RECLAIMING MODERNITY

Keeping in mind the constraints of the site and the context around, the form evolved from the conscious decision to propose a design solution that would not be imposing in a residential neighbourhood, along a narrow access corridor - rather would entice the public to approach it.

A 3 metre high boundary wall shields the rest of the site from view, which is punctured to allow a visual and physical connect from the road, right across the site, and over to the Golf Course on the opposite side - pulling the user in and beckoning them to explore the Learning Centre. Further, Colombo has a special relationship with water and this is accentuated by the canal adjacent to the site which is mirrored by a large water body as soon as one enters the Centre.

Floor Plan LVL -6.0M

Floor Plan LVL -3.0M

In the age of optimized fast construction, traditional modernism can play a crucial role in preserving culture, imparting knowledge and also helping in upskill workers to understand and learn the process of building using techniques that are vernacular and sustainable at the same time.

The site continues to evolve and change over over time. Not only does the centre impart learning through its program but also through the structure itself. Zones have been identified - the classroom block + the workshop space - which provide a hands-on experience by allowing students as well as the public to participate in the construction process, physically alter the appearance of the structure and ultimately understand building techniques. In essence the Learning Centre is in itself one large exhibit.

The Learning Centre caters to a diverse group of users. Who through their experience of learning from the spaces within the program as well as through the site itself eventually become custodians of the centre and help pass on that knowledge to future generations.

Rammed earth, Rubble, Bricks, Bamboo and Concrete comprise the materials used to design the Learning Centre. The selection of the same was dependant on their ability to:

• Appear true to their form

• Allow room for modifications

• Highlight traditional techniques of construction

• Be cost effective

• Be sustainable

• Be able to employ local craftsman and artisans

LAND-USE

TOPOGRAPHY

BUILT UP

The Built-Up areas include all the areas that come near or are affected by the area to be intervened. This is even more apparant because there is only informal settlement around the site of internvention.

Minimal range of contour levels are observed on the site. With a maximum level difference of +5FT which when considered in an urban area of this scale is negligible.

Land-Use is distributed unequally with a more number of residential areas as compared to other landuses.

Building Types and Uses residential commerical educational industrial

HEIGHTS

TRANSPORT

The major transport facilities in and around the area of intervention are auto-rickshaw stops and bus stops. A pedestrian path has to be introduced to reduce dependency on traditional means of transportation facilities here.

The main area has the highest building height of more than the average of 5 stories. But some of them are way more than even 10 or 8 stories and a very few are above 15 stories.

> 6 stories

< 6 stories

< 2 stories

GREEN AREAS

The area has very less green areas and no apparant continuous connection of Green Areas within the city. A continuous path of Green Path has to be created along the road and street.

STREET PATTERNS