Madhavpura Market Ahmadabad.India Roshelle Born
uw-milwaukee school of architecture and urban planning visible certainty ARCH 790 spring 2008 instructor: chris cornelius, assistant professor urban mapping and design studio, ahmadabad, india ARCH 855 winter/spring 2008 instructor: manu sobti, assistant professor
[site]
india ahmedabad
Population City: 4,269,846 Density: 58,205/sq mi Metro: 5,680,566
old city 4
Population City: 602,782 Density: 6,214.7/sq mi Metro: 1,753,355
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madhavpura wholesale market Established four centuries ago, Madhavpura Market is entrenched in history despite the rapidly changing urban environment in which it exists. The wholesale market obstinately survives in the midst of an urban legislation that cares little for history and memory. Additionally, the once advantageous location on the axes of two major streets outside of the city wall has been engulfed by the growing congestion of the old city, and the emergence of digital clearinghouses for goods has the potential to change the current condition of the market or eliminate its necessity completely. The marketplace struggles to come to terms with the need for new infrastructure, and the subsequent loss of ‘familiar’ space; yet the merchant guild and its mahajan (guild leader) see a future where they can reinvent themselves as successfully as in the past. Though the market still operates successfully today, the future of the place as a wholesale market is uncertain.
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1
goods are transported from the countryside to the city
pastt
goods are stored and 2 sold at the madhavpura wholesale market who 3
4
8
taxes applied only on the trucks entering the walled city trucks transport the goods to the city center
present
1
goods are transported from the countryside to the city
2 all trucks are taxed prior to entering the city ever morning; by law, trucks are no longer allowed to drive the city streets from 9 am to 5pm 3 multiple trucks navigate the congested city streets 4 goods are stored and sold at the madhavpura wholesale market; drivers remain at the market until 5pm when they are able to leave 5
goods are distributed throughout the city
The expansion of the city proper has subsumed Madhavpura Market into the congested inner old city. Although the location is no longer advantageous for a wholesale market, the location in the city center on a major axes is valuable for other many other uses. 9
contents
[site]
2-9
analysis patterns in the indian city
12
the organic accretive
14
transitions&territory
34
modularity
48
climatic responses
62
hierarchy embeddedness incremental growth
soft urban edge plinth space/activity symbiosis
of
identity within conformity parallel wall system shop as a container
heat shade wind rain
table
[project]
80-89
synthesis the project
90
genesis +patterns
116
conclusion
130
patterns project
analysis
patterns in the indian city the organic accretive transitions&territory modularity climatic responses
the organic accretive city hierarchy
connections •nodes •scale •
embeddedness incremental growth
hierarchy:connections Within the Indian city, there is a hierarchy of connections similar to the branches or vascular system of a tree. The primary streets are the large and important connectors that link major nodes in the city. Secondary streets branch off of the primary and connect less important or semi-public spaces. Tertiary streets, small in size but great in number, connect the semi-private spaces. Madhavpura Market is located at an intersection of two primary connections, and is accessed via secondary streets. The convuluted nature of the entry paths contributes to semi-private nature of the wholesale marketplace. Currenly there are three main access points by which trucks carrying goods, customers, and wholesalers all enter the site. The most important access point is to the north of the site. Multiple entrances are important to the functioning of the marketplace, should blockages or congestion occur at any one location.
16 the organic accretive cityhierarchy
primary streets
secondary streets
tertiary streets
hierarchy the organic accretive city 17
hierarchy:nodes In botany, a node is defined as the point on a stem where a leaf is attached. Similarly, chowk in Hindi-Urdu means the place where paths intersect. In the Indian city, the intersection of primary connections often creates a primary node; the same is the case with secondary and tertiary streets, respectively, all the way down to the most private and purely domestic space, the interior courtyard.
18 the organic accretive cityhierarchy
private:home:haveli
domestic courtyard
manu sobti
semi-private:community:pol
small temple
shared space
notice board
birdfeeder
pol gate
public:intersection:chowk
civic monuments
jami mosque
market or open space
hierarchy the organic accretive city 19
hierarchy:nodes The intersection of two primary streets near the Madhavpura Market marks the location of the Delhi Darwaza, the original gate to the north of the old city. The core of the market is wrapped in a layered shell ranging from public to semi-private, protecting its semi-private nature.
Semi-Private Wholesaler Residential Mixed Use Madhavpura Marketplace is wrapped in three different layers of land use varying from semi-private to semi-public. The adjacency of these three different typologies to the marketplace supports the notion that Madhavpura has the potential to support alternative functions.
20 the organic accretive cityhierarchy
Special Buildings Temples
There are two temples to the north of the site. The temple nearest to the site serves the predominantly
HINDU population
working in the wholesale marketplace.
Mahajan’s Office The office of the Mahajan, or guild leader, is located in the symbolic CENTER of the site on the 2nd floor, above the wholesalers and drivers.
Plan of the circular city of Baghdad (c. 766 AD) by Caliph Al-Mansoor. http://www.islamicarchitecture.org/ The central location of the palace marks an important spot within the city, allowing for views around the site. Note the change in scale from bays of the inner ring, to the bays of the outer ring. Additionally there are 4 controlled entry points into the site that mark the mark the directions NE, SE, NW, SW.
Delhi Darwaza This Darwaza, or gate, marks the entrance into the old city of Ahmadabad from the north. In the past, goods would be taxed at this gate before entering the city, but today the gate is as a civic monument.
hierarchy the organic accretive city 21
hierarchy:scale
0
22 the organic accretive cityhierarchy
50’
concrete/masonry
wood
1/16:1
public
semi-private/private
hierarchy the organic accretive city 23
the organic accretive city hierarchy
embeddedness incremental growth
embeddedness
facade of the temple acts as an interface with the surrounding environment
26 the organic accretive cityembeddedness
body of the temple is undiscernable from the urban fabric, but deterimines the axes embeddednessthe organic accretive city 27
the organic accretive city hierarchy embeddedness
incremental growth
incremental growth
lateral growth
vertical growth
1
30 the organic accretive cityincremental growth
2
Territory is claimed, and stolen, through additions that create a push and pull of the facade, similar to cabinetry.
4
3
Temporary structures claim space that over time becomes permanent stolen space. (see parallel wall systems: variation.)
incremental growththe organic accretive city 31
transitions&territory soft urban edge plinth space/activity symbiosis
soft urban edge
primary street
34 transitions&territory soft urban edge
secondary street
1/32” = 1’-0” tertiary street: Madhavpura Market
soft urban edge transitions&territory
transitions&territory soft urban edge
plinth space/activity symbiosis
plinth
cook. 1
38 transitions&territory plinth
gather.
2
clean.
sleep. 3
transitions as a means of claiming territory.
plinth transitions&territory 39
transitions&territory soft urban edge plinth
space/activity symbiosis
space/activity symbiosis pauses
while observing the movement of pedestrians, it was noticed that some pause more than others, and the purpose of their movement seemed to be to watch those that were moving. shop owners do business at the front of their shops, (see also: shop as a container) also contributing to the watched and watching dynamic.
Khas Bazaar, near Teen Darwaza
paths the main path for vehicular and pedestrian movement is the street. those pedestrians that have business on this particular street will use the sidewalk, pausing frequently. traffic across the urban island is partially impeded by various obstacles, including racks, tables, or grates.
anchor point
a permanent element, in this case a tree with a plinth, acts as an anchor point from which other temporary elements attach to create an island of space.
urban island
urban islands are spaces outside of the flow traffic. various activities take place on urban islands, including parking, sales transactions, conversations, gatherings, and pausing.
pedestrian traffic vehicular traffic
42 transitions&territory space/activity symbiosis
Madhavpura Wholesale Market
urban island
parking and stalls selling snacks attach to anchor points to create temporary spaces.
anchor points
a tree with a plinth and a stand alone building provide permanent elements to which temporary items.
paths
people and trucks travel in front of the shops to unload goods through the front.
pauses
small groups gather in the market.
space/activity symbiosis transitions&territory 43
modularity identity within conformity parallel wall system shop as a container
identity within conformity
46 modularity identity within conformity
fatehpur sikri
Entire encampment built in a post and lintel system. e s e l p l e e e m c m e i e n a n l t t a a l l identity within conformitymodularity 47
modularity identity within conformity
parallel wall system shop as a container
parallel wall system -determi -determinded by -determin material i l spans -typically timber wood framing -10-12’ bays
-defining a non-linear, layered edge. -typically created by impermanent additions (see incremental growth.)
50 modularity parallel wall system
object
sacred
urban
parallel wall systemmodularity 51
modularity identity within conformity parallel wall system
shop as a container
shop as a container
goods storeage
private office
wholesalers plinth
1/16� - 1’ - 0�
drivers enter from the front
54 modularity shop as a container
shop as a container modularity 55
climatic responses heat shade wind rain
heat
Average Temperatures (degrees F) Ahmadabad, India
120 100 91 72
80
82
60
Average # of Days above 90F Ahmadabad, India
40
Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sep Oct NovDecYear Avg. High
30
Avg. Low
Mean
25 20 15 10
Yearly 212
5 0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
58 climatic responses heat
Weather Data: www.weatherbase.com
modularity
the organic accretive
Mitigating Heat Gain Previous patterns, to varying degrees are in part responses to the climate.
transitions & territory
heat climatic responses 59
climatic responses heat
shade wind rain
shade
urban canyons are created when dense clusters of tall buildings are aggregated around narrow spaces. Urban canyons create favorable microclimates, as they are well shaded and can create conditions that increase wind flow due to the venturi effect. (Bourbia, 249.)
62 climatic responses shade
depth “Both horizontal and vertical shades are particularly effective on facades that do not face the south. On the west facade of the Millowners’ Building, in Ahmadabad, India, by Le Corbusier, the horizontal elements shade in the early afternoon when the sun is high and the angled vertical elements shade in the later afternoon when the sun is low and in the west.” (Brown, 262.)
climatic responses heat and sunlight shadows
wind rain
wind
Average Wind Speeds (in mph) Ahmadabad, India
8 7 6 5 4 3
The southwest is the prevailing direction for cool winds as well as intense sunlight throughout the year.
2 1 0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
66 climatic responses wind Weather Data: www.weatherbase.com
capture the sw wind, block the sw sun. B.V. Doshi’s design for the studio block at CEPT University, Ahmadabad, India, simultaneously captures and directs the prevailing southwest wind into the studios while shielding the interior from the intense sunlight from the same direction. (B.V . Doshi, Guest Lecture.)
climatic responses heat and sunlight shadows wind
rain
rain Average Precipitation (in inches) Ahmadabad, India
12
The southwest monsoon brings a humid climate from mid-June to mid-September, including cool winds and much needed rainfall.
10 8 6 4 2 0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
70 climatic responses rain
Weather Data: www.weatherbase.com
tankas In the traditional pols of Ahmadabad, both houses and temples use underground tanks, called tankas, to hold clean rainwater for use throughout the year. Many traditional homes are equipped with welldesigned systems of copper pipes and dark underground pumps sufficiently large to hold a full year’s rainwater supply for drinking needs. (Design for India; Sobti.) rain climatic responses 71
[introduction:project]
introduction: the project a framework
An intervention for Madvapura Market must deal with the conflict, contestation, adjustment and reconciliation between the past, present and future; it must concurrently esteem, embrace and innovate. The proposed project creates a framework that enhances the current functioning of the wholesale market, while allowing for and encouraging the natural evolution that is innate in Indian urban environment. The proposed project does not, however, seek to streamline or calm the perceived chaos of the market, but instead recognizes the need to reexamine the notion of “chaos� from the western perspective, when dealing with the urban environment. The ability of the proposed framework to evolve, communicate, and interweave with the existing fabric of the city is dependent on the ability of the built form to address the contextual norms related to place and reality. To be contextual, a building must recognize the patterns that exist within the environment.
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parasitic the framework attaching to the existing fabric
symbiotic the framework interlocking with the existing fabric
From the early stages of the process, there was a desire to develop a dialogue between the existing urban fabric and the proposed intervention. This dialogue is not fully conveyed in static architectural drawings, but is identified and isolated in “stills� of the framework within its trajectory through a virtually animate field.
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drivers’ ground level parking 76 spatial organization
storeage
restrooms
canteena
clinic
connective tissue
drivers’ mezzanine restrooms
canteena
clinic
rest areas 77
spatial organization
connective tissue
wholesalers’ level canteena 78 spatial organization
meeting rooms
bank
private offices
structural systems
connective tissue
mahajans’ level meeting rooms
admin office
document storeage
mahajan’s office 79
spatial organization
introduction: the project
t i m e l i n e The final, finite building form is very often said to be the result of a cut, more or less arbitrary, into a morphological continuum a kind of ‘still’ isolated from a larger animate sequence unfolding according to the autopoetic imperatives. (Payne) 80
meeting rooms
water stations
bank
canteena
support
mahjan’s office
admin offices
meeting rooms
center
framework
Xdemolish existing mahajan’s office
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regenerate
grow
specialize
evolve
thicken
synthesis the project
synthesis: the project
hierarchy connections
The wholesale market exists at a major primary intersection, so the access points off of the secondary streets remain to reinforce the semi-private nature of the market. All three entries are needed to relieve congestion from within the market, particularly in the case that one becomes blocked and does not function.
nodes
84 the project hierarchy
The mahajan’s office remains in the center for symbolic and functional reasons. Symbolically, the center marks the point of focus and control for the site. Functionally, the mahajan’s office at the center of the site assists in way finding and affords views to the extents of the site.
social In order to provide for the best views of the site, the mahajan’s office is located at the uppermost level of the built environment, easily accessible to the wholesalers the level below. The wholesalers are, in turn, accessible to the drivers operating on the ground level below, thus reinforcing the chain of command present in the marketplace. (Side note: during the design phase, I questioned whether or not social hierarchies should be reinforced architecturally; after a discussion with the professor for the course, Manu Sobti, it was decided that in this particular case disrupting the complex social hierarchies present in this marketplace could be detrimental to the functioning of the marketplace as a whole.
scale The mahajan’s office is given the longest bay, allowing for unobstructed views around the site and large conferences. The bay size on the wholesalers’ level is 16’ and accommodates multiple meeting rooms. The bay size of the drivers’ levels is 8’ to allow for private resting and storage compartments.
hierarchy the project
85
synthesis: the project
embeddedness The body of the building is locked into the regular framework of the site and undiscernable from the facade. The two major facades of the building address the major axes of the site. 86 the project embeddedness
embeddedness the project
87
synthesis: the project
incremental growth mat building type
The mat building type consists of a repetitive, low structure that has the potential to grow and, in this instance, interlock with the existing fabric. In order to allow for connections with the surrounding buildings, the parallel wall system of the existing fabric needed to be roughly congruous with the proposed framework. Taking into consideration the existing lines of the site, the orientation of both the sun and wind, and adaptability, a regular grid system was planned. 88 the project incremental growth
incremental growth the project
89
synthesis: the project
90 the project incremental growth
incremental growth the project 91
synthesis: the project
the project soft urban edge. plinth. space/activity symbiosis.
the framework creates multiple anchor points and shades the activities that take place on the urban island the large courtyard has been broken down into paths that are well shaded and have a directional quality
ample width is given to allow for additions may be used as auction platforms
synthesis: the project
the project identity within conformity
1/16” = 1’-0”
identity within conformity the project
synthesis: the project continuity A regular grid system was implemented in order to shield the intense southwest sunlight and to allow for growth and adaptability (see also, incremental growth: mat building type.)
variation Subtle variations of the wall length correspond with the width of path needed for soft transitions and two-way truck traffic on the wholesaler side. Every other wall is truncated to allow ample room for for parking, while still being able to maintain the 8’ bay length on the ground level (see also, hierarchy:social; scale.) Note: Variations in the Indian urban fabric are largely user-defined and therefore are not forced in the project.
96 the project parallel wall system
N parallel wall system the project 97
the project shop as a container
the shop as a container The wholesalers’ operations at the front of their shops is uninterrupted. Drivers unload trucks through the front of the wholesale shops, or keep possession of goods on the truck or in storage containers. The drivers now have a perch at the front of their container from which they can watch the movement in the market as well as guard their goods and truck. A plinth in front of their parking and storage unit allows for the auctioning of goods.
shop as a container the project 99
synthesis: the project
shade In its most basic and permeable state, the framework acts as a inhabitable brise soleil for the existing buildings of the marketplace. As the infill increases (whether it be with shipping containers, temporary structures, storage, etc.) the potential to shade the surface area of the site increases. The combination of vertical and horizontal elements shade throughout the early to late afternoon, when the sun is most intense.
100the project shade
early facade study
shade the project101
synthesis: the project shade The framework is deep enough to create cool shaded spaces within, and tall enough to cast shadows on the path below.
the project shade
shade the 1/16”project = 1’-0” shade the project
synthesis: the project shade The parallel wall system extends past the floor system, casting shadows down the length of the facade. Urban canyons are created as narrow paths brake down the site. The cooling effects of the urban canyon microclimate are increased as the shipping containers stack vertically.
the project shade
1/16” = 1’-0”
shade the project
synthesis: the project
The framework is permeable to air movement, with only a few locations enclosed. The corner of the core building opens up to the southwest, exposing the circulation bridges.
106 the project wind
canteena
restrooms
Facilities requiring water are grouped under a traditional rainwater collection system on the roof.
water stations
rain the project107
genesis +adaptability kit-of-parts •evolution •
+sustainability
+adaptability: kit-of-parts
8’
kit of parts The basic unit for the project is a set of concrete parallel walls, infilled with shipping containers. The containers fit within the 8’ module specified and are resistant, durable, stackable, mobile, and cuttable. The quality of the spaces vary due to the thickness of the infill and the degree of specialization. The core building is an area where specialization increases to accommodate meetings rooms, offices and a conference room on the 2nd and 3rd levels. 110 +adaptability kit-of-parts
kit-of-parts+adaptability 111
+adaptability: evolution
wholesale market
112 +adaptability evolution
retail market
evolution+adaptability 113
evolution
office park
114 +adaptability evolution
residential pol
evolution+adaptability 115
genesis +adaptability •kit-of-parts •evolution
+sustainability
+sustainability
recycled materials
Shipping containers are durable, modular, and cheap, and prove to be a plentiful resource for a city not far from India’s western cost. Fly ash concrete uses waste fly ash, an industrial by-product with current annual generation of approximately 108 million tonnes, as an inexpensive replacement for portland cement used in concrete. Fly ash improves strength, segregation, and ease of pumping the concrete. Improved workability means less water is needed, a valuabe feature in a country where water is at times scarce. 118 +sustainability materials
(Jha, C.N; Toolbase)
passive design
Permeable frameworks allow for natural ventilation and cooling. Layers of shade create deep, shaded spaces to help control heat without consuming money or energy. The orientation of the frameworks block sunlight and allow for adaptability and growth without needing to rebuild and waste resources. Establishing a wet zone creates a
core for easy distribution of rainwater collected from the roof above.
materials +sustainability 119
conclusion the interface between the built and unbuilt bibliography
the interface between the built and unbuilt 122
The built design consists of concrete and shipping containers, dimensions and locations. The unbuilt design is the spaces, the views, the light and the shade. The importance of this project, however, lies in the interface between the built and unbuilt. The interface between the built and the unbuilt is where the project evolves, communicates and interweaves with the existing fabric of the city. Great built environments such as Le Corbusier and Louis Kahn’s work in India are informative in many ways, including the techniques used to deal with the harsh climate; however neither architect had to address the Indian urban condition. Both the Millowners’ Association and the Indian Institute of Management are set back from the street in Ahmadabad’s new city, creating a disconnect between the life of the street and the monumental work of architecture. A design for Madhavpura Market must directly address the Indian urban condition, where built and unbuilt qualities are inextricably linked. The design of the framework reflects patterns of the built Indian city, and in turn, fosters the unbuilt qualities of the Indian city. This exchange between the qualities observed and the qualities applied gives the project the potential to grow and adapt within the urban fabric and, in essence, create an animate building.
patterns project 123
bibliography 124
Al-Mansoor, Caliph. Plan of the circular city of Baghdad (c. 766 AD). 10 Apr 2008 <http://www.islamicarchitecture.org/>. Bourbia, F., and H. B. Awbi. “Building cluster and shading in urban canyon for hot dry climate.” Renewable Energy 29.2 (2004): 249-262. Brown, G.Z., and Mark DeKay. Sun, Wind & Light: Architectural Design Strategies. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 2001. Design for India. “Rainwater Harvesting.” 07 May 2008. < http://design-for-india.blogspot.com/2008/03/rainwater-harvesting-furaat-systems.html>. Doshi, B.V. Guest Lecture. India Winterim. Sangath, Ahmadabad, India. 11 Jan 2008. Jha, C.N. and J. K. Prasad. “Fly Ash: A Resource Material for Innovative Building Material-Indian Perspective.” Building Materials and Technology Promotion Council. 22 Apr 2008 Payne, Andrew. “Surfacing the New Sensorium.” Praxis Journal of Writing and Building 9 (2007): 5-13. Rothko, Mark. Orange and Yellow. 1956. Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Buffalo, NY. 15 Apr 2008. <http://gardengeneral.wordpress.com/2007/06/19/mark-rothko-orange-and-yellow-1956-yellow-red-red-1954/>. Sobti, Manu. India Winterim and Studio. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Jan-Jun 2008. Andre, Carl. Equivalent VII. 1966. Tate Collection. 06 May 2008. < http://www.tate.org.uk/servlet/ViewWork?workid=508>. Toolbase Services. “Fly Ash Concrete.” 22 Apr 2008. <http://www.toolbase.org/Technology-Inventory/Foundations/fly-ash-concrete >. Weatherbase. “Historical Weather for Ahmadabad India.” 07 May 2008. < http://www.weatherbase.com>. Path: Search: Ahmadabad; Summary. Wikipedia. May 2008. <www.wikipedia.org>
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