of capital identified, Financial Capital -economics, employment - the town has seen a upsurge of tourism after the conservation, also not just the town but by being important landmark in the big circuit of other monuments as well ( Jain Glass temple, Tarken Dargah, Saanji ka tanka ) Human Capital - productivity, livelihood, happiness, awareness, skills+ captivity- as the projects helps in reviving the technique and quite comfortably presenting a model for other conservation projects.

Social Capital - networks, bonds, community spaces, collaborations- as its the new research center for Leon Levy foundation, Sufi festivals apart from serving the local community.

Built Capital - regenerative, resilient, adaptable - the adaptive reuse of large infrastructure, revitalizing the heritage and restoring the hydrological systems.

Financial Capital The project what started as a passion for conservation by the Mehrangarh museum trust, Jodhpur needed huge capital investment for the work. The first proposal report was sent to Getty and the project was sanctioned. But, in terms of financial capital, the project has proved to be really beneficial for the development of the small town and even the overall tourist circuit in the area that includes many other tourist destinations.

Tushar Mittal ISD 5103, National University of Singapore -2015

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In terms of the expenses on the restoration project of this scale and the scope of works, the construction cost of the project also sets new landmarks with the use of resources within the given budget. The cost of project per square meter is INR 588 or USD 13.51, which is comparatively very low for projects with such magnitude.

The materials were found in the nearby region with less transportation costs, the labours, artisans and workforce were mainly local who were imparted skills and taught about the project on site. All this combined factors helped in keep the project cost competitive.

The city of Nagaur now caters to annual Sufi festival drawing huge regional and international tourists and with revival of fort, palace and Ranvas the number is growing day by day. The youth of town is able to find a new potential career opportunities in tourism sector, architectural conservation, and hospitality business apart from reviving the local business related to tourists activities.

Though, there are no official figures, in terms of no. of visitors but the testimony that now local leaders talk about the tourism development and after the conservation works, the Nagaur fort is now enlisted in many tourists’ websites around the world for its shear magnificence and as a gateway to the seventeenth century.

Built Capital

A travel website calls Nagaur Fort as the majestic place, unknown to visitors.

The fort of Nagaur is very interesting case study for the term adaptive reuse as the usage of the fort has changed with varying time periods and the review on how usage for different programs or needs necessarily does not mean that the building was used in its right capacity. This former glory of many princely successors rulers, postindependence was given to Border security force due to the strategic location of Nagaur near bordering Pakistan, but it was the worst phase for the fort, as facades were resurfaced

with plaster, many rooms erected for usage and entire complex locked for the public.

Later was given to the district collector, where more damages were done to intrinsic paintings and carvings on the facades.

When the project was handed over to its present owner, Mehrangarh Museum Trust it was in year 1985, HH. Maharaja Gaj Singh II decided to take on the conservation programme for this 18 century built heritage.

Tushar Mittal ISD 5103, National University of Singapore -2015

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Today, after phases of restoration and conservation projects, the building is open for public to experience the era of late seventeen and eighteen century.

Another highlight of the project is the restoration of the complex water systems, which were part of the chain of water bodies and fountains used to cool the building and maintain the right temperature in hot, dry climate of this zone. The renovation of 90 such water systems has helped in regenerating the landscaping of the fort.

Aerial view of Ranvas before and after restoration.

Picture credits - Nicholas Korer, 2004

The Ranvas, the part of palace used for queen’s pavilions is now restored with its all water systems and with appropriate additions for providing an opportunity for the guests to stay within the architecture marvel. The buildings, interiors with paintings, detailing on façade, inner courtyards, and fountains are rehabilitated and made to integrate with the site. This component of the project helps in the economic sustainability of the project, but care has been taken to limit the usage only for a very limited portion of the palace being used for private use.

The project is one of the best case studies for conservation practises around the world and has been awarded the ‘Award of Excellence’ for the cultural heritage conservation in the year 2002.

Human Capital The project derived from a strong philosophy on its simplicity and an aim of investing in future generations has taken many programmes to prepare the artisans, professionals, students and labours in the art of conservation.

This method of providing training and skills to the local people involved in the project has made the progress of the project slow, but helped in investing in the human capital and remaining truthful to the originality instead of calling from labours from outside with previous background.

After successful conservation of phase wise projects, now Nagaur fort is an active aboratory for conservation studies in paintings with scholars, conservators part of the residence programme.

Tushar Mittal ISD 5103, National University of Singapore -2015

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Social Capital What was known as sleepy town, with dingy hotels and a huge dilapidated fort in the centre of the town was converted into a living heritage town with artists, painters, professionals and musicians flocking the town for the different functions and annual events.

World Sufi Festival, Nagaur Fort Picture credits - Minakshi Jain/AKAA

Nagaur fort, after the conservation project now holds annual World Sufi festival drawing crowd from around the world and it’s not just the activities involved with tourism that pays back to the small town, it’s the culture and art form that goes far beyond the boundaries of countries.

Picture from one of the lecture series Picture credits - http://conservation-studies-nagaur.org/

Ever since, the conservation project at Nagaur has begun in the late 90’s, the fort excelling in the conservation activities of monuments has generated eagerness for other enthusiasts from wall paintings conservation in the fort area. In 2013, one of the most reputed names in this field, The Courtauld institute and Leon Levy foundation has setup a well-equipped centre for the studies in conservation. This includes a specialised laboratory doing research in materials, microscopy and digital imaging of the old artefacts.

Tushar Mittal ISD 5103, National University of Singapore -2015

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Lighting of palace, Nagaur Fort Picture credits - Minakshi Jain/AKAA

After successful experience of many students and faculty who were part of these workshops and studio activities, they have this take – “I have never before felt so enthusiastic about anything in my life.”

“My experience at Nagaur has been life changing… the emphasis of thinking of conservation critically and the issues and ethics involved in conservation is also a very important lesson. I hope this program continues in the future as I think a lot of people will benefit from it … what the Leon Levy Foundation is doing is unique.”

“Money can buy material but it cannot buy the knowledge which people have attained in their life. This workshop is a clear example for this.”

“We all are very thankful… for conducting such a wonderful program which is, as far as I know, the first of its kind in India.”

The programme’s success has laid foundation for more such workshops and courses in the years ahead.

Ranvas, Nagaur Fort Picture credits - Ranvas brochure

Tushar Mittal ISD 5103, National University of Singapore -2015

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ECOLOGY REGENERATION Houtan Park, Shanghai, China

“All the beauty that’s been lost before wants to find us again” - Shantree Kacera

Tushar Mittal ISD 5103, National University of Singapore -2015

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HOUTAN PARK, SHANGHAI, CHINA Typology : Landscape, Urban Design, Restoration Location : Pudong, Shibo Avenue, Shanghai Client : Shanghai World Expo Land Development Co., Ltd. Name of Architecture Firm: Turenscape Principal Architect: Kongjian Yu, International ASLA Design Team : Shihong Lin, Wei Hong, TianyuanYuan, Hongqian Yu, Yuan Fang, Yuanyuan Jin, Xiang Long, Xiangbin Kong, Dongli Ren, Yuan Zhang, Haibo Tang, Weirong Jiang, Yu Qiu, Shaohui Bai, Meicai, He, Fan Yang, Junying Zhang, Yang Pan, Jing Zhang, Xiangjun Liu, Hongxia Ding, Jing Niu, Yuan Zhang, Shaohua Lin, Yanan Zang, Zongbo Shao, Dehua Liu, Fumin Yu, Rao Chen, Wei Zhang, Jiwei Chen, Xiangrong Wan Wetland Plant Scientists : Zhang Yinjiang, He Peiming, He Wenhui, Du Jiamu, Xie Wenbo, Luo Kun, Chen Lijin, Dong Yue, Zhang Nianjian, Huang Zhongwen, Shanghai University of Ocean University Site Area : 140000.0 sqm Date of Design : January ,2007-October ,2009 Completion Date : May 2010 Project Estimate : $15.7 million

Project selection There’s a very well accepted norm for sustainable development, bio-mimicry as it’s believed to be drawn or inspired directly from nature, it does less harm to the environment. The concept of creating ecosystems with biomimicry is important to create the oxygen giving ecological biospheres, and bringing humans close to better living.

Ecology is an important part and this case-study has helped in regeneration of a lost land, which is very important not just because of its strategic location in the commercial centre but because of its proximity to the natural river course. This piece of land is a former industrial site, which was later on used an industrial land fill site. The contamination of river with the harmful discharge form these former set-ups makes the site unusable for any purpose.

There’s saying in Hawaii culture, “Ua mau ka ea o’ka aina, i ka pono” that literally means “The life of the land is preserved in goodness”. This project works on this principle to deliver results by creating a public park and a regenerative landscape for the city.

Tushar Mittal ISD 5103, National University of Singapore -2015

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Wetlands at Houtan Park, Shanghai Picture credits - Turenscape

Design Philosophy The vision of converting a former brownfield industrial site used as land fill near the polluted river Huangpu in Shanghai was approached with a regenerative approach. The living landscape is part of public waterfront with constructed wetlands and reclaimed industrial structures and materials to make space for urban agriculture and social space for the city. The design strategy was moulded in a way that it treats the polluted river water while providing the public utilitarian space for public movement near the waterfront.

As per the designer of the project, the real challenge was the restoration of a degraded industrial environment with debris on surface and buried in the ground along a highly polluted river declared unfit for any recreational activity, devoid of aquatic life and causing floods on site. The project was made into a showcase of the ecological culture of the Shanghai expo. The site required many strategies and interventions at different levels. A regenerative wetland with terraces, water cascades oxygenating river water also forming part of landscape feature for the pedestrian network lay around the wetland park. It helped in improving the condition of river water from the lower grade v (unfit for any use) to level iii (fit for non-potable uses) and urban agriculture on site with focus on bringing community together The project keeps check on the flood up to a level of 6.7 meters, which is based on thousand years of flood event data. The public landscape garden also celebrates the industrial modernity of China, with Shanghai being birthplace of industrial revolution. The reclaimed metal structures from former industrial development are used as frames to capture the skyline with Shanghai’s tall buildings.

Tushar Mittal ISD 5103, National University of Singapore -2015

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Aerial view of project site @Houtan Park, Shanghai Picture credits - Turenscape

Capitals in the project -

In terms of capital identified, Natural Capital - biodiversity, carbon abatement - the regenerative approach of converting the landscape from brown to green.

Symbolic Capital - brand, identity, reputation - a brand in itself, today its presenting a model for other such projects.

Social Capital - networks, bonds, community spaces, collaborations- the community is part of the farming and scholars, professionals gathering here.

Financial Capital - savings, budget- the reuse of former infrastructure, cleaning the river water and reducing waste disposal Natural capital This wetland attracts wide variety of bio-diversity on site, from many different species of birds to butterflies creating a habitat for animals. In terms of numbers, the on- site studies have surfaced statistics as given below – The cleansing of 2400 cubic meters of water from lower grade V (unfit for human contact) to grade III which can be used for non-potable uses in the Expo area. This technique of water purification by natural process with public pedestrian networks helps in saving money in comparison to any conventional water treatment facility at work also providing ample breeding space for animals.

The site restoration from a land fill to an ecological zone with ninety three species of different plants and water features attracts around two hundred species of animals. The boardwalks on the wetlands are made of decomposable bamboo.

Tushar Mittal ISD 5103, National University of Singapore -2015

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Network path @Houtan Park, Shanghai Picture credits - Turenscape

Researchers have found out that the extensive perennial plantings and trees on site and wetlands help to sequester around 242 tons of carbon annually.

Symbolic capital The Houtan park wetland has been a success with eight patents and is also used as direct reference in other 20-30 ecological water purification projects that are using same technique as the Houtan Park making it an ideal case study for such projects. The state of art design and innovative approach of handling on-site waste material into a museum of Shanghai industrial past is now an important tourist destination for architects, landscape professionals, engineers and students from around the world.

The park’s terraced greens are inspired from the ancient Chinese practise of mix crops and many colourful perennials; this diverse mix of different plants ensures climate wise seasonal changes in the outlook of the park. Each season, the park wears a totally

Network path @Houtan Park, Shanghai Picture credits - Turenscape

different look with Green clover blooms in the winter season, golden blossoms in spring season, the yellow sunflower rules the summer and cultivation of rice fills the atmosphere with its fragrance during the fall symbolically representing the mix agriculture landscape culture of China.

Tushar Mittal ISD 5103, National University of Singapore -2015

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People enjoying at deck and network path@Houtan Park, Shanghai Picture credits - Turenscape

Social capital The park is a tourist hotspot with around 6 million visitors during the Shanghai expo and since then the footfall of educational institutions and design professionals; engineers have increased for educational and recreational purposes.

The park’s 3.25 miles long pedestrian network provides locals space for walks, multiple terrace levels – space for community farming and large landscaped docks for social functions and events.

Aerial view of project site @Houtan Park, Shanghai

The cultivation of rice and sunflower on the site has generated huge interests among the farming community, educational institutions and students. There are many walking tours for the educational purposes happening from time to time, making the park a living laboratory of such experiments in crops and agricultural produce.

Tushar Mittal ISD 5103, National University of Singapore -2015

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Use of former facilities @Houtan Park, Shanghai Picture credits - Turenscape

Financial capital

The project delivers on the front that many landscape projects are not even expected or was neither part of the design brief given to the designers, but delivery on financial terms helps in sustaining the project for its maintenance and upkeep. Though, the restoration of a river front for public use and social gathering is of more value for a dense city like Shanghai than the price.

The natural water purification via constructed wetland helps in saving around $116, 800 / year for the treatment of water from lower grade V to grade III which is used for nonpotable uses in the Expo area.

Network path @Houtan Park, Shanghai Picture credits - Turenscape Tushar Mittal ISD 5103, National University of Singapore -2015

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Before and after restoration@Houtan Park, Shanghai Picture credits - Kongjian Yu

The site was a former industrial site and a landfill site for industrial materials, the project used around 37 tons of steel and thirty four thousands of bricks found on the industrial landfill site, saving around $17, 300 of US dollars and reducing waste. This approach of reusing the old materials gives a unique theme to the park, also retaining the history related to the site.

Tushar Mittal ISD 5103, National University of Singapore -2015

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SOCIAL REGENERATION Dilli Haat, Janakpuri, New Delhi

“There is no logic that can be superimposed on the city; people make it, and it is to them, not buildings, that we must fit our plans.” ― Jane Jacobs

Tushar Mittal ISD 5103, National University of Singapore -2015

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DILLI HAAT, JANAKPURI, NEW DELHI

Typology : Commercial, Urban Design and Architecture Location : Janakpuri,New Delhi Client : Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation.

Name of Architecture Firm : Archohm Consults Pvt. Ltd. Principal Architect : Sourabh Gupta Design Team : Suboor Ahmad, Aarti Kulkarni, Sadhvi Astir, D. D. Sharma, Rachna Mittal, Jeevan Dass, S. P. Gupta & Amit Das Site Area : 348480 sqft & 32375 sqm Built-Up Area : 172222 sqft & 16000 sqm Start Date : August 2011 Completion Date : July 2014 Project Estimate : 100 Crores/ 154, 548.90 US $

Project selection Most of the Indian cities have grown organically, with human culture forming the basis of these fabrics. Bazaars are the unifying form of different cultures, religions, culinary habits and socio- political centres. It is also argued by Mohammadreza Pourjafar, “Bazaars as a unifying element connect the main urban functions and guarantee the city’s economic and social life.”

Delhi is one of the most densely populated cities of the world and West Delhi area being one of the most densely packed neighbourhood with limited public spaces. The value of Bazaars and social spaces clubbed in an atmosphere where the focus remains the social connections and a program that celebrates the diversity of culture, heritage.

Social regeneration in fast city life where people are busy with life and seldom have time for social combination. This project aims at bringing this lost character of human relations in an interesting market setup called ‘haat’ in the Hindi language. The haat is a traditional village theme market, where the focus of shopping remains the handicrafts, metal crafts, boutique, and decorative pieces and artists creation.

Tushar Mittal ISD 5103, National University of Singapore -2015

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Bamboo basket @Dilli Haat, Janakpuri Picture credits - André J Fanthome

Design Philosophy Delhi already have two such haats in the other areas and these Dilli Haat is the third one, catering to the residential neighbourhood of West Delhi. The project concept remains the same as the earlier two but the speciality in this project is its custom made brief and the way it’s articulated in form.

Derived on principles of back to basics, the haat is canvas filled local materials such as stones, slates, bamboo. The project is manifested in a form justifying its name ‘haat’, raw, earthen and humble.

As per the Principal Architect Sourabh Gupta,” the presence of two Dilli Haat already, one questioned the design elements at multiple levels. Fundamentally, all Dilli Haats need to have a common ground of bringing artisans to interface with city dwellers. All these haats need their own identity to attract people not only from their own neighbourhood, but from the city at large. One also had to look at evolving the language and imagery of these haats with time. They could not be imitated extensions of the previous haats or imitations of villages in the city. They had to be progressive, in tune with today’s times and respecting the craft and cultural centricity of the project. The design solution therefore, is a conversation between the past and the present, acknowledgement of the traditional and its adaptation in contemporary times, in concept and in construction.”

Tushar Mittal ISD 5103, National University of Singapore -2015

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Amphitheatre space before opening and after opening @Dilli Haat, Janakpuri Picture credits - 1.André J Fanthome, 2. Archohm

Capitals in the project – In terms of capital identified, Social Capital - networks, bonds, community spaces, and collaborations- as it’s the cultural centre for west Delhi.

Human Capital - productivity, livelihood, happiness, awareness, skills+ captivity- as the projects helps in retaining the craft, culture and practises.

Built Capital - radical, resilient, adaptable - with use of bamboo and keeping it more open with the greens.

Symbolic capital - reputation, brand identity - the new age contemporary monument, celebratory and humble.

Social capital Devoid of any social space in West Delhi, the opening of Dilli Haat, Janakpuri was a historic moment with some five thousand people attending the inauguration ceremony.

Music is the central theme in the market, with its great collection of music library. The amphitheater in the center has already hosted more than hundreds of large events ever since its opening, making it one of the success story in Delhi for the usage of amphitheater spaces.

View of the surrounding area with Bamboo volumes @Dilli Haat, Janakpuri Picture credits - André J Fanthome, Tushar Mittal ISD 5103, National University of Singapore -2015

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Different community functions and events @Dilli Haat, Janakpuri Picture credits - 1. Archohm, 2. Sanjay Puri, 3. Archohm

It is the combination of the right program that Dilli Haat, Janakpuri is able to draw the crowd of the busy neighborhood.

According to Mr. Daksh Sehrawat, an architect from Delhi, “ Dilli Haat, Janakpuri is built in the realm of nature with its snake like design form, done purposefully to avoid cutting any tree on site. The site responds to its surroundings in a way that it seamlessly blends into the context.”

As per resident of Janakpuri, Mr. Vikas Khanna a businessman, “The family is able to enjoy quality time together on weekends at Dilli haat, with one or the other public function happening at the grand open air auditorium with very minimal entry rates, otherwise it’s expensive to go out with full family on each weekend” As per Mr. Inderjeet Khulla, who visited the project recently, ‘Celebration of Shaheed Bhagat Singh was organized for the first time, and it was really a good experience to come together as a society to celebrate the birth anniversary of an important leader”.

According to Mrs. Kamini Sharma, a homemaker and resident of Janakpuri, “ I am a regular at the music nights on weekends and a frequent visitor of market on weekdays with my kitty party gang”. * The quotes from the residents is collected through email correspondents and telephonic conversations.

Human capital The program of the social projects like market places provides opportunities for business but the concept of haat is unique as it provides a place for showcasing the talent and skills in a space filled with other artisans and handicraft artists. With a nominal pay for a fifteen day period, any artist registered with the management can put up a stall in the dilli haat.

In the shopping mart, there are 100 craft stalls, 74 open-platform shops and 46 shops providing opportunity to around 200 artists at any given time period from different art fields and diversity in their products. The spaces are allotted on rotational basis providing ample diversity for shoppers and artists to get a place there. The authentic value of the products is ensured with the government’s record keeping and assuring only artists can Tushar Mittal ISD 5103, National University of Singapore -2015

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The artists shops @Dilli Haat, Janakpuri Picture credits - AndrĂŠ J Fanthome

put up a shop. This has helped many artists from pan India to earn a living for them as otherwise spaces are rare and expensive for such artists in metro cities.

Built capital Not a single tree is cut on site, each and every tree on site is retained as it is while the building is designed around it. The bamboo volumes designed as baskets are added to complement the existing green on site.

No harmful chemical paints are used in the entire complex, with use of natural materials such as stone, slate, bamboo and green cover on roofs to provide insulation. The project is made into non- façade and landscaped one with bamboo basket volumes.

Entrance Foyer@Dilli Haat, Janakpuri Picture credits - AndrĂŠ J Fanthome,

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Different community functions and events @Dilli Haat, Janakpuri Picture credits - 1. Archohm, 2. Sanjay Puri, 3. Archohm

Passive cooling techniques are used extensively to reduce the power load for air conditioning spaces. The non-air conditioned shops have tensile structures as free floating shading surfaces with space for cross ventilation.

Symbolic capital Dilli Haat as a brand is already close to people’s heart and has delivered on its functionality, but this project has raised the design quotient of the capital city with its unique design form and different material treatment. The ‘haat’ as perceived in the earlier two segments of dilli haat is celebrated in this project in a contemporary architecture form where the material application is local and earthen.

The bazaars of Delhi, as glorified in earlier era of Mughal period, Colonial era and after opening of the first Dilli Haat in 1994, this project celebrates the modern Delhi Bazaar with a fresh outlook towards the haat culture.

It’s the new place for all public functions and social gatherings, the awareness camps to the mango festival.

After its opening, the residence colony opposite the project Hari nagar is considered as the posh colony with property rates jumping almost by 30-40 % as now it’s considered the posh locality of Janakpuri neighbourhood.

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Conclusion The term regeneration and net positive in the three case studies have been analysed from the perspective of seven capitals, each of the project is working in the context and suiting the existing conditions. Though, each of the project have an element which is outshining the other aspects such as the Heritage regeneration in the Nagaur Fort conservation project, Ecological regeneration in Houtan Park and Social regeneration in the Dilli Haat.

Each of these projects are delivering on aspects which were not part of the design brief or client brief, but are still important part of the project. This intention of being best suited for the context and delivering on fronts which do general good.

The project in the heritage regeneration, works closely with the local artisans to impart them the valuable skill which has enabled in uplifting the economic status of the community. The revival of the old techniques in terms of architecture detailing, material handling and working on conservation project. The use of the complex for sufi festival and laboratory for conservation studies has been able to justify the cost incurred on the regeneration of the project.

The project on social regeneration in west Delhi area, Dilli Haat delivers on a front which was not part of the brief, but it was made important concept so as to take into consideration the needs of the locals and area. The project also slips in sustainability by use of green materials in the project, thus raising awareness about the right choice of the materials and the suited condition. The rising interest in the area in bamboo structures for the rooftop garden and other temporary structures after the project opening is a positive story coming out.

The project on ecological regeneration in Shanghai, China is a case-study for all projects dealing with riverfronts and wetlands projects because it made possible something that was unheard of and never thought for. The cleaning of a polluted river and using the waste material from former site very well delivers a message about taking care of the surroundings around you. It’s the net positive and regenerative approach that values more, the river might still be polluted but the way it raises a awareness that can be taken forward by other projects is a right step.

It’s this requirement of the built project that its existence becomes boon for the surroundings and its relevance in the context is much more than just being there. This quality of being the indispensable part of the eco-system makes these projects important net positive case studies. An important aspect of each of the case study is that they are tailor made to suit the local situations, with deep understanding of the urban fabric, needs and issues of the place. Each of this project helps I presenting a model for future developments in the similar typology.

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Bibliography Erica Av rami, Randall Mason, Marta de la To rre, “Values and Heritage Conservation “,The Getty Conservation Institute, Los Angeles. 2000.

Jubany, Helena, L. , “The Social Responsibility of Architects”, design intelligence, N.P. 29/06/2011. Web. 15/10/2015 http://www.di.net/articles/the_social_responsibility_architects/ Johnston, Pamela. Intervention Architecture: Building for Change. London: I.B. Tauris & Co, 2007. Print.

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Nagaur Fort Conservation Project Architect’s Record of Nagaur Fort Rehabilitation. Courtesy of Architect (submitted to the Aga Khan Award for Architecture), 2006 Conservation of the Ahichhatragarh-Nagaur Fort in India (Conservation Matters lecture), Web. 16/10/2015. http://www.getty.edu/visit/events/jain_lecture.html Conservation studies at Nagaur, Web. 16/10/2015. http://conservation-studies-nagaur.org/ MMT & Conservation of the Ahhichatragarh fort, Nagaur. Web. 16/10/2015. http://www.maharajajodhpur.com/fort/mmt_nagaur.htm Nagaur Fort Rehabilitation Presentation Panels. Courtesy of Architect. Geneva: Aga Khan Award for Architecture, 2007.

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Rehabilitation of Nagaur Fort, Web. 16/10/2015. http://www.akdn.org/architecture/project.asp?id=4016 “Rehabilitation of the Nagaur Fort.” In Architecture is Life, edited by Mohsen Mostafavi. Zurich: Lars Muller Publishers, 2013.

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Bibliography Houtan Park “Houtan Park - Turenscape Landscape Architecture”, Landezine. Web. 10/10/2015 http://www.landezine.com/index.php/2011/02/shanghai-houtan-park-by-turenscape/ “Shanghai Houtan Park: Landscape as a Living System”, Asla award of excellence, American society of Landscape Architects, 2010. Web. 10/10/2015 http://www.asla.org/2010awards/006.html “Shanghai Houtan Park”, Landscape Performance Series, Landscape Architecture Foundation. Print.

“Shanghai Houtan Park”, Turenscape (website ) Web. 10/10/2015

Dilli Haat Attractions of DHJP, Dilli Haat, web 14/10/2015. http://www.dillihaat.net.in/dilli-haat-janakpuri/attractions-of-dhjp.htm DiliHaatJanakpuri ( social media page ), facebook. web 14/10/2015. https://www.facebook.com/dillihaatjanakpuri/timeline Fixsen Anna, Snapshot: Dilli Haat, March 2015. Web 14/10/2015. http://archrecord.construction.com/features/snapshot/2015/1503-Dilli-Haat.asp?elqaid=14506&elqat=1&elqTrackId=82F470DF8B35503CB6F1A1694B36B4D4 Pourjafar, Mohammadreza, “Role of bazaars as a unifying factor”, Frontiers of Architectural Research, Volume 3, Issue 1, March 2014, Pages 10–19 . Web 15/10/2015. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095263513000769

Cover images credit 1. Minakshi Jain/ AKAA 2. Turenscape 3. André J Fanthome

Tushar Mittal ISD 5103, National University of Singapore -2015