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CHAPTER 1
APPROACH MEETS CONTEXT
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The 12 day course was focused mainly on studying the two contexts of Dhaka and Ahmedabad. The study revolved around the culture, religion and daily habits of the people of the two cities. The study also included the understanding of the deeper structures of the society, which are unconsciously embedded in the roots of the culture of the people. This helped to understand the way architecture of L.I.Kahn and Marina Tabassum has responded to these, and the way buildings have shaped accordingly. Walking around the streets of old city, exploring the food, clothings, artefacts, transport ,old houses and monuments, here is something that holds the old city together and the way people live someway around in which each character of the streets adds to the beauty of the overall experience one perceives. One really feels the weight of history when one strolls around the University Areas, where events have shaped the spaces around them. The significance of the public spaces and plazas, have developed where people gather and discuss the issues related about to the development of the society.
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PREFACE
“Cities should provide the environment for civilized life within the context of our own culture The traditional relationship with nature should be continued in the cities... The practical aspects of architecture are measurable – such as, the practical requirements, climatic judgements, the advantages and limitations of the site etc. – but the humanistic aspects are not measurable. One has to be creative. One has to love his own land, its people and its culture and think profoundly about these.” – Ar. Muzharul Islam. The physical and social landscapes of cities get shaped by the socio-economic and political forces. There is always a quest to connect with the nostalgic past in terms of spaces and experience, to create a contemporary identity within the cultural landscape and to envisage a future for the spatial developments. To perceive these spatial dynamics of a city it is important to anatomize the city’s neighbourhoods from where it all began to its present centres for learning; from the anchors of a national identity to its contemporary image construction; to understand the eclecticism of people, their culture in past and present and their response in shaping the physical dynamics of the city. The city of Dhaka was looked at with a sense of understanding its past and drawing a relationship to the present day existence through the lenses of its iconic built forms and placing the people in their immediate contexts. A parallel was then drawn with the city of Ahmedabad trying to connect the spatial dynamics in similarities and contrasts. The objective was to generate a sense of place in both contexts; tracing relations between two cities of the same sub continent. “Urban environment in a given situation is the product of continuity in the pattern of human settlement, utilising available resources in a way that it tends to develop structure of form fulfilling human aspiration.” - Achyut Kanvinde on the Quest for Quality Architecture, By Achyut Kanvinde. (09/05/2017)
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FOREWARD
“Cities should provide the environment for civilized life within the context of our own culture The traditional relationship with nature should be continued in the cities... The practical aspects of architecture are measurable – such as, the practical requirements, climatic judgements, the advantages and limitations of the site etc. – but the humanistic aspects are not measurable. One has to be creative. One has to love his own land, its people and its culture and think profoundly about these.” – Ar. Muzharul Islam.
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4.BAITUR ROUF
1.NATIONAL PARLIAMENT COM-
3.UNIVERSITY
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2.OLD CITY
3.UNIVERSITY AREA 1.INDIAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGE-
4.CEPT LIBRARY 2.OLD CITY
(AMD)AHMEDABAD AMD/ 7
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CHAPTER 1
APPROACH IN CONTEST
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NATIONAL PARLIAMENT COMPLEX, DHAKA
Area of Study
APPROACH
CLIMATE
SCALE
Introduction : In June, 1959, the central government of Pakistan decides to establish two capitals, in a uniquely divided country, an executive capital in Islamabad, and a second, legislative capital in Dacca. The work of designing the second capital primarily was given to Architect Muzharul Islam, at one point Muzharul Islam decided that the nation would be better served, and the future generation of architects would have a iconic work to learn from, if a master architect could be brought in to do the work. Three architects namely, Le Corbusier, Alvar Alto and Louis I Kahn, were considered, and later on L.I.Kahn was appointed. Ref : Article by Ar.Nurur Khan on Parliament
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INDIAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT, AHMEDABAD
Legend
PLAZAS PLAZAS
Area of Study
GEOMETRY GEOMETRY
SOUNDSCAPE SOUND
Introduction : While Louis Kahn was designing the National Assembly Building in Bangladesh in 1962, he was approached by an admiring Indian architect, Balkrishna Doshi, to design the 60 acre campus for the Indian Institute of Management in Ahmedabad, India. Much like his project in Bangladesh, he was faced with a culture enamored in tradition, as well as an arid desert climate. Ref : Archdaily
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APPROACH
Introduciton
1.Landscape
Modern Architecture being transcribed as a part of Bengal Vernacular Architecture.
The landscapes of Bangladesh have been translated into the masterplan by creating artificial lake surrounding the building and creating a sense of place by choosing brick and concrete as the local material.
Today as we struggle between strains of regionalism the world remain example of situated modernism , representative of true Bengal modernity.
Way out of flood:
Kahn’s approach focuses on no starting point , like its always been there. It speaks of essential things , things around which coheres and seeks meaning. The idea of Masterplan building is setting by gardens,waterways,fountains,interconnected,spaces. The study explores how Kahn was able to transform the language of the interweaving of land and water, into his complex which relates to our “deep structure” of our phsyci in such a strong way that we become immediately related to it and an abstract familiarity prevails. Ref : Article by Ar.Nurur Khan on Parliament
The approach can be classified into two parts : 1.Landscape 2.Streetscape
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The traditional practice of dig and mound to escape from the flooding is often prevalent in the areas of Bangladesh.This method is used to create a plinth for the Parliament and lake.
Reference : L.I.Kahn has taken Buddhist Vihara in Paharpur, as a reference in design process.
APPROACH
Introduciton
Allow students to participate in class,discussions,debates is comparisons.
Reference : Shantiniketan - Reviving the Traditional The envisioned or the central premise is to kickstart the eduction system with transformation in learning under natural enviornment would be more enjoyable anad fruitful.
No longer classroom as focus of academic thought, classroom just a formal setting for the beginning of learning, hallways and kahn`s plaza-new center of learning.
The traces of concept of in and out classroom learning has been seen in the school ‘Shantiniketan’ developed by Rabindranath Tagore. This mainly focuses on discussions, debates.
The approch mailny focuses on the informalisation of education system.
The conceptual idea of re-thinking educational practice transfored school into institution where education was cross disaplinary in oon out of classroom Ref : Archdaily
Corridor Courts
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APPROACH 2.Streetscape
The street dynamics of the old city of the dhaka have been incorporated in the interior spaces of the Parliament, with a Mosque at the end.
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APPROACH Connectivity
‘‘
The school and the dormitories are a unit like a monastry, corridors are avoided by having deep porches, of all the dormitory rooms, where tea is served and the things are
’’
discussed.
-L. I. Kahn
Corridors as Discussion Areas
It is rightly evident that the corridors and the areas of connection acts as the pause spaces for interaction and discussions.
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CLIMATE Verandah
Plan The concept of Verandah is widely been observed in Bangladesh to have deep porches to cut off the heavy rainfall.
Inner-Outer Shell The broad idea of Layering the interior spaces due to the climatic purposes keeps the interior spaces protected.
Facade The facade has drip courses at various intervals which protects the building from the heavy rainfall.
‘‘There is order of wind and order of light’’ - L. I. Kahn
Inner-Outer Shell
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CLIMATE Verandah
The concept of Verandah is widely been observed in Ahmedabad to have deep porches to cut off the heat from the surroundings.
Inner-Outer Shell The broad idea of Layering the interior spaces due to the climatic purposes keeps the interior spaces protected from harsh heat from the surroundings. This spaces is also fuctionally used for discussions and debates.
Plan
Inner Shell
Section
Outer Shell
Inner Shell
Outer Shell
‘‘Sun never knew how great it was unless it hit the building.”
- L. I. Kahn
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SCALE Exploring the building at different scales from different points.
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3
Photo Credit :Ar.Farahbee Rahman.
Verticality
‘‘A great building must begin with
Mosque Civilians Entry Authority Entry
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the unmeasurable, go through the measurable means when it is being designed and in the end must be
’’
unmeasurable -L.I.Kahn
SCALE Exploring the building at different scales from different points.
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Horizontality
Faculty
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PLAZA National parliament complex : consists of two plazas: The South Plaza: faces the Manik Mia Avenue. It gradually rises to a 20ft height and serves as a beautiful exterior as well as the main entrance (used by members during sessions) to the Parliament Building.North plaza(Presidential plaza): The Presidential Plaza lies to the North and faces the Lake Road. It functions as an intimate plaza for the MPs and other dignitaries. It contains marble steps, a gallery and an open pavement. Chandrima Is a park situated across the road of the national parliament house. It is connected to the road with a bridge which runs over the Crescent Lake (from which the park derives its original name). The intent of the plazas was to have access to the local civilians to make them feel as their own space.
North plaza
Reference: L.I.Kahn took reference of Roman plazas for his design
South plaza
Chandrima Udyan
Original intention
Present situation : The intent is lost, the activities have been shifted to Chandrima Udyan
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PLAZA Dorms area Court
Court
Court Classroom block
Court
Court
Plaza
Faculty blocks
The main plaza disintegrates into smaller plazas and courtyards which overall adds in the outdoor learnings schemes of the concepts.The main plaza is used for concerts, convocations and festive times. The inner courts are mainly used as extension of outdoor learnings. The courts in the dormitories are play and discussion spaces for the students. The overall theme of the green spaces is explored throughout the masterplan.This created different types of spaces for learning ranging from plaza scale to intrigate courts. This different scales thus promote different types of learning at the different times of the day. Present situation : The intent of the plazas and the courts still remains the same over the time.
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GEOMETRY Cultural Evidences The geometric shapes found on the different faces of the facade add a dramatic impact to the overall composition of the building. The geometric shapes are abstracted forms found in traditional Bengali culture and the pattern called ‘kantha’ that are meant to creat a marriage of old and new cultural indentities as well as serve as light wells and a natural environmental control system for the interiors.
SOUNDSCAPE
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GEOMETRY Structural Evidences The geometric shapes on the different faces of the facade play a dual role of stability and dramatic impact to the building. The circle used on the outer shell of the facade is well thought of, where the upper arch is used to maintain the stability by taking the load below arch proctects it from the earthquake.
‘‘Where there is a beam, there is an Arch’’ - L. I. Kahn
Different arch types for stability of the wall
SOUNDSCAPE
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CHAPTER 2
WHERE IT BEGAN
Photo Credits -
Munem Wasif (Belonging)
Shakhari bazaar
Start Bahadurshah park
Islampur fabric market Beauty Boarding
Ahsan Manzil
Buri-Ganga river Farashganj spice market
River
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Ghat
Entrance Footpath
Road
Footpath
Ahsaan Manzil
Farashganj timber market
Islampur Road
Market
Swaminarayan Temple
Start
Sidi Saiyyed Mosque
Relief road Gujarati snacks shop
Dodia haveli
Ratan Pol fabric market Fernandez book market
Ratan Pol fabric market
Dodia Haveli
Swaminarayan Temple
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PEOPLE IN PLACES Entrance
The scale of the entrances we see are in great disproportion to the people who reside there. The lower height of the openings are mainly attributed to privacy or security concerns that are of utmost importance to them.
Organization of spaces
Multi use spaces; the units along the road are stacked as commercial on the lower level and residential on the floor above enabling ease for activities like buying, selling and privacy for inhabitants.
Circulation
The arrangement of shops and houses alongside a service core comprising of a staircase which is an isolated entity indicates that the nature of ownership of the spaces; which are mostly rented.
Visual order
Shops and houses is vertically arranged in such a manner that they do not project out in the street.
Adaptive reuse
Beauty Boarding as Ideation centre, Art canvas and exhibition space.
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Corridor
The main roads connect to dwelling units by means of rather long dark, dingy corridors which serves as an introspective corridor before one enters home. These spaces exhibit a stark difference from the riot of colours we see on the street outside to the intimidating pitch-black walkway on the inside.
Entrance
‘Pol’ means gateway. The entrances are adorned by exquisite carvings of Burma teak which are a visual treat to the eye. The workmanship and design also suggest the opulent lifestyle of those who reside within.
Corridor
The main roads lead to alleys which are awash with sunlight contributing to the welcoming nature of the walkways leading to their homes.
Organization of spaces
The zoning of spaces do not involve dwelling units as the Pol clearly has a defined purpose wherein the commercial activities takes most prominence as they have been a trading community.
Circulation
The people along this belt belong to a trading background wherein all their spaces are solely utilised for business activities. The service core to upper floors is within the shop enabling an ease in transporting goods for sale which are usually stashed on the floors above.
Visual order
Shops and houses is vertically arranged in a way that each floor projects out in the street
Adaptive reuse
Dodia Haveli as heritage hotel, and Home-stay.
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PEOPLE IN MOTION Street Layout
The streets are linear or unidirectional and do not branch out into segmented alleyways
Sky map
The wires and signages obstructs the sky frame when percieved from the street. Also, scaffoldings for festival decoration becomes prominent feature during festivals of Hindu community.
Visual noise
Street appearance is dominated by the elements like wires, signages and hanging clothes, thus creating visual noise.
Threshold
Vendors in Dhaka lay mats on the road and conduct the vending activities seated. This also suggests how narrow the roads are in Dhaka wherein most of them cannot accommodate pushcarts.
Space appropriation
People utilising tri rickshaws to strctch out for a short nap during the day is more of a common occurrence.
Street Food
The street food is a sensational phenomenon that one can partake in while strolling through the streets .There are several food joints serving majorly non vegetarian food that are located at definite intervals for that quick snack or meal.
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Bangla Book Bajaar Linear market
Street Layout
The streets bifurcate into several alleys which also are used for commercial activities. Thus, percieved as porous in nature.
Sky map
Owing to the harsh summers that people experience in this part of the city it is common to see tarpoline sheets across the narrow streets that shield them from the heat during the day.
Visual noise
Street appearance is dominated by wooden carvings, ornamented windows, chajjas and shading cloth.
Threshold
The vending on the streets of Ahmedabad are usually done on pushcarts. Raised plinths are projected out from the shops as seating/ customer interaction spaces
Space appropriation
People have utilised the courtyards amidst the pol houses as the book bazaar. With elements like umbrellas or tarpoline sheets that provide
Street Food
One cannot miss the street food of ahmedabad while strolling through the streets .There are several food joints serving majorly vegetarian foods that can be located at intervals.
Fernandez Book Market Organic planning
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PEOPLE IN AMALGAMATION People experience The Shakhari bazaar is a riot of colours and as one walks into the street you are pressed to look at several different directions as it is teeming with activity .The bazaar is owned by the Hindu artisan community and the activities that one sees there are unique to this place. The shakas or the conch bangles are designed in the shakhari residences on the upper levels and they sell the same in the shops below. The people are engaged in several creative pursuits that contribute to the the temple activity of that region. One cannot miss the tri-autorickshaws that are used frequently by the people to cover short distances. The rickshaws in Dhaka are not adorned by images of movie stars unlike those in Ahmedabad but delicate cloth work that is almost different on every other auto lending a quaint character to the streetscape. The next pitstop Islampur market, is a wholesale dealer of cloth which leads to the Buriganga river which is the connecting factor for the parcels of land that flourished along the river .The mode of transport is the ferrys which are the fastest way to commute across the river.The spice market that enthrals your senses welcomes you towards the most awaited Beauty Boarding Inn which is an ancient lodging facility which triggered many beautiful associations and intellectual conversations amidst the artists.The space still bears the melancholic aura of the past.
Dhaka old city is not distinctive in character without people
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People experience As you traverse through the streets of Ahmedabad, one can witness a cacophony of colours sounds and smells that are distinct to the place. The Ratanpol street specialises in clothing and is characterised by signages each trying to outdo the other calling out to those using this stretch. Walking towards the Fernandes bridge you cannot help but notice the layers of built form that are being judiciously used as spaces for wholesale trading of books. The interesting circulation pattern is also another reason that makes this bazaar unique. Moving along the busy streets the exposed electric cable lines gain most prominence in every frame. The Dodhia Haveli is one of the ancient pol houses that has been restored in recent years and advertised as heritage suites. The faรงade bears the quintessential detail wooden carving characteristic of the pol houses that has stood the test of time however the interiors have lost the old-world charm associated with the post restoration.
Ahmedabad old city is distinctive in character because of its archtiectural elements even without people
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CHAPTER 3
CAN WE QUESTION THE STATUS QUO ?
The Dhaka University area has been a acentre for eculraism and a breeding ground for new thought by the youth of the country. Streets are layered with the patina of different architectural expressions from the colonial era to present day and have witnessed the unfolding of Bangladesh’s journey of liberation. It is a symbol of the celebration of tradition and progressive liberal values.
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1952
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1955
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1963
Curzon Townhall
Curzon Townhall becomes Dhaka University Faculty of Science
Bhasha Andolan
Fine Arts Institute
Bangla Academy
Teacher Student Centre
Mausoleum of three Leaders
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DHAKA UNIVERSITY AREA
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fine arts institute modhur canteen teacher student center shahbag mod suhrawardy udyaan
2500m2
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1971
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Independence speech by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Suhrawardy Udyan
Signing of Instrument of surrender in Dhaka 16th December
Bangladesh National museum
Shikha Chironton
Gonojagoron Mancha
Museum of Independence AMD/ 45
FINE ARTS INSTITUTE
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1904
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1921
1952
1953
Bhasha Andolan
Fine Arts Institute
1955
1961
1963
Architcet Mazharul Islam’s expression for the Fine Arts Institute creates a paradigm shift in modern architecture. The form has a pavilion character and it renders itself almost invisible, while the space surrenders itself to social eclecticism throughout the year. “... for Mazharul Islam, architecture was no less a form of of cultural activism... DAC, Adnan Morshed and Nesfun Nahar.
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fine arts institute bangladesh national museum pohela boisakh chobir haat
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MODHUR CANTEEN A canteen is a junction for freindships, an underground escape from lectures, asecret spot, the safest den. The Modhur canteen has been an ‘adda’ for the students political movement.
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memorial to madhusudan dey students enjoying cricket match political contemplation struggle for liberation
1904
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1921 Modhur canteen becomes part of Dhaka University
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“The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebillion.” - Albert Camus “Liberty has never come from the government. Liberty has always come from the subjects of it. the history of liberty is a history of resistance.” - Woodrow Wilson
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TEACHER STUDENT CENTER (TSC) JUNCTION
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1904
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1921
1952
1953
1955
1961 Teacher Student Centre
1963
The TSC forms the social and cultural heart of the campus. It fosters the campus community life and supplements the formal academic program. The plaza is a quintessential example of a democratic space with dynamic actors. It represents how academic spaces converge to become a part of the larger urban realm.
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TSC campus greek memorial TSC circle raju memorial
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1996
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2015
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SHAHBAG MOD
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1921
1952
1953
1955
1961
1963
“The power of the people is much stronger than the people in power “ - wael ghonim The shahbag mod is a dynamic urban intersection that comes across as a bustling traffic junction , but transforms into a large democratic square. It raises an interesting question about how an urban area can be successful weather designed or not 1
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flower market shahbag police box gonojagoron mancha
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Gonojagoron Mancha AMD/ 53
SUHRAWARDY UDYAAN
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1904
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1952
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1955
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The public garden is laced with laminas of history from the Mughal era and is a repository of the collective memory of the freedom struggle. Formerly a colonial era rcecourse, the garden houses the museum and monument of Independence whose architectural language tries to simultaneously mourn, reminisce, introspect and look forward and upward.
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Independence speech by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Suhrawardy
Signing of Instrument of surrender in Dhaka 16th December
tower of light, museum of independence independence speech resistance to the boundary wall eternal flame
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1996
2013
2015 Museum of Independence AMD/ 55
India’s major priority at the time otf independence was the consolidation & transformation of the Indian states into a modern nation.
“You cannot isolate architecture from the age, from the social conditions, from the thinking, from the objectives & ideals of the age” - Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. The foundation of the Gujarat University was laid by Gandhiji in the backdrop of breaking away from the British ideology of education with a motto of awakening the youth for national reconstruction for ‘Hind Swaraj’. With the likes of architects like B.V. Doshi and A.P. Kanvinde, the leaders of the nation along with eminent industrialists took up the task to create a holistic education campus in Ahmedabad. Ever since the university area has been an effereverscent ground for student’s ideas, recreations and social interaction.
“Strongly influenced by gropious , kanvinde believed that the visual language of modern architecture was based upon a scientific understanding that could be grasped by all cultures in the same way.”
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1918
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Gujarat College
Swadeshi Movement
Gujarat Vidyapeeth
Gujarat Vidyapeeth not operational
HL college of Commerce
LD Arts
Quit India Movement
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UNIVERSITY AREA , AHMEDABAD
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CEPT IIM LD College of engineering HL College of commerce gufa
2500m2
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MG Science
LM Pharma
LD Engineering
Gujarat University, ATIRA
AG Teachers
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KHAU GALI
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The university area spread over 675 acres is characterized by large campuses woven together by the labyrinth of internal streets. These streets are not just mere channels for movement but harness the activities of tete-a-tete, play and celebration. The main streets to become a hub for street shopping and a gastronomical experience. Living with animals has been a part of the urban environment of the city that is reflected in the campus life too. 1
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gujarat university hl college amts bus stop informal food vendors informal clothes market
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INTERNAL CAMPUS COURTYARDS
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The campus areas are designed with a motto of learning rather than teaching that fosters an atmosphere of free thinking and unhampered inquiry. The plazas and the courtyards act as dynamic containers, transforming throughout the day and year from playing cricket in the evening to convocation ceremonies to garba festivities.
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LIK plaza shrenik bhai plaza garba ground ld college
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CEPT CAMPUS NODES
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“We didn’t realize we were making memories, we just knew we were having fun” - a student on college life. The CEPT university node is a den for exchange of ideas where energies of people from different walks of life (students, artists and common people) create a vibrant metropolitan environment.
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amdavad ni gufa kanoria art gallery
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Being a part of the same subcontinent both the cities of Dhaka and Ahmedabad exhibit similarities and contrasts in thier contexts. Under the influence of architects like Muzharul Islam and A.P. Kanvinde the architype of both the university areas show resemblence in their built expression, but with a a great response to their regional contexts. The architecture of Dhaka University area is marked by numerous monuments that commemorate the nostalgia of the liberation movement. While the university area of Ahmedabad is more sublime. The scale of the campus plaza in Ahmedabad allows them to turn them into a ground for festive celebrations while the porosity of the campus edges in Dhaka university area allow for the activities to overflow onto the streets.
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CHAPTER 4
TRIGGERED ? TRIGGERED !
BAIT UR ROUF MOSQUE, DHAKA THE SETTING Emerging in a dense urban residential setting of Faidabad area in Dhaka, this mosque stands apart from any other mosque. The first mosque in Bangladesh designed by a woman, it aims to break free the minds of the people from the regular notions of a mosque.
Road Network Main road Street Residential Baitur rouf mosque LOCATION
Impact on the urban fabric of the immediate context A lot of residential buildings rapidly sprawled up in the proximity of the mosque after it was built because people feared that they might lose their lands because of the mosque and the reputation it had attained.
THEN
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NOW
LILAVATI LALBHAI LIBRARYV, AHMEDABAD
Centrally located in the CEPT University campus, Lilavati Lalbhai Library acts as an academic hub of reading, exhibition and presentation spaces. Built in 2017.
Road Network Main road Street Residential Baitur rouf mosque LOCATION
Impact on the scale and connection of the campus The sense of scale of the entire campus is dominated by the library block standing in between the various faculties.
THEN NOW
THEN
NOW
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THE RESPONSE The design is sensitive in its response to the immediate context. The outer shell of the mosque which is blank with a few perforations makes the building introvert so that focus on the purpose of it is not lost. Meanwhile, its plinth extends out to the road and connects to the community by the essence of its boundary-less nature.
The raised plinth running along the periphery of the site, acts as a buffer from the street and serves as a major communal space.
The building, made of handmade bricks, merges with the ground making it feel all the more rooted to its place, both material as well as function wise.
The colonnade not only forms a transition space between the outside and the inside prayer hall but also provides a shade from sun and rain to the activities that thrive on the steps.
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A
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A
B
The library building of CEPT stands out by changing the movement pattern of people, from an organic one in the rest of the campus, to an orthogonal one around it.
orthogonal pattern
The campus gets divided into two parts in terms of activities of people, where on one side it forms a large pocket of very active space along with the Faculty of Architecture building, thereby leaving the other side of Design and Technology buildings comparitively inactive.
organic pattern CHANGE IN THE MOVEMENT PATTERN
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active spaces inactive spaces
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THE SPACE A place of arrival and pause Terracotta bricks used for the structure are left exposed internally and externally. They lend the building a character that references the architecture of nearby buildings, as well as religious architecture of the past.
Transitional spaces
W
S
N
A cylindrical volume was inserted into the square, with the prayer hall rotated within this cylinder so the qibla – a line pointing towards the Kaaba in Mecca – is aligned at the centre of one of its walls Light is also used to mark the qibla, which is identified by a vertical slit in the cylindrical brick wall that is visible through a large opening in the wall of the prayer hall.
E
The rotation of the prayer hall at the centre of the building also results in the creation of four voids at the corners. These spaces create small courtyards, with open brickwork allowing light and air to filter into the interior.
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Eight columns surrounding the hall facilitate an open column-free space featuring a ceiling perforated by circuQuality of Natural light lar holes that cast a dappled pattern of light on the floor.
Dominates the facade of faculty of technology Visual Connection with the surrounding
Interconnection between spaces
Voids Central Core Connection with exterior The facade of the library building provide chit chat nooks accessible for the people around.
SPATIAL EXPRESSION
Bridge is not only a link between the plaza and the inner volume but also as a place: a place of arrival and pause, wider at the outer edge and narrowing down inside
Cutting the earth to construct a stepwell and a part of the building will be submerged.
Play of light and shadow in voids along the core
Vertical visual connection between floors
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THE IMPACT Commonly known as the ‘LAL MASJID’ by the localities, this mosque is devoid of the symbolic elements of a typical mosque and hence imposes contemporary progressive style of architecture. The mosque thus aims to provide a clarity of space to look within oneself which is the essence of Islam.
Wind and rain
Sunlight
Brick (earth)
The focus was on ‘elemental’ being the idea of GOD and hence the design brings in elements of nature (light, water,brick-mud) and uses them to evoke spirituality.
Bait ur Rouf mosque created an impact in the mindsets of the people of the community who started accepting the entry of women in the mosque. The local women, though, are still hesistant. But, it is indeed, a trigger. 76 /DAC
Lilavati Lalbhai Library has become major node for gathering. Its insertion in the campus had an impact in the layout and landscape of its immediate context.
THEN South Lawns
NOW
From a more organic and informal lawn space it has become an orthogonal green ground. The concrete pavement on its periphery now, gives a feeling of less freedom to walk on the lawns. It subconsciously arises a sense of respect for them. The outer niches in the library building are now used for informal gatherings and lunch time instead of the lawns.
The quality of a space is determined by the users intuitive acceptance to it. Secluded from the hustle and bustle of the surrounding, the fucntional core of the library provides a quiet space for work where students feel more focused. With little natural light entering the lower levels of the library, you lose the sense of time and continue to work with concentration. This has resulted in a major shift of students from the studios to the library which is euqally used for reading as well as doing other academic work.
Unlike the core space of the library, studio spaces provide an environment for working together and sharing thoughts.The inward looking character of the building is induced to the people around which results in less sharing AMD/ 77
COURSE INSTRUCTOR Ar. Farahbee Rahman
78 /DAC
PARTICIPANTS Abhimanyu Setia Aditi Bajpai Al Majadur Rahman Arpit Jain Enakshee Bhatia Prabhuti Desai Mohammed Enfarad Chowdhury Abrar Khan
Mahbuba Tabassum Kusum Mamtani Pavitra V B Priyanka K S Sarang Yeola Subhi Nusrat Shama Teena Mary Thomas Jerin George
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT CEPT University Summer Winter School Office (sws.cept.ac.in) in collaboration with
Bengal Institute of Architecture, Landscapes and settlements (arch.bengal.institute) Co-Facilitators Mohammad Tauheed, Academic Co-ordinator, Bengal Institute Farhat Afzal, Academic Associate, Bengal Institute Guest Mentors Nurur Rahman Khan, Principal architect at TKNRK Assosciates Taimur Islam, Principal Architect at Urban Study Group Dr. Syed Manzoorul Islam, Professor and Writer Marina Tabassum, Principal architect, MTA Munem Wasif, Photographer Prof. Neelkanth Chhaya, Architect, Academician & Thinker Prof. Yatin Pandya, Architect, Academician & Researcher We are grateful to Rubaiya Nasrin, Research Associate, Bengal Institute Mahmudul Islam Chowdhary , Research Associate, Bengal Institute Nazmul Nayeem, Studio MRITIKA Hassan Mohammad Rakib, Research Associate, Bengal Institute Masudul Islam Shammo, Research Co-ordinator Mashudur Rahman Fahim, Architect, Bengal Institute and Lecturer at Stanford University Bangladesh Tanim, Himel, Biraj, Sunny & Abul, Volunteers at Urban Study Group Special thanks to Rafiq Azam, Principal Architect, Shatotto Prof. Rabindra Vasavada, Architect, Academician and Conservationist
AMD/ 79
80 /DAC