to promote and activate interaction among socio-economic classes in a divided urban context An Undergraduate Architectural Thesis by Varun Michael Pais
TO PROMOTE AND ACTIVATE INTERACTION AMONG SOCIOECONOMIC GROUPS IN A DIVIDED URBAN CONTEXT ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN THESIS REPORT IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT FOR THE AWARD OF THE DEGREE OF BACHELORS IN ARCHITECTURE (B.ARCH)
SUBMITTED BY VARUN MICHAEL PAIS 4CM15AT900
THESIS GUIDE: KRISHNAPRIYA RAJSHEKAR
VISVESARAYA TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY, BELGAVI WADIYAR CENTRE FOR ARCHITECTURE, MYSURU AUGUST 2020 i
wadiyar centre for architecture bonafide certificate Certificate that this project report “To Promote and Activate Interaction Among Socioeconomic Classes in a Divided Urban Context” is the bonafide work of “Varun Michael Pais” with USN Number “4CM15AT900” who carried out the project work under our supervision.
Signature Prof. Nagesh H D Principal
SIGNATURE
Name: Krishnapriya Rajshekar Thesis Guide
Name: Anna Cherian Thesis Co-ordinator
Name: Examiner
Name: Examiner
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Declaration I hereby declare that this thesis “To Promote and Activate Interaction Among Socioeconomic Classes in a Divided Urban Context� is a bonafide work carried out by me under the guidance of Krishnapriya Rajshekar, faculty at Wadiyar Centre for Architecture, Mysuru. This thesis or part therefore has not been submitted previously for the Award of any Degree/Diploma or for any other purpose. The references from various sources are duly acknowledged. Date: 10th August 2020
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acknowledgement This thesis, an initial attempt to understands circumstances that I believe are important to address, is an amalgamation of all that I have understood so far of the relevance of Architecture and the role that it can play in making the world a better place. I am forever indebted to all those who have been influential to the way I see, feel and understand the world and my role in it today. There are many, but I would like to mention those who have been guiding forces throughout the journey of this thesis. My guide, Krishnapriya Rajshekar, for making me ask tough questions, opening my eyes to new ways of thinking and learning, and inculcating a habit of hard work, proper research and understanding. I cherish all our discussions and debates as the clarity of the problems I am addressing in this thesis would not even exist if it weren’t for you. Prashant Pole and Dyan Belliappa for their guidance at different stages. R Kiran Kumar, Shreyas Baindur, Namrata Toraskar, Anna Cherian and the rest of the faculty at Wadiyar Centre for Architecture for their enthusiasm and selflessness as teachers. Ceejo Cyriac and Srinivas HV for their valuable inputs while developing the final proposal for the thesis. BL Manjunath for his passion of sturctures and showing me the importance of its details from an idea to how it can be conceived. P Venu Gopal for one of my most eye opening discussions that I had during the journey of this thesis. I would like to thank my batch, for their constant companionship throughout my years in college and to all those who’ve pretended to have the patience to listen to my continuous lecturing. To Niranjan P and Ishawar Sandesh for their constant critiques, support and perspectives on what I have been saying. To all those who’ve helped me along the way, Ani, Varsha Urs, Varsha Gowda, Danny, Rujul and Sanjana, thank you! To Saanya, Kavan and John, thank you for always being critical of my work and understanding of my intentions, I reserve a deep sense of gratitude and respect for you three and your help has been compelling. To my family, Mom, Anna, Dhruv and Nani for their constant support and everlasting belief in me. You have helped shape me into who I want to be and I am ever so grateful for your love and influence in my life. To Veena for her support and care, especially since the pandemic, thank you! Lastly, to my father, Nelson Pais, who has not just been a pillar of support but my guiding star. Thank you for believing in me, letting me grow and nurturing me into the architect that I am today. You have always gone above and beyond to support me and I hope that the excitement and passion for architecture that we share is imperishable.
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content Bonafide Certificate Declaration Acknowledgements Abstract Introduction Objectives Limitations Hypothesis PART ONE: INQUIRY 1. Aspirations 2. Ways of Life 3. The Divide 4. No-Divide 5. Sensibilities, Inclusiveness, Belongingness 6. Architecture’s Role PART TWO: STUDY 7. Gokulam 8. Gokulam 1st Main Road 9. Case StudieS PART THREE: PROPOSAL
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09 11 17 19 23 31
37 43 51
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References Appendix A Appendix B
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abstract This research is an investigation of the current relationship that exists between different socioeconomic groups within the public realm. The intention is to understand the existing fabric of an urban neighbourhood in its entirety, from the reason different socioeconomic groups live in proximity, the existing inequality, to the manner in which they interact and how each group uses the public spaces that tie them together. The research explores the need for public mixing and the benefits of interaction between socioeconomic groups in public space and how that contributes to the quality life. The thesis aims at identifying where architecture can play a role, through an analysis of different programmatic and building solutions at different scales, all with the intention of facilitating interaction among different socioeconomic groups and mitigating the divide that exists between them today.
To Promote and Activate Interaction Among Socioeconomic Groups in a Divided Urban Context
Architectural Thesis | Varun Michael Pais | 4CM15AT900
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introduction Cities in today’s global world run on a system that benefit a few. This few are identified as the one percent or the people that have control over the progress of a city. Andy Merryfield, in his work The New Urban Question (2014), terms the ‘one percent’ as Parasites. He talks about an urban system that was formed through capitalist ideals that allowed for a few people to make decisions at a level that is above what is portrayed to an average tax payer. “How much of the cake and for whom?”, a familiar analogy to where one stands in context of the city. A question that, for some reason is never asked, is, who bakes the cake? Or as Merryfield puts it ‘Who decides?’ and ‘Who decides who decides?’. The answer to this, as mentioned above, is that small group of privileged individuals who have been fortunate enough to have everything that they could ask for at their feet. But of course, that is never enough, isn’t it? (Merryfield, 2014) The way parasites live their lives, tends to trickle down to the other 99% of the urban population in an aspirational sense that such is an ‘ideal way of life’. That how big one’s house is or how expensive their car is what everything boils down to in the end. This influence of the unachievable tends to have people constantly worrying about their status in society. What effect does this have on a city? How does it alter the manner in which people relate to certain cultures or areas of a city? How does one consider something to be bad or good? Cities are diverse and are acceptive of everyone who comes to them. The nature in which people are accommodated vary, primarily on the basis of their economic status – some can afford to buy/rent their own place and some cannot. People end up taking meaning from the physical cues that different areas of a city portray. Physical cues such as location, cleanliness, the size of houses and the overall maintenance of an area, are triggers for people to judge a space. Amos Rapoport,
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in his book, The Meaning of the Built Environment (1982,1990), talksabout how these physical cues are a means for judgement of the ‘type of people’ who live in different areas. This judgement criteria is based on an understanding of what social hierarchy is to each ‘type of people’. Of how one would associate meaning of a place being ‘good’ or ‘bad’ and hence the people of that place would in turn be ‘good’ or ‘bad’ respectively. (Rapoport, 1982, 1990) Aspirations levels and achievements lead to a variety of different ‘living systems’ that one could find in a city. The cost of housing and one’s capacity to afford the same creates a stark difference in the way in which people live. Living systems vary from large individual house (or mansions), smaller individual houses and apartments, dense low-income housing complexes, to informal settlements – such as a slum. The nature of these living systems are utterly different in every sense. Density, built quality, open space, street widths, boundary walls are physical factors that affect the manner in which the inhabitants of these spaces behave. The denser the living system the smaller the houses tend to be. This leads to a variety of activity having to take place outside the houses on the streets. This allows for chance encounters, accidental meetings and interaction with neighbours and other inhabitants of the locality. The larger the houses and more spread out they become, there is less chance for such accidental encounters. Once the houses having large boundary walls around them such that visual connect itself is blocked, the nature of incidental interaction that takes place with one’s neighbours is minimal and almost absent. The ‘essence of a neighborhood’ tends to fade away as one nears their aspirations. A neighborhood, is not about the proximity of people or how populous an area is. It is about the idea of engaging as a community, by chance or otherwise, allowing
for a healthy relationship where all those that belong are accepted without any form of distinction or discrimination. The basic idea of a way of living that in some sense is inclusive of all. Due to the nature of a city, it is not surprising to note that all forms of urban living systems are in closer proximity to one and other than what would be perceived. The fact that one would assume that there is a distant physical separation between social class comes from the associated meanings that one makes with a place. However, this distance is not physical but notional. Different socio-economic classes having different notions of living systems, that exist in proximity of each other, are dependent on each other, yet are in isolation of each other can be, what this research acknowledges and terms as a ‘Divided Urban Context’. This thesis aims at exploring the ways in which this divide manifests itself in tangible and intangible ways in the urban context of Indian cities. The thesis also aims at understanding the benefits of mitigating this divide and the possible benefits of activating and promoting interaction amongst various socio-economic classes. It also intends to identify means in which architecture can intervene and to what extent it would have to extend or limit its role in order to breach the gaps in divided urban contexts that we see today.
objectives To identify existing ways of life and how our aspirations play a role in the way our neighbourhoods are planned. To understand if and where social divide exists within urban neighbourhoods and where is it more apparent. To explore the role that architecture and design has to play with respect to the idea of social inclusion. To identify where and how in the urban environment can the idea of social inclusion be infused.
limitations The probability of identifying fixed functions for an architectural solution that could support the research of the thesis. The identification of the right scale for the intervention, or whether there even is one. The COVID-19 Pandemic and the limitation of resources available during the period of this thesis.
hypothesis Architectures role within the ideas of social inclusion are limited but not insignificant. If interventions come from an understanding of the people and the place, they can be influential, provided the role of architecture with respect to social inclusion is understood.
To Promote and Activate Interaction Among Socioeconomic Groups in a Divided Urban Context
Architectural Thesis | Varun Michael Pais | 4CM15AT900
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01 aspirations This thesis started with questioning why we live the way we live today. In other words, I was trying to understand how our cities took shape in the last few decades, what were primary factors that caused this formation and how the resultant architecture of the common person formed. Zoya Akhtar’s Gully Boy had released around the same time I began asking questions that soon became relevant to what the thesis evolved into. The movie, set in Dharavi, gives an insight into the multiple layers of life that one goes through, from family and monetary problems to societal issues that our country goes through till today. Today, we see large amounts of urban migration taking place, people flocking into cities in search of work, hoping that they can find their true calling as well as, of course, make enough money to have a ‘good and comfortable life’. The portrayal of this good and comfortable life, comes from what one perceives of how the one percent (or parasites, as Andy Merrifield prefers to call them) lives. If this is an ideal way of life, then in someways, one can say that we are all in some sort of a race to reach the top of a social status ladder that is never ending. This race is very well depicted in Steve Cutts short film - Happiness. An interesting question that kept coming up during the initial stages of trying to understand aspirations itself was - when can it be called an aspiration? The next step was to observe whether aspirations could be perceived within the built environment, which is elaborated on in the next chapter.
To Promote and Activate Interaction Among Socioeconomic Groups in a Divided Urban Context
Architectural Thesis | Varun Michael Pais | 4CM15AT900
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ways of life Do our aspirations get reflected in our built environments, if yes, then how obvious are they and what do certain elements of our built environment tell us when it comes to the type of people who live in a neighbourhood and how they differ from the others that live there? Would these aspiration be easier to depict in larger cities and metropolises than in tier-two and tier-three cities? To arrive at answers for these questions, neighbourhoods were looked at in two different cities - Pune and Mysore.
To Promote and Activate Interaction Among Socioeconomic Groups in a Divided Urban Context
Architectural Thesis | Varun Michael Pais | 4CM15AT900
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pilot study Wanawadi, Pune The area observed in Wanawadi is primarily residential in nature. The study included identifying and categorizing different living systems based on the market value of the apartments and homes and the rent per month. There are resultant zones of friction that evolve due to the physical proximity that different socioeconomic exist in. These zones are common point where two or more living systems meet, however the nature of the space and activities have an unspoken definition of who that particular zone is catering to.
area of study: 0.75km2
Wanawadi, Pune
2.1
Area of Observation
2.2
Categorization and Friction Zones
These friction zones are spaces and instances where there is evidence of aspirational differences and realities of life is apparent. Where for one this would be a space that caters to their needs and for the other it is a space that they need to avoid as it caters to an socioeconomic level that is too different from their own, such that they feel as if they do not belong.
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pilot study Gokulam, Mysore Ques Used for the Study
Mysore, being a smaller city with smaller neighbourhoods like Gokulam, do not have that stark of an identification of friction zones that exist. To study the idea of aspirations further, a study was done to understand the way people built on different streets within Gokulam. Gokulam is one the oldest neighbourhoods in Mysore and perceived as a safe and desirable area to live in. Certain parameters both morphological and intangible were observed. These included building heights, boundary walls, identical floor plans (very common in the middle class families of Mysore), street widths, street edges, presence of vehicles and services on the street.
These ques were derived from Amos Rapoport's The Meaning of the Built Environment and Sukhanya Krishnamurthy's Neglected? Strengthening the Morphological Study of Informal Settlements
area of study: 0.75km2
Gokulam, Mysore
2.3
Area of Observation
Building Heights
Boundary Walls
Street Edges
Street Widths
Identical Floor Plans
Vehicular Presence
Services
Security
exterior staircase to higher floors identical floor plans low boundary walls vehicular presence on street
2.4a
Area of Observation
2.4b
park opposite, no visual connect high boundary wall - large house unwelcoming boundary to park
2.5a
Area of Observation
2.5b
To Promote and Activate Interaction Among Socioeconomic Groups in a Divided Urban Context
Architectural Thesis | Varun Michael Pais | 4CM15AT900
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houses with commerical on ground vehicles on street wide road
2.6a
Area of Observation
2.6b
new and upcoming house house around 20 years old old traditional house
2.7a
Area of Observation
2.7b
traditional house 'katte' in the front, actively used undefined sidewalk area
2.8a
Area of Observation
2.8b
exterior staircase to higher floors
storage of material outside house
2.9a
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Area of Observation
2.9b
high boundary wall essential activity outised wall additional services along the edge
2.10a
Area of Observation
2.10b
identical floor plans EWS (jnnurm) housing high boundary wall vehicles on street
2.11a
Area of Observation
2.11b
single floor houses activity/seating outside the house narrow width of street
2.12a
Area of Observation
2.12b
Amos Rapoport in his book, The Meaning of the Built Environment (1982,1990), talks about how physical cues in a built environment are means for judgement of the ‘type of people’ who live in different areas. The cues derived for this study were based on cues that Rapoport mentions in his book. The judgement criteria is based on an understanding of what social hierarchy is to each ‘type of people’ and how one would associate meaning of a place being ‘good’ or ‘bad’ and hence the people of the place would in turn be good or bad respectively.
To Promote and Activate Interaction Among Socioeconomic Groups in a Divided Urban Context
Architectural Thesis | Varun Michael Pais | 4CM15AT900
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To take the observations further as to how people actually respond to common spaces on their street itself, a study was done of three different living systems and how their respective residents respond to their boundary and the street itself, or in other words, the first stage into the public realm.
At a large home with a high boundary wall the response to the street is setting up a barrier between ones private and public. All associations that the residents have are of those within the home.
2.13
At a medium sized home, the boundary walls are normally shorter and there is some visual connect that is there on either side of the threshold. The residents tend to take care of the entrance of their homes by washing it and putting rangoli on the street. 2.14
At the level of EWS housing, there suddenly is a large amount of activity that takes place outside the home, from washing clothes and storage to sleeping and makeshift living room/kitchen spaces that come out when needed.
2.15
There definitely is a larger amount of social interaction between neighbours of lower income groups in common spaces within their residential areas. Is this just due to the lack of space that exists and hence people learn to share and adjust? Or is there more to it? Do we as people chose to share our spaces only when we do not have another option?
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2.16
2.17 2.18
03 the divide From intial studies of aspirations and the way they reflect in our built environment, observes various aspects that cause the differences and their repercussions within our social structure of the manner in which we live in neighbourhoods and cities today. Different socioeconomic groups having different notions of living systems, that exist in physical proximity of each other, are dependent on each other, yet are in a notional isolation from each other, is what this research acknowledges and terms as a Divided Urban Context
To Promote and Activate Interaction Among Socioeconomic Groups in a Divided Urban Context
Architectural Thesis | Varun Michael Pais | 4CM15AT900
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no divide Are there situations where this divide ceases to exist? Do scenarios or instances in our daily lives arise where social hierarchy is not a deciding factor for and how we behave with people who are not like us? An exploration of possible cases, both short and long term, gives us an insight to the benefits of what can be achieved when we set our differences aside and become a part of something that is more than just ourselves. To Promote and Activate Interaction Among Socioeconomic Groups in a Divided Urban Context
Architectural Thesis | Varun Michael Pais | 4CM15AT900
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SHORT TERM Small Scale (0-5 m2) Several activities that we do on a daily basis tend to be in spaces that are shared by all socioeconomic groups. Though the activities may be mundane, they are still important situations that exhibit the idea of nodivide. Where no matter what status of society we belong to, we all tend to behave in similar ways, setting aside our differences. Some of these activities are as simple as purchasing groceries from a street vendor or at a market, after school/work activities, street food. All of these activities are a part of our everyday and our instances that, though exist for short periods of time, are democratic in nature.
4.1
Street Vendor
4.3 Pani-Puri
4.5 Coconut
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Wala
Seller
4.2 Juice
4.4 Chai
Shop
Wala
4.6 Public
Water Facility
v v mohalla Market Study On Temple road, in Mysore, there is a small vegetable market that is housed within a conservancy lane. It sits behind a large house and shares the boundary wall with it’s servant quarters. The conservancy lane also has a small shrine. The surrounding context is diverse in terms of the various socio-economic groups that exist. Intrestingly, all those who reside in the area choose to use this small market. During peak hours, it is buzzing with people bargaining for the lowest proces they can get. In the afternoons, a majority of the vendors have a small tv that they watch to kill time. Outside the market, there are several food stalls, that set-up their shop in the evenings. 4.7
4.8
Context map
4.9 Sectional
Perspective of the market
4.10 Plan
of the Conservancy lane
To Promote and Activate Interaction Among Socioeconomic Groups in a Divided Urban Context
Architectural Thesis | Varun Michael Pais | 4CM15AT900
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SHORT TERM
long TERM
Large Scale The concept of no-divide is even more apparent when it comes to large gatherings of people for events, festivities, celebrations or even to support a common cause (something that is very common in the form of protests that we are seeing all over the world today). These are situations where people from all sorts of backgrounds, come together, set their differences aside and focus on what is more important at that moment, be it cheering on their country during a cricket match or fighting for their rights.
4.11 Festivals
4.12 Sports
4.13 Social
All of instances mentioned above are short term activities where the interaction with different people is limited to standard amount of time. Higher educational institutions show that when students join such a space, there may be some sort of social judgement that takes place initially, but over time, those differences are set aside and the desire to learn, share and grow takes precedent.
(Ganesh Chaturthi)
4.14
4.15
4.16
4.17
events (Cricket Match)
gatherings (Protest)
It would be interesting to see whether such a development could be observed at instances where the divide is most prominent. Can there be means through which people build a sense of emapthy towards each other and eventually reach a stage where we move on from just sharing space to possibly sharing knowledge? The layers of complexity are multifold in such spaces, though implementing ideas of no divide may prove to be beneficial to the overall quality of life and make our neighbourhoods and their public spaces friendlier.
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05 sensibilities inclusiveness belongingness What is the importance of social inclusion today? There are several organisations and governments that talk of its importance in making our cities inclusive from not just social, but economic, educational, spatial and other factors. When we look at this at the level of a city, there are various mediums and methods that are used including policies, rules, design, planning and more. But, is looking at the idea of inclusiveness from the overall city difficult to tackle. Instead of approaching this from a top down approach, can we look at this at other scales of intervention? Would trying to intervene the other way round, from smaller elements and groups be more efficient or could this be something that would have to be approached from an in-between scale like a neighbourhood? This chapter explores examples of places and organisations that work with the ideas of social inclusion and the methods that they use to implement the same.
To Promote and Activate Interaction Among Socioeconomic Groups in a Divided Urban Context
Architectural Thesis | Varun Michael Pais | 4CM15AT900
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medellin Columbia Medellin used to be a place of extreme violence, large drug cartels normally controlling the local governments and high amounts of corruption. They even had the highest homicide rate in the world in 1990 (World Bank). Like gaps that kept getting larger between the wealthy and the poor were enormous. The access to services, jobs (unless one would go work for a cartel) were limiting and in a lot of instances, unavailable. Medellin has come a long way since then. Their impressive turnaround has now made this a model city for change across the globe. And this is credited to strong and meaningful steps that the government took to insure greater inclusion. They started with identifying areas that were hardest hit by the violence and infused them with a range of public facilities including libraries, public school, transportation links and public schools. Such steps improved not just the opportunities for the underprivileged but allowed for the city to slowly become safer, healthier equitable and educated. Though cities around the world have attempted this before, there is something peculiar about the way Medellin took charge of this. They chose to implement the changes that they were making at policy levels for the overall city at the level of the detail. They focused strongly on the idea that the built environments that they were creating mattered but their details and importance to the street/human scale is what determined the idea of inclusion. They focused on three main factors while making sure that they were implemented for the benefit of the greater good of its people: Mobility, Services and Accessibility
Source: blogs.worldbank.com
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The results of Medellin’s integral urban project, which has invested in community-based infrastructure that has fostered inclusion and well-being . 5.1
5.2
These initiatives began in 2008
5.3
Scales that were addressed during decision making.
unesco Organisation Urbanization has been one of the most significant driving forces of recent global development. More than half the world’s population now lives in cities, and this proportion will continue to increase rapidly to reach 70% by 2050. But while urbanization is moving the global economy forward, rising inequality and exclusion within cities can derail development progress. In that context, the international community has acknowledged the need to create more inclusive cities, and to make sure that people can reap the benefits of urbanization. To make sure that tomorrow’s cities provide opportunities and better living conditions for all, it is essential to understand that the concept of inclusive cities involves a complex web of multiple spatial, social and economic factors: Spatial inclusion: urban inclusion requires providing affordable necessities such as housing, water and sanitation. Lack of access to essential infrastructure and services is a daily struggle for many disadvantaged households. Social inclusion: an inclusive city needs to guarantee equal rights and participation of all, including the most marginalized. Recently, the lack of opportunities for the urban poor, and greater demand for voice from the socially excluded have exacerbated incidents of social upheaval in cities Economic inclusion: creating jobs and giving urban residents the
Source: UNESCO
opportunity to enjoy the benefits of economic growth is a critic inclusion. To fight spatial segregation through actions such as: -Rebuilding districts in integrated ways. -Providing disadvantaged areas with quality public spaces and installations -Promoting diverse use of land -Encourage social mixing in housing selection -Removing architectural barriers that may isolate certain areas. The UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities is an international policy-oriented network of currently 170 active member cities from 53 countries providing inspiration, know-how and best practice. It is coordinated by the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning. The network supports member cities by: -Promoting policy dialogue and peer learning among member cities -Documenting effective strategies and good practices -Fostering partnerships -Providing capacity development and -Developing tools and instruments to design, implement, and monitor learning cities strategies.
5.4
To Promote and Activate Interaction Among Socioeconomic Groups in a Divided Urban Context
Architectural Thesis | Varun Michael Pais | 4CM15AT900
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project for public spaces Organisation In order to understand the needs and aspirations for a space and the community as a whole, placemaking is a tool used to transform public spaces. It is centered on the idea of observing, listening and questioning the people who live, work and play in a particular space. The placemaking process can be applied either in an existing space or planning a new space. As every situation is different, the steps wouldn’t be the same nor do they follow the same order. Hence, the project for public spaces uses a 5-step process to get more people involved in observing, planning and shaping a place. The placemaking process starts with engaging the community representatives and identify the issues that different groups face and identify places where there is a need for intervention. The aim of this is to ensure the people of the place are not just a voice but they are engaged at every stage of the process. To understand a space better and its challenges, PPS developed a tool called the place performing evaluation game which is to be used by anyone. A workshop would be conducted engaging the people of a community, each group in the workshop will familiarize themselves with the site and identify issues which will be addressed to the stakeholders and then conclude with a preliminary vision for the space. A place vision document for the space would be created that defines the space with the vision and finally a conceptual plan and few examples of similar situations. The most important step in the process is the implementation. The key to help a space grow incrementally is by implementing and evaluating lighter, quicker and cheaper projects. These interventions require a short timeline and small budget that can be easily undone. LQC projects are opportunities to test ideas that will help implement the community’s place vision for their public space. To check if these projects work, an evaluation is conducted at different times of the day. The aim is to see how parts of a space are used overtime.
5.5
5.6
Source: pps.org 24
gehl Institute Gehl as an institute works largely with ideas related to how the built environment connects to people’s quality of life. For over 40 years, they have been researching on quality of life in public space and have now done work in over 50 countries and over 250 cities. Working at all scales from strategic vision to design, Gehl’s work crosses fields of architecture, urban design, landscape and city planning. They are strongly focused on how to make cities and spaces more inclusive for their people. Their toolkit, The Public Life Diversity Toolkit, is widely use among cities across the globe and is even vastly used within the academic sphere as well. This toolkit, talks about the importance of social mixing in public spaces and also the importance of being able to have a means to measure the same.
5.7
Surveys, observational techniques, questionnaires and analysis methods created by them help in generating a larger sense of understanding of what the actual situation of a place is as opposed to a limited and self observed methodology. The profess that it is important to know the numbers behind the things that people of place actually feel, need and want, in order to make changes that will server the idea of inclusiveness.
Some of these techniques of measuring social mixing were used by this thesis to understand the actual character of Gokulam, Mysore and dive deep into an understanding of the place, before possible interventions were proposed. Data and inferences from these methods will be mentioned later on in chapter 8. 5.8
Source: gehlpeople.com To Promote and Activate Interaction Among Socioeconomic Groups in a Divided Urban Context
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BANDRA WATER FRONT Urban Intervention Location: Bandra, Mumbai Architect’s: PK Das & Associates Length: 5 Km Program: Waterfront Development The Bandra Water Front development emerged out of an initiative by the residents of Bandra. They came together and involved the muncipality, architects and planners to reclaim the abused and abandoned waterfront. The water front used to be a garbage dump and a space for unpleasant activity, now it serves as a public space that is open to and accessible by all. The Bandra Water Front also serves as an informal cultural center for the city as festivals are celebrated here as well as other small events and performances throughout the year. The waterfront is maintained and managed by the locality itself.
BEFORE
AFTER
Inferences: - Play in levels and the variety in terms of activity allows for people to stay longer and enjoy smaller things with ease. - Defined pedestrian pathways with no undesired obstacles allows for a clear and enjoyable walking area. - Widening and shrinking of the pathway adds to the possibility of more activities that aren't defined. - Amphitheatre type seating allows for improvised platfroms for spontaneous performances. - Vegetation creates shaded areas for sitting as well as the overall ambience of the space
5.9
5.10
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5.11
Triratna prerna Mandal Community Organisation Location: Kothu Wadi, Santacruz, Mumbai Area: 500 m2 Program: Community Center The Triratna Prerna Mandal was formed as a grass roots organization in Kothu Wadi, Mumbai. They refurbished an existing and unkept public toilet placed by the government and over the years, with the community's help, transformmed that toilet into an active community space for all those who are a part of the community. They have also introduced other activities for the people and highly active. They offer a space for the people of the community to voice their opinions, experiment and share ideas. Over time. they have created a safe and vibrant space for all those within the community. BEFORE
Inferences: - Architecturally the building is as simple and unapeasing as it can get. - The right mix of programs as well as the right intentions with a desire to participate to adds the COLLECTIVE SPIRIT of the community. - Cleanliness, Hygenic, Maintained Public Toilets - Community Meeting Room/ Library/Women Self Help Group - Recycling & Waste Management/ Rainwater harvesting/Solar Panels - Planting of Trees - Refurbished Building is used for: Gym/ Tailoring classes/ Yoga classes/ Cultural activities, etc.
AFTER
5.13
5.12
5.14
To Promote and Activate Interaction Among Socioeconomic Groups in a Divided Urban Context
Architectural Thesis | Varun Michael Pais | 4CM15AT900
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A sense of inclusiveness could allow for people to be more invested in their common spaces. This would allow for interaction in an informal manner to be freer. Informal interaction is an important means for a more successful form of coexistence amongst different social classes within a locality. The benefits of informal interactions work in all ways. It is a means of sharing and communicating amongst all socioeconomic groups that is beneficial to each in their own way. This means that there are advantages or things to learn and understand from each user group as neither can be said to be better than the other. Informal interaction could help build sensibilities in manners that make people of a locality more sensitive to how the locality belongs to them and to each other. It can allow for a growth that helps build a collective. The idea of the collective benefit is towards those who belong to it. Each individual can choose to be as invested as they want or need to be. The idea of enforcing something upon them in order for such co-existence to work is counterproductive. There has to be an urge from the people themselves to want to be more
28
invested in their spaces. This urge is a result of people being more acceptive and inclusive. Places where polarization exists would slowly start to feel more welcoming to those who avoid such spaces. Friction points could be areas where certain public functions could be enhanced or injected in order for people to want to use those spaces, regardless of who else uses them. Activities enjoyed by all could be a means for the coming together of people in public space. Not that this does not already happen in some cases, though with the idea that there is more acceptance amongst users, there could be a larger impulse to interact with other social groups, unlike what we see today. Inclusiveness and acceptance lead to a sense of belongingness in a society. When one feels that they are a part of something larger than themselves there is a will to do more to contribute to the same. A sense of belonging within a locality would not only mean that people are more invested in what they share, but it also means that people are more approachable in public space. The more approachable people of a locality are the more friendly, the more friendly that locality could be.
06
architecture’s role It’s important to understand where architecture fits in with respect to the idea of social inclusion. As Medellin suggests, the focus has to start from the level of the most minute of details. How do people use spaces that exist today and what are those activities that exist that allow for different degrees of interaction to happen?
To Promote and Activate Interaction Among Socioeconomic Groups in a Divided Urban Context
Architectural Thesis | Varun Michael Pais | 4CM15AT900
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appropriation of space Looking at Streets Indian streets today, in most cases, are designed to serve vehicles rather than pedestrians. Certain basic elements such as benches, street lights, dustbins, drinking water facilities and so on are sparsely placed throughout the length of these streets, however they aren’t the primary concern for those who design and develop our streets. People tend to appropriate spaces and such elements through opportunities that they see fit from the same. In some sense, these spaces are a representation of how we as people can democratically share space within the public realm itself. Street furniture unfortunately has no real sense of responding to the identity of the people of a place, neither does it really offer any sense of opportunity for interaction among people. As our cities become wealthier economically, signs from small elements of the urban fabric like a street bench show how defensive our way of design is. Partitions to define the amount of space that each person gets to sit, or rather, partitions that makes it impossible for a homeless person to be able to take some rest on the bench rather than the street.
6.1
6.2
Unfriendly street furniture
IMAGE 2
6.3
6.4 & 6.5
Our streets never incorporated the idea of public toilets when they were designed. A lot of public/ commercial streets today still don’t have toilets, however we see public toilets that are being added, they are those small metal boxes that aren’t maintained and unwelcoming from the stench as well as the overall appearance of them. The intentions of providing such facilities is definitely a positive sign, but what is the point if most people won’t use them?
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6.6 Eco-toilets
insterted on streets
6.7 Eco-toilets
insterted on streets
street vendors/kiosks It is very common to find several street vendors and kiosks on active and busy streets all over India. The Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014 was introduced to regulate street vendors in public spaces and protect their rights. They are normally large attractions for people on a street, especially since they aren’t the reason that
6.8
Street Vendor - Produce
people may come to a street but definitely reasons for them to stay longer. There are normally two main types of street vendors, one that sells a commodity or produce, the other that sells consumable food. The nature of activity at the first type of vendors includes the actions of buying and selling. The
6.9
Street Vendor - Consumables
later however, requires a lot more including cooking, preparing, eating, drinking and washing. How customers tend to appropriate space here is by transforming whatever sort of space around into a space that could offer seating, shade or comfort while consuming food.
6.10
Street Kiosk
Scenario:
01
02
03
A regular commercial street with four different buildings at an intersection
One of the building changes function and starts to become a popular spot for people who use the street
Street Vendors capitalise on the fact that more people come to this space as it gives them more opportunity for business
04
05
The vendors set up shop in a manner that tends to eat into the road, this is neither safe for the vendor or their customers
However, vehicles tend to avoid hitting pedestrains and the effective width of the road could change from 4 lanes to 3 or sometimes even 2 lanes.
The manner in which informal commercial activites like these take place must be optimised. They are great value additions to the life on the street and are reasons people choose to stay on streets for longer periods of time. However, because there is no dedicated space assigned to vendors, hawkers and other forms of informal commercial activity. If there is a manner through which they can have planned and designated spaces, then they can truly serve as street life activators and enhance the idea of social inclusion, as activities like these and the spaces that they create are truly democratic in nature.
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Observations within the Public Realm Activity Study 1 A parking area that is reserved for a building has a ledge that is just about the right height to sit. A chai stall placed at the corner makes this a comfortable gathering spot for customers. Over the years they have appropriated the ledge to serve as a seating space while they enjoy their hot beverages. This informal use of a physical element tends to allow more comfort for those using it and one would normally see people interacting in such a space.
6.13
6.12
6.14
Activity Study 2 In VV Mohalla, there is a music event that takes place during Ganapathi evey year. Some of the best Carnatic singers from across the country come and perform for free. During this event, a road is blocked and converted into a space for this event. Speakers are placed at surrounding junctions for the music to be shared by all. Eventually, there was a structure that was placed on that road. The structure gives a certain identity to that street and the people and activities that take place there.
6.15
6.16
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6.17
6.18
Activity Study 3 Due to the fact that there is a road that is slightly undone and there is no defined sidewalk, the surrounding neighbours have appropriated the space to serve as an extension of their house. They use it to dry clothes, sit and converse with their neighbours and also as a storage space. This is an interesting way in which people appropriate available and unclaimed space to their use. However, not all of these activities may be logical to have at a public space and would be something that is ideal only for a residential are such as this.
6.19
Activity Study 4 At a junction, where the side is wider, there are interesting phenomenas that take place. The opportunity to set up a temporary point of sale is possible. In this case, a coconut vendor is selling his product from the sidewalk itself. The vendor also uses the boundary wall behind as a backdrop to the 'shop' and also as a seating. Since the nature of the activity and its time frame is short, vehicles park right at the vendor, quickly enjoy their refreshment and are on their way, and the vendor waits for the next customer.
6.20
To Promote and Activate Interaction Among Socioeconomic Groups in a Divided Urban Context
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07
gokulam To Promote and Activate Interaction Among Socioeconomic Groups in a Divided Urban Context
Architectural Thesis | Varun Michael Pais | 4CM15AT900
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mysore
Map of South Asia
Mysore city is located at 12° 18′ N latitude and 76° 38′ E longitude. Mysore is the third-largest city in the state of Karnataka, India, which served as the capital city of Mysore princely Kingdom for nearly six centuries, from 1399 until 1947. Located at the base of the chamundi Hills about 146km southwest of the state capital Bangalore, it is spread across an area of 128.42 km2. The city is located between two rivers: the Kaveri River that flows through the north of the city and the Kabini River, a tributary of the Kaveri, that lies to the south..
Map of India
Mysore City corporation, which was established as a municilpality in 1888 and converted into a corporation. Mysore is noted for its heritage structures and palaces, including the Mysore Palace, and for the festivities that take place during the Dasara festival. It lends its name to various art forms and culture, such as Mysore Dasara, Mysore painting; the sweet dish Mysore Pak, Mysore Masala Dosa; brands such as Mysore Sandal Soap, Mysore Ink Map of Mysore
According to 2011 census, Mysore was the largest non-metropolitan city in India. The civic administration of the city is managed by the
CLIMATE Max temperature in summer: 35 Min temp in Winter: 35 Relative humidity: 70 Hottest months: March to May Coldest months: Nov to Feb Monsoon months: June to Sept Mysore enjoys a moderate climate with cool winters and warm summers. Mysore has a tropical savanna climate (Aw) bordering on a hot semi-arid climate. The city’s average annual rainfall is 798.6 mm (31.4 in. Temperatures during summer range from a minimum of 21º Celsius and goes up to a maximum of 34º Celsius. Winter in Mysore is cool with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 16º Celsius to a maximum of 27º Celsius. 36
Map of Karnataka
Average temperatures and precipitation
Cloudy, sunny and precipitation days
Precipitation amounts
Wind speed
Map of Gokulam
Gokulam is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Mysore, and is regarded as one of the more desirable neighbourhoods to live in. The diversity that Gokulam has is reflective in the people and the streets. The demographics include those local to Gokulam, students and young professionals from accross the country. There is a large global influence on the neighbourhood due to the fact that Gokulam is one of India's largest yoga hubs. People from all over the world come here and the mix of cultures is a sight to see. The influence of yoga itself is stong within the
neighbourhood. There are several boutique restaurants and stores that serve those who desire organic and vegan produce. Gokulam is not overpowered by these influences and the vibrance that is expected of an Indian neighbourhood is still present. The locality also house a lot of cultural activites including art, dance music and drama. It is planned similar to the rest of Mysore with cross roads and residential plots that have neighbourhood parks and commercial zones that are easily accessible to all. Gokulam is also a safe neighbourhood.
To Promote and Activate Interaction Among Socioeconomic Groups in a Divided Urban Context
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Built vs open
Road network
Landuse
Building Use
Opportunities in gokulam
Site demarcated
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Vegetation
Plot segregration
Pedestrian network
opportunities in gokulam This 13 Acre area consists of three parts. - An open ground that houses a water tank and a Mysore One office. It is also used for recreational sports including cricket and the flying of kites. - An amphitheater built by MUDA for the people of the neighbourhood, however, the compund is gated and locked and has not been used in over 2 years. - A large vacant plot that is not accessible because of the nature of the terrain and vegetation. There is a small portion of the land that is used to dump and collect garbage, this however, is not a dedicated dumpyard or landfill.
Currently houses the Gokulam Theatre, this site abuts KRS Road and has the potential to serve as a public space for the neighbourhood. However it is not frequented by most as there is nothing that attracts them.
The lower end of Gokulam has a crematorium and there is a large open space next to it that could transform into a place that is accessible for everyone, though as it is near the crematorium, it may not be a desirable place.
Gokulam 1st Main Road is highly active throughout the day on both weekdays and weekends. This is due to the fact that most essentials that people require on a day to day basis from groceries, medicine and food, to other essential services are available here. Due to the physical location of the street and the fact that it is at a lower position, relatively to the rest of Gokulam, it is easily accessible by all, people today come by foot, private vehicles and public transport. This street also welcomes people from all socioeconomic classes because the variety in terms of price of the different businesses caters to all. This street lacks proper design and facilities at the urban public design levels.
After an analysis of different opportunities in Gokulam and a the relationship that would have with the idea of social inclusion and how this could be tackled through the means of design, Gokulam 1st Main Road was identified as the most suitable area to intervene in. This is because of the fact that it is already inclusive in some sense and now the opportunity to express how design could take the idea of social inclusion to the next level would be interesting. To understand the street further, a larger indepth study of the place was done which included observational, morphological and social methods were used to understand the conditions and analyse the current scenario and eventually come up with a proposal for the street.
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40
USING THE GEHL PUBLIC LIFE DIVERSITY TOOLKIT The Public Life Diversity Toolkit, by Gehl, offers a variety of methods to further understand the existing conditions of a place, the people who use it and the degree to which social mixing among people from different economic strata takes place. These methods help in being for informed while making suggestions and taking decisions when it comes to design and policy proposal for the place. Some of the surveys used are described below. Participant/Intercept Survey There are certain things about a space that one can only understand if the people who use those spaces are asked about it. The purpose of this survey was to find out demographic data and how people used the public space, in this case, Gokulam 1st Main Road. This also included quesitons about the current interactions that people are having on the street, who they choose to interact with but still observe. This relates to values of being recognized versus connecting. The data from the surveys and the findings have been mentioned in the coming pages. Method: Surveys were conducted on the street at different times during the day and of different days of the week. There were a total of 100 surveys collected. These surveys were conducted by four volunteers and the people surveyed were done at random, no personal information was collected and those filling in the surveys were aware that this was being conducted for academic purposes. Another interesting thing to note was that for every 10 people who agreed to fill in the survey, 4 people declined to fill it in. 12 Quality Criteria This observational tool helps in giving an understanding of the quality of life in the built environment as well as its ability to contribute or hinder the idea of public life diversity. These criteria were developed by Jan Gehl and are being implemented in ever since. They are derived from the idea that inviting public place mus have elements of protection, comfort and enjoyment. This also helps in comparing different public spaces and seeing their existing condition as well as interpreting their potential. Method: Volunteers assess the quality of a specific space according to the 12 Quality Criteria Other tools that were used by Gehl included the Place Inventory Survey and the Social Space Survey.
Note: All tools used by Gehl are freely accessible to the public. Some of the questions and points in the tools have been appropriated to an Indian and Mysore context. The tools are in Appendix - B of this report.
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42
08
the street Gokulam 1st Main To Promote and Activate Interaction Among Socioeconomic Groups in a Divided Urban Context
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Built vs open
SURVEY DATA
Gokulam 1st main road serves as a resource for everyone in Gokulam's day to day needs, from groceries, medical supplies to stationery, hardware and much more. The street is a place for everyone, but this is becuase of necessity not a desire to be on the street. The aim of studying the street and its vicinity in depth was to understand what the people of Gokulam feel about the street and Gokulam as a neighbourhood and to also understand the built environment and the workings of the street. The also observed existing condition of the street including sidewalk conditions, opend drains, vegetation and so on.
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Building Heights
Parking
Hawkers
Entry’s
Price diversity
Magnets
These studies led to an understanding that the street itself provides several opportunities to address the ideas of social inclusion and interaction as architectures means to do the same.
None
25%
Indian
75%
Female
61%
Building Use
The study was conducted in two main methods: 1. A survey and sampling system that helped in understanding how people respond to the street and the activities here. Surveys from the Gehl Institutes Public Life Diversity Toolkit were appropriated for Mysore's context. 2. An observational and morphological study of the environment that the street has as of now.
Other
Male
Vegetation
37%
22% Hindu
5% Jew 4%
55%
37%
56%
Other
34%
Gokulam
Attendee
55% Tourist
Bangalore
7% PLACE OF ORIGIN
V V Mohalla
4%
3,00,000-9,00,000
7%
15%
Employee
26%
INCOME
Other (visiting)
6%
Walk
23%
Uneducated
41%
Two- wheeler
37%
41%
15%
Bus Student
17%
RELATIONSHIP WITH PLACE
12 grade pass
EDUCATION
Resident/ Neighbour
6%
No
38%
Yes (Known)
29% Yes (Unknown)
Car
8%
MODE OF TRANSPORT
12% 6% Monthly 4% First time
Rarely
42%
9,00,000+
28%
Vijaynagar
8% PLACE OF RESIDENCE
Masters
Bachelors
3%
10 grade pass No answer
RELIGION
NATIONALITY
Mysore
18% 12%
9% Muslim 5%
Other
70,000-3,00,000
18%
Buddhist
Christian
GENDER
0-70,000
34% FAMILIAR FACES
6%
Weekly
Daily
66%
reasons for visits
12%
12% FREQUENCY OF VISIT
25% - shopping 13% - work 12% - meeting friends 11% - Food 11% - Education
9% - Recreation 5% - time alone 4% - religious 10% - passing through
WHAT THE PEOPLE OF GOKULAM WANT
Sports Facility Swimming Pool Safer Roads Traffic Control
Good Food Clubs/Pubs
SECTION JJ’
SECTION AA’
Public Toilet More safety for women
Place for Kids Parks/Plazas ATM Health Clinic
Place to sit Shade Rest
Library Community Space
SECTION KK’
SECTION BB’
SECTION II’
SECTION CC’
Vehicular Movement
SECTION GG’
Section Lines SECTION DD’
SECTION HH’
SECTION FF’
SECTION EE’
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GENDER MAPPING Purpose of Survey To understand how people of different genders choose to use the street and where they choose to spend more time. Method of survey Done by collecting samples at two different spots on the street at seven different times of the day. This was done on a weekday and a weekend.
KEY PLAN
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Thursday 7-11am
Thursday 5-8pm
Sunday 7-11am
Sunday 5-8pm
The observations show that the ratio throughout the day on the street is 60:40 (male-female). The whole street is well balanced out throughout the day, however in the evening, the area near the bar is predominantly populated by males in the evening. This could be because women feel unsafe and uncomfortable.
To Promote and Activate Interaction Among Socioeconomic Groups in a Divided Urban Context
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people moving Purpose of Survey To understand how and where people choose to spend their time on the street and what time of the day do they do so. Method of survey Done by collecting samples at two different spots on the street at seven different times of the day. This was done on a weekday and a weekend.
sunday
Thursday
KEY PLAN
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Thursday 7-11am
Thursday 5-8pm
Sunday 7-11am
Sunday 5-8pm
There are several drivers that draw people to the street. Of these drivers some of the most prominent include the temple, the hardware, general and alcohol store, and the bar. What was observed from the study of how people move on the street is that most people congregate at these drivers. There is a 120 meter stretch on the street where the sidewalk, at portions is in bad condition or non-existent, people tend to rush pass these areas.
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case studies To Promote and Activate Interaction Among Socioeconomic Groups in a Divided Urban Context
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The pause Location: Bombay-Goa highway Architect’s: RC Architects Area: 155 sq.mt Program: Restroom Building Type: Public Facility RC architects has designed pause with a set of facilities to serve the truck drivers and the common public. The long horizontal red building has multiple access points, where each point defines a separate facility. Truck driver’s facilities include a hair cutting salon, indian toilet, a recreational space, space for washing and drying clothes and a pantry. The special facilities are planned to serve truck drivers, who drive continuously for 1820 hours, offering them a space where they can eat and sleep before they continue their journey. Taking cues from other public utilities, including London’s famous telephone booths, post boxes and buses, all colored in red, ‘pause’ is painted in the same color to allow passersby to quickly identify its public facilities.
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Inferences: - Architectural language is simple and not overdone, with subtle play in levels to define spaces. - Multiple access points adds to the ‘free-ness’ of the building. - Spatial organisation of functions with vegetation and play of natural light prevents the building and architecture from being overpowering and hence feels welcoming to all. - Single floor structure - The red colour draws attention to the building and is required due to its location. - Material used: Concrete and Steel
To Promote and Activate Interaction Among Socioeconomic Groups in a Divided Urban Context
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The commons Location: Bangkok Architect’s: Department of Architecture Area: 5000 sq.mt Program: Retail Complex Building Type: Public btuilding ‘The Commons’, a small retail development in the city center, is an attempt to create a new active outdoor space where people can comfortably enjoy it at anytime of the year. It proposes a vertical open-air public space folding upward as a backbone of the building. ’The Commons’ also provides a solution answering to a classic challenge of a multi-storey retail building on how to draw people upward to the upper levels. The wide ‘Ground’ with its gradual series of steps and platforms connecting the street level to the second floor naturally draws people to walk up leisurely. A series of openings in the third and the fourth floor further enhance a continuity of the vertical space.
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Inferences: - Sectional Variations - Clear and defined movement patterns that make the users feel like they have the freedom to move around the building as they please, though there is a force from design to move in a manner that more is seen. - Modulation of ground allows for various scales of seating and gathering. - Comprehensice architecture, yet ultimately it is simple and welcoming. - Zoning of functions shifts from interactive activities on the ground level and less interactive activities as you move higher.
To Promote and Activate Interaction Among Socioeconomic Groups in a Divided Urban Context
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new community centre Location: Poyeni, Peru Architect’s: Semillas Area: 230 sq.mt Program: Community Centre Building Type: Public building The project has been carried out through participatory workshops and local architecture, complied from community input. Currently the space is a catalytic meeting point and serves a multipurpose use. The building is located in a central point of the community, attached to the main square and the soccer field. The project consists of a multipurpose space and a module with kitchen, office and craft workshop.
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Inferences: - Simple Structure - One central kund type space that is used for multiple types of events - Architecture is responsive to the community and their way of life - The structure is simple and light and there are no unecessary elements - Small modulations in the space allows for interesting usage on a daily basis as well as during events and gatherings.
To Promote and Activate Interaction Among Socioeconomic Groups in a Divided Urban Context
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House of switzerland pavilion Location: Mexico Architect’s: Dellekamp Arquitectos Area: 171 sq.mt Program: Pavilion Building Type: Public building A modular system was designed based on a triangular grid that allows adaptation to different locations and changing needs of the program, which allowed transformations during the design process. This adaptability feature allows it to be itinerant and a location to multiple sites without damaging the environment. This pavilion will have an open space without internal divisions and has two levels, an open forum for cultural events on the ground and on its upper floor a circulation that works as a viewpoint.
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Inferences: - Simple Pavillion Structure - There is a level of informality to the design which allows for it to be a comfortably usable space. - Can also be transformed into a space for gathering and small events. - The structure is simple and light and there are no unecessary elements - Strategically positioned such that it is visible and welcoming.
To Promote and Activate Interaction Among Socioeconomic Groups in a Divided Urban Context
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the flow Location: Thailand Architect’s: Department of Architecture Area: Program: Pavilion Building Type: Pavilion The intent of the project is to provide an architecture that triggers various uses and accommodates multiple activities as a multipurpose pavilion suitable for the community and the location. The floor plate is folded like a piece of paper forming different spatial configuration to allow for various activities oriented mainly towards the great sea view. People can sit on different tiers to relax and enjoy the view without blocking ones behind. This fold may become a small amphitheater for mini-concerts, performances, meetings, etc. Parts of the floor are as if they were cut and lifted up to become seating and tables.
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Inferences: - Simple Pavillion Structure - There is a level of informality to the design which allows for it to be a comfortably usable space. - Can also be transformed into a space for gathering and small events. - The expressive use of design to allow this to be a happening place - Interesting roof design serves as an attraction and protects from climate - Allows a variety of activity types to happen just by small modulations of space.
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10 proposal
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To Promote and Activate Interaction Among Socioeconomic Groups in a Divided Urban Context
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PROPOSAL - INTERVENTIONS AND DESIGN AIM
Site AB (SCALE: L)
open drain (SCALE - S)
streetscape (SCALE - xS)
site d (SCALE - m)
Aim: To serve as extensions of the street and
The Drain is unsafe and also gives an unpleasant sensory experience. Objective was to recreate that space to allow for a pleasent experience on the street
Aim: To create a pleasurable experience on the
Aim: To provide public facilities like toilets in a manner that works with the notions of social inclusion. How does one design a public toilet that is safe and also a desirable place to be otherwise?
offer spaces for public life to capitalise on the opportunities that interaction offers. Provide essential functions and activities that adhere to the day-to-day life of the people in Gokulam
Programs:
Library Cultural Learning Spaces Mysore One Community Centre Skill Development Centre Womens Self Help Centre Exhibition Spaces Workshop Spaces Bank Branches Food - formal and informal Commercial Activity
TEMPLE WALKWAY (SCALE - S) Aim: To create an experiential walk way from the street to the neighbourhood park behind the temple. Also create a space for vendors by the temple
Site c (Scale: S) Aim: To offer a space on the street that protects from undesired climatic conditions and serve as an open space for all.
street that focuses on the pedestrians and the activites that support pedestrian activity on the street. To rework traffic movement and provide dedicated space for loading and unloading. This is primarily focused on controlling traffic and vehicular presence on the street to make pedestrians feel safer and take to the streets as if it belongs to them
interventions
pedestrian oriented sidewalk modifications
parking/loading unloading
bus stops
FOOD PLAZA (SCALE - m) Aim: To provide a dedicated and safe space for vendors and the people of Gokulam. Also serves as a desirable place on the street that people would come to.
scales: l: Large m: Medium s: Small XS: extra small To Promote and Activate Interaction Among Socioeconomic Groups in a Divided Urban Context
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PROPOSAL/street/restructuring of vehicular movement
a
a
street cross section aa - 4 lanes
b
b
street cross section bb - 3 lanes
To Promote and Activate Interaction Among Socioeconomic Groups in a Divided Urban Context
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PROPOSAL - INTERVENTIONS AND DESIGN AIM
c
c
street cross section cc/temple - 4 lanes
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PROPOSAL - INTERVENTIONS AND DESIGN AIM This portion of the street is driven by the Ganapathi Temple. The other drivers include a chai shop and a medical store that are opposite the temple. Apart from that there are a few street vendors that draw people in the morning and the evenings. The junction as of now, is unorganised and a primarily space where pedestrians feel unsafe. There is a bus stop, an auto stand and due to the high number of pedestrians at the drivers of the street, it is chaotic and unorganised. The interventions attempted here aim to address these problems and positives with the intention of expanding the pedestrian domain of the street and give primary importance to the pedestrians on the street.
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To Promote and Activate Interaction Among Socioeconomic Groups in a Divided Urban Context
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PROPOSAL - INTERVENTIONS AND DESIGN AIM This portion of the street is driven primarily by commercial activities including an alcohol store and a bar that are primary drivers in this area. This portion of the street sees more activity in the evenings as compared to the mornings and is dominated by a larger male population towards the later hours of the day. As this area draws a lot of pedestrians, the number of street vendors that set up shop here are higher. The manner in which the vendors position themselves however makes the experience for their customers and themselves a little unnervy as there is no demarcated space for them to operate safely. The interventions attempted here aim to address these problems and positives with the intention of expanding the pedestrian domain of the street and give primary importance to the pedestrians on the street.
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intervention ab Scale: LARGE
building b Aim: To keep the vibrance that food already brings to this site while adding facilities for the people of Gokulam. Introduce programs that a community-centric and allow for interaction between these spaces at multiple scale within the building and the street. Program: - Community Facility - Skill Development Center - Women’s Self Help Center - Mysore One Office - Bank Branches and ATMs - Food - Retail
building a Aim: To design a place on the street that infuses the everyday life of the people of Gokulam and a variety of learning spaces. The ambition is to bring spaces of culture and knowledge sharing into the public realm. Identify ways in which such spaces can spill out into the ‘public’ spaces of the building that facilitate opportunities for interaction at multiple scales and between these scales as well. Program: - Learning Spaces - Dance, Music, Art and other cultural activites - Workshop Spaces - Library - Exhibition Spaces - Food - Retail
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Site a/b - site analysis B
A
VEHICULAR MOVEMENT AND NOISE
Keep ground fl
PREVAILING WIND DIRECTION
SITE CONTEXT
TOPOGRAPHY
SUN PATH
PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENT AND DENSE SPOTS
SECTION b1
SECTION a1
SECTION b2
SECTION a2
SECTION b3
SECTION a3
BUILT vs OPEN
March
June
September
December
Stepped terra bet
section across site A and B
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Site a/b - design concepts and development Design Ideology
MATERIAL SELECTION BREAKING EXISTING NOTIONS Keep ground floor as open as possible
Varied sectional quality to allow for play of light and shadow
concrete is perceived as the go to material for a ‘pucca house’ steel is perceived as a temporary material
Stepped terrace to have interactions between levels
Modulated ground plane to create variety in the experience of the space
When we look at new housing that is built in cities and even rural areas, the desire is to always aspire to be able to build in concrete and that is what is aimed for. Even if vernacular methods of construction and materials are more suitable to those contexts. Is there a way that I can subtly break these existing aspirational notions through material selection and expression of my interventions?
Multiple means of vertical circulation that is interactive with the open space
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Evolution of the Design
Possible entry points for both sites
Atrium that runs along both the sites
Defining open and built space
Introducing design grids for vertical circulation
modifications of the open and semi open spaces
developing a relationship between the two sites: at the entrie
variations of the atrium based on grids derived from sites
atrium running through two sites
multiple shifts in the atrium
curve derived from the road as possible form for the buildings
deconstruction of the atrium to bring variety in the relationship between built and open space
notional intersections and segmentation of the sites
The site is considered as one site with a road running through the middle. The derivation of the grids come from the site on two sides of the road, while developing the form of the building, variations of these grids were attempted in several forms before the final design was evolved further variations of the grids
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lower basement plan
exploded view of structure
PLAN @ -2.90m FLOOR LEVEL: -3.90m Floor Height: 3.15m No. of Cars: 22
1. VERTICAL CORE 2. PARKING
upper basement plan PLAN @ +0.75m FLOOR LEVEL: -0.75m Floor Height: 3.15m No. of Cars: 30
1. VERTICAL CORE 2. PARKING
part View of structure/building a/ exploded
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Though the space is defined as an exhibition space it can be used for several types or forms of exhibitions that respond to the desires of the people of Gokulam. A typical use, such as an art exhibition one such version of how this space can be utilised
As there is a TVS showroom and a Honda service center that cater to their two wheeler markets, this space could also serve for the launch event of a bike. The manner in which the launch itself is conducted could be reimagined in a public space such as this.
SALES catch everyones attention! This ‘exhibition’ space could also house flash sales for clothes, elctronics and anything else. Such a location won’t just serve positively to the stakeholders, but could create a vibrancy within the public space itself.
lower ground floor PLAN @ +3.40 FLOOR LEVEL: +3.40m Floor Height: 3.15m No. of Cars: 14
WHY EXHIBITION SPACE!? WHAT EXHIBITION SPACE!?
1. EXHIBITION SPACE 2. KUND SEATING 3. RETAIL 4. BUS STOP 5. MEN’S TOILET 6. WOMEN’S TOILET 7. VERTICAL CIRCULATION 8. PARKING 9. GENERATOR
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upper ground floor
SOUTH ELEVATION
PLAN @ +6.55m FLOOR LEVEL: +5.55m Floor Height: 4.05m No. of 2 Wheelers:
1. FOOD SHOPS 2. CHAI STALL 3. RETAIL 4. STORAGE 5. MEN’S TOILET 6. WOMEN’S TOILET 7. VERTICAL CIRCULATION 8. PARKING
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first floor plan
PLAN @ +10.60m FLOOR LEVEL: +9.60m Floor Height: 4.05m
section aa
Through the vertical core & entrance at +9.60m
section bb
Through the Library showing mezzanine & folded plate roof
1. MAIN LIBRARY 2. DIGITAL LIBRARY 3. READING ROOM 4. READING SPACE 5. BOOK STORE 6. RETAIL 7. MEN’S TOILET 8. WOMEN’S TOILET 9. VERTICAL CIRCULATION
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east elevation second floor plan
VIEW OF INTERNAL ATRIUM FROM THE STEPPED SEATING AREA
PLAN @ +14.65m FLOOR LEVEL: +13.65m Floor Height: 4.05m
1. LEARNING SPACE TYPE 1 2. LEARNING SPACE TYPE 2 3. OPEN WORKSHOP SPACE 4. RAISED WORKSHOP SPACE 5. WORKSHOP SPACE 6. MEN’S TOILET 7. WOMEN’S TOILET 8. VERTICAL CIRCULATION
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EXPLODED ISOMETRIC
FIRST FLOOR
SECOND FLOOR
TERRACE
Showing Program Distribution For Building A
UPPER GROUND
(Typical) South Facade
WORKSHOP SPACE LEARNING SPACES CORES
LIBRARY SPACES RETAIL SPACES CORES
FOOD SPACES RETAIL SPACES CORES
EXHIBITION SPACES RETAIL SPACES BUS STOPS CORES LANDSCAPE
LOWER GROUND
DETAILED WALL SECTION
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section XX Through the Atrium/Interactive space running through building A and B
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building a/Main Entrance (South-East)
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lower basement
PLAN @ -2.90m FLOOR LEVEL: -2.90m Floor Height: 3.15m No. of Cars: 24
1. VERTICAL CIRCULATION 2. PARKING
ground floor
PLAN @ +0.75m FLOOR LEVEL: -0.m Floor Height: 3.15m No. of Cars: 22
1. VERTICAL CIRCULATION 2. PARKING
View of structure/building b/ from the top
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VIEW OF BUILDING B
Showing the south face , the open space within and the lower courtyard
ground floor
PLAN @ +3.40m FLOOR LEVEL: +3.40m Floor Height: 3.15m
1. FOOD 2. SERVICE STORE 3. STATIONERY STORE 4. ATM 5. MYSORE ONE 6. MEN’S TOILET 7. WOMEN’S TOILET 8. VERTICAL CIRCULATION
VIEW OF BUILDING B Main Entrance
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perspective section of BUILDING B
cut isometric VIEW OF BUILDING B
first floor
PLAN @ +6.55m FLOOR LEVEL: +5.55m Floor Height: 4.05m
1. COMMUNITY SPACE 2. RESTAURANT 3. ADMINISTRATION 4. MEN’S TOILET 5. WOMEN’S TOILET 6. VERTICAL CIRCULATION
VIEW OF BUILDING B
From the Court through the Atrium
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south elevation building b
west elevation building b
second floor
PLAN @ +10.60m FLOOR LEVEL: +9.60m
1. RESTAURANT 2. BANK BRANCH 3. ADMINISTRATION 4. MEN’S TOILET 5. WOMEN’S TOILET 6. VERTICAL CIRCULATION
VIEW OF BUILDING B Recessed Court
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EXPLODED ISOMETRIC
Showing Program Distribution For Building B
OOR D FL
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORES
THIR
OOR D FL
FOOD FACILITIES ADMINISTRATION CORES
ON SEC third floor
VIEW OF BUILDING B South West Corner
PLAN @ +14.65 FLOOR LEVEL: +13.65m Floor Height: 4.05m
T FIRS
1. SKILL DEVELOPMENT CENTRE 2. WOMEN’S SELF-HELP CENTER 3. MEN’S TOILET 4. WOMEN’S TOILET 5. VERTICAL CIRCULATION
OR
FLO
R LOO
ND F
U GRO
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION CORES
FACILITIES RETAIL SPACES FOOD CORES LANDSCAPE
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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORES
FOOD FACILITIES ADMINISTRATION CORES
STREET VS BUILDING Public spaces around the world include plazas, promenades and other forms of large open spaces for everyday public activity. In India, we consider our streets to be our primary public spaces. Though true, streets have a lot of other things going on, from vehicular movement, bus stops and parking to services, drainage, etc. The pedestrian is rarely given sole preference. Yes, at time sidewalks are widened and traffic methods are used to control the flow of traffic, but can this be pushed further? The way in which we look at our buildings and their relationship to the street is limited. They are always perceived as two separate entities. It is possible to look at both as part of a whole and the pedestrian domain can grow into the buildings as well. If such is the case, can the building be called the street and the street the building?
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EVERYDAY ACTIVITY/SECTION ACROSS THE ATRIUM/BUILDING AB
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FOOD FESTIVAL/SECTION ACROSS THE ATRIUM/BUILDING AB
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MUSIC PERFORMANCE/SECTION ACROSS THE ATRIUM/BUILDING A
GANESH CHATURTHI/SECTION ACROSS THE ATRIUM/BUILDING A To Promote and Activate Interaction Among Socioeconomic Groups in a Divided Urban Context
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building B/BIRDS EYE VIEW
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AXONOMETRIC VIEW/AB
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APPROACH VIEW/FROM STREET/AB To Promote and Activate Interaction Among Socioeconomic Groups in a Divided Urban Context
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intervention c Scale: SMALL
TEMPLE WALKWAY Aim:
To create an attractive and obvious pedestrian link with the neighbourhood park behing the temple. Currently the vendors around the temple set their shops up on the road, there was an intent to see if they could also be incorporated within this intervention.
pavillion c Aim:
The Gehl Institute talks about creating spaces within the public realm for people to stay longer. This intervention aims to capitalise on the fact that there is an empty site behind a demarcated bus stop. The intention was to incorporate the bus stop within the site and create a shelter that protects from undesired weather conditions. As was observed in the case studies, pavillions can be designed in a manner that it can be used on a day to day basis as well as for small scale events. The design aimed to achieve this while incorporating the street within the site as well.
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Site C - site analysis
VEHICULAR MOVEMENT AND NOISE
SITE CONTEXT
PREVAILING WIND DIRECTION
TOPOGRAPHY
SUN PATH
PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENT AND DENSE SPOTS
BUILT vs OPEN
March
June
September
December
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Aim:
The Gehl Institute talks about creating spaces within the public realm for people to stay longer. This intervention aims to capitalise on the fact that there is an empty site behind a demarcated bus stop. The intention was to incorporate the bus stop within the site and create a shelter that protects from undesired weather conditions. As was observed in the case studies, pavillions can be designed in a manner that it can be used on a day to day basis as well as for small scale events. The design aimed to achieve this while incorporating the street within the site as well.
EVERYDAY ACTIVITY
EVENT ACTIVITY To Promote and Activate Interaction Among Socioeconomic Groups in a Divided Urban Context
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intervention D Scale: MEDIUM
FOOD PLAZA Aim:
To identify a location that can accomodate the street vendors in this region of the street. While doing so also create a relief space from the business of the activities on the street.
building d Aim:
This street does not have basic facilities like public toilets! The intention of this intervention was to create a public toilet on the street and also add certain complimentary functions that work with the ideas of interaction and social inclusion. The building would have to serve as a backdrop to the street as well as incorporate the bus stand that is located here.
Aim:
Public Toilet Eatery Uni-sex Salon Exhibition Space Office Space
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Site D - site analysis
VEHICULAR MOVEMENT AND NOISE
PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENT AND DENSE SPOTS
SITE CONTEXT PREVAILING WIND DIRECTION
TOPOGRAPHY
SUN PATH
BUILT vs OPEN
March
June
September
December
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Site D - CONCEPT
Pedestrianise road as food plaza Initial massing
Tilt of one block?
Demarcation of vendor space Massing updated with central spine
Introduction of vertical circulation Bus movement/into site
Parking entrance Defining circulation lines
Roof iteration 1
Redefining circulation lines Introduction of ‘boxes’
Introduction of the second ‘box’/ defining the higher floor
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GROUND FLOOR
PLAN @ +1.90m FLOOR LEVEL: +0.90m Floor Height: 3.60m
1. EATERY 2. COVERED SEATING SPACE 3. UNISEX SALON 4. MEN’S TOILET 5. HANDICAP TOILET 6. WOMEN’S TOILET 7. NURSING ROOM 8. JANITOR’S ROOM 9. PLAZA
basement FLOOR
PLAN @ -2.00m FLOOR LEVEL: -3.00m Floor Height: 3.00m
first FLOOR
PLAN @ +5.50m FLOOR LEVEL: +4.50m Floor Height: 3.60m
1. EXHIBITION SPACE 2. UNISEX SALON 3. OFFICE SPACE
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BUILDING D/SECTIONS key plan c
SECTION AA/ CIRCULATION GRID
d
d
a b
a b c
SECTION BB/ CENTRAL SPACE
SECTION CC/ CIRCULATION GRIDS
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building D/BIRDS EYE VIEW
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building D/VIEW OF PLAZA
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building D/VIEW FROM ACROSS THE ROAD/MAIN ENTRANCE
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BUS stop
plan
building a
bus stop b
pavillion c
building d
front elevation
side elevation
familiarity with a little playfulness
site d/open space behind bus stop
site d/introduction of a wall
site d/modification of wall to accomodate seating
site c/pushing of sidewalk behind the bus stop/within the site
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REFERENCES December 2019 | Thesis
References (n.d.). Retrieved February 2019, from https://www.pulplive.in/padosan Correa, C. (1985). The New Landscape. Mumbai: The Book Society of India, Bombay. Economics, L. S. (n.d.). Cities and Social Equity. Gupta, A., & Fergusson, J. (1992). Beyond "Culture": Space, Identity, and the Politics of Difference. Blackwell Publishing (on behalf of the American Anthropological Association). Retrieved February 2019 Jacobs, J. (1961). The Death and Life of Great American Cities. New York : Random House, New York. Merryfield, A. (2014). The New Urban Question. New York: Pluto Press. Retrieved February 2019 Peterson, K. J. (n.d.). Including the Culturally Excluded and Socially Forgotten: Information Services for Spanish Migrant Workers in the United States. 84(3). Rajshekar, K. (2016). On the Inescapable Messiness of Reality Today. Rajshekar, K. (2016). The Non Hero Saves the Day. Rapoport, A. (1982, 1990). The Meaning of the Built Environment. United States of America: The University of Arizona Press. Retrieved February 2019 Solnit, R. (2013). Diary [Vol 35 No. 3]. Till, J., Awan, N., & Schneider, T. (n.d.). Spatial Agency.
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IMAGE LIST AND CREDITS 2.1: Google Earth; highlight of Wanawadi, Pune 2.2: Google Earth; demarcation of different living systems and friction zones 2.3: Google Earth; highlight of Gokulam, Mysore 2.4a,b: Image and sketch by author; x cross, y street 2.5a,b: Image and sketch by author; x cross, y street 2.6a,b: Image and sketch by author; x cross, y street 2.7a,b: Image and sketch by author; x cross, y street 2.8a,b: Image and sketch by author; x cross, y street 2.9a,b: Image and sketch by author; x cross, y street 2.10a,b: Image and sketch by author; x cross, y street 2.11a,b: Image and sketch by author; x cross, y street 2.12a,b: Image and sketch by author; x cross, y street 2.13: Sketch by author; x cross, y street 2.14: Sketch by author; x cross, y street 2.15: Sketch by author; x cross, y street 2.16: Sketch by author; x cross, y street 2.17: Sketch by author; x cross, y street 4.1: Sketch by author; street vendor 4.2: Sketch by author; juice shop 4.3: Sketch by author; pani-puri wala 4.4: Sketch by author; chai wala 4.5: Sketch by author; tender coconut vendor 4.6: Sketch by author; public water facility 4.7: Image by author; vegetable market 4.8: Apple maps; location map 4.9: sketch by author; perspective section of vegetable market 4.10: sketch by author; plan of vegetable market 4.11: sketch by author; Ganesh Chaturthi 4.12: sketch by author; cricket match 4.13: sketch by author; Protest 4.14: wcfa.ac.in 4.15: wcfa.ac.in 4.16: image by author 4.17: Kiran Sharma 5.1: https://blogs.worldbank.org/endpovertyinsouthasia/what-can-south-asian-cities-learn-colombias-medellin 5.2: https://blogs.worldbank.org/endpovertyinsouthasia/what-can-south-asian-cities-learn-colombias-medellin 5.3: https://blogs.worldbank.org/endpovertyinsouthasia/what-can-south-asian-cities-learn-colombias-medellin 5.4: Unesco.org/new/en/social-and-human-sciences/themes/urban-development/migrants-inclusion-in-cities/ good-practices/social-inclusion/ 5.5: https://www.pps.org/article/grplacefeat/ 5.6: https://www.pps.org/article/grplacefeat/ 5.7: https://gehlpeople.com/shopfront/public-life-diversity-toolkit/ 5.8: https://gehlpeople.com/shopfront/public-life-diversity-toolkit/ 5.9: https://archnet.org/sites/5158/media_contents/39227 5.10: http://pkdas.com/published/On-the-WaterFront.pdf\ 5.11: sketch by author; level variations at Bandra waterfront 5.12: sketch by author; before/after of TPM 5.13: https://www.triratnaindia.org/project_gallery/project_gallery.html 5.14: https://www.triratnaindia.org/project_gallery/project_gallery.html
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6.1: https://in.pinterest.com/pin/744008800914496127/ 6.2: https://photo.webindia123.com/app/photo/devaraja-urs-road-mysore/6940/ 6.3: sketch by author; unfriendly furniture 6.4&5: https://medium.com/@timmyzone/unfriendly-design-in-urban-spaces-cf7d2a352c9e 6.6: http://swachhbharaturban.gov.in/writereaddata/SBM_GUIDELINE.pdf 6.7: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/ 6.8: sketch by author; street vendor (produce) 6.9: sketch by author; street vendor (consumable) 6.10: sketch by author; kiosk 6.11: sketches by author; vendor scenario 6.12: sketch bu author; appropriation of low wall/ledge 6.13: apple maps; location of observation 6.14: Image by author 6.15: apple maps; location of observation 6.16: sketch by author; everyday situation 6.17: sketch by author; festival situation 6.18; image by Krishnapriya Rajshekar; event 6.19: sketch by author; appropriation of street edge - residential 6.20: sketch by author; appropriation of sidewalk - vendor
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APPENDIX - A
Varun Michael Pais
December 2019 | Thesis
Research Matrix Author Andy Merrifield Independent Scholar, residing in the UK Amos Rapoport Professor at several Universities across the World. Krishnapriya Rajshekar Professor at WCFA, Mysuru. Amos Rapoport Professor at several Universities across the World Shelagh McCartney (Ryerson University, Toronto, Canada) and Sukanya Krishnamurthy (TU Eindhoven, Netherlands) PULPlive by Ground Research. Collective blog that talks about current issues.
Rebecca Solnit American writer, activist.
Literature/Method
About
Chapter: Aspirations The New Urban Question Influence of the 1% and their control on a city. (2014); Ch 10: Whose The setting of an 'ideal City? The Parasites', of way of life' course. The Meaning of the Built Associational meaning of Environment the end-user vs (1982,1990); Ch 1: The Perceptual Meaning of Importance of Meaning the Designer On the Inescapable Architectural Thinking Messiness of Reality needs a shift (2016) Chapter: Ways of Life The Meaning of the Built Judgement of social Environment meaning of a place and (1982,1990); Ch 6: Urban its inhabitants based on Examples of Application Fixed & Semi-fixed Cues Neglected? Strengthening the Morphological Study of Informal Settlements
Existing urban morphology is insufficient to study the morphology of informal settlements
Problems that arise with housing and its Idea in PADOSAN, The case of Indian Metropolis'. Lost the Lost Idea of a notion of a Neighbourhood (2018) Neighbourhood and its importance - the basic way of living To understand how Morphological Studies of different living systems different Living Systems build and share spaces in Mysore and Pune Chapter: The Infosys Effect San Francisco's invasion by tech giants and the Diary Entry (2013); Vol 35 'boom' that was caused by it. The effect that it No 3 has on culture and economies of the city.
Category
Literature: Urban
Literature: Architecture
Literature: Architecture
Literature: Culture, Community, Urban
Tool kit: Morphological Study
Literature: Community, Urban, Economics
Tool kit: Morphological Study
Literature: Economics, Culture
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Akhil Gupta (Dept of Anthropology, Stanford Univ) and James Ferguson (Dept of Anthropology, UC Irvine)
Jane Jacobs - AmericanCanadian writer and activist Charles Correa - Indian Architect and Urban Planner
Nishat Awan, Tatjana Schneider and Jeremy Till Krishnapriya Rajshekar Professor at WCFA, Mysuru.
Simon Sadler - Professor of Architectural and Urban History at UC Davis
December 2019 | Thesis
Issues related to culture in a global world. The difference between Culture and Community. Beyond Culture: Spaces, How an amalgamation of Identity and the Politics cultures and the need to of Difference re-imagine forms of community are important. Chapter: The Divide The Death and Life of Discussions on how Great American Cities people use (1961) neighbourhood spaces The New Landscape (1986)
Literature: Culture, Community
Literature: Urban, Culture Literature: Urban
Activity Studies of spaces To understand how shared by different Living people of different socioeconomic classes Systems in Mysore and appropriate their spaces Pune Chapter: No Divide Spatial Agency: Other The idea of Architecture Ways of Doing as a Spatial Agent Architecture Architecture as it is vs Architecture as it wants The Non-Hero Saves the to be. The importance of Day (2016) inhabitants and the idea of Collaboration To understand where the Activity Studies where divide ceases to exist and the divide ceases to exist the benefits Chapter: Sensibilities, Inclusiveness and Belonging
Tool kit: Activity Study
Literature: Architecture
Literature: Architecture
Tool kit: Activity Study
The Situationist City (1998); Ch 1: The Naked City
A look into discussions of Situationist thinkers
Literature: Architecture
Nishat Awan, Tatjana Schneider and Jeremy Till
Spatial Agency: Other Ways of Doing Architecture
The idea of Architecture as a Spatial Agent
Case Studies
Urban Age Programme, The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
Cities and Social Equity: Inequality, Territory and Urban Form (A Detailed Report)
Study of differences due to socio-economic factors, and how that in turn affects factors of people’s lives
Literature: Economics, Culture, Urban. Case Studies, Tool kit
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