Embedded Files
ENGRAVING
SITE ANALYSIS
As one approaches the site along the road, one sees a large rock boulder sitting amidst distinct dense urban industrial form. This monolith is a relief from the site scape which is highly dotted with tanks, chemical plants, trucks, factories, warehouses, large dead walls until we reach a small patch of steps almost inconspicuous to the eye leading towards the historic Sewri fort. The wetland conservatory is imagined in multiple levels oriented towards the east which offers a direct view towards the creek framing the vast unending expanse of water and tides, rocks and mangroves and seasonal birds. The site analysis diagram shows the climatic conditions on the site i.e. the direction of winds in different seasons and also the sun path.
PROVOCATIONS AND QUESTIONS
How can the existing boulder be used to design without disturbing the environment around ?
How does the architecture become more inviting ?
What is the architecture that will allow flexibility, movement, thresholds at various points for the trespassers ?
How do you retain the current geometry so that it becomes an extension to the existing boulder ?
DESIGN INTENT
The built form is imagined to be integrated in the landscape/ basalt boulder almost hidden from the road and opening towards the creek. The variant volumes correspond to the concept of embracing the rock topography. The configuration of the façade responds to the materiality more specifically with the use of existing natural stone as an integration tool. The geometrical design of the façade responds to the reinterpretation of the existing rock’s shape.
FIELD AS AN EXTENSION TO THE LANDSCAPE
The concept of design is that the built form becomes an extension to the existing landscape. The current geometry of the basalt boulder gets retained i.e. the points on the contours are pulled in a manner so as to accommodate spaces. Basically, the site rock gets restructured to design.
In the diagram, the red part is an extension to the landscape and the black line is the existing site condition.
DESIGN CONCEPT AND DIAGRAM
By means of sequence of stepping, the observatory generates the relationship between the built form, the wetlands and the users. The form is carved into the rock retaining the roughness and chiselled edges generating an intimate experience of the ground as one experiences the expanse of the water beyond. The built form emerges from the terrain itself such that it doesn’t stand out and merges with the landscape.
WETLAND CONSERVATORY AS A VIEWING GALLERY
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
The design emphasizes the coexistence of the multiple functions of the observatory. One enters the site from the road and reaches the topmost level i.e. the roof of the wetland observatory. Stepping down gradually one reaches the admin and chemistry lab which has a courtyard in front where people can gather. Moving further one again reaches the roof of the training unit, cafeteria and hydrology lab where one can connect with the environment. To the lower level is the entrance lobby, library and biology lab and research from where you can step into the wetlands to experience the wetness.
The outdoor staircase transformed through terrain connects spaces at multiple levels. Skylights bring in natural light which helps to improve the environment and helps with the performance in workplaces. These can be opened to let in fresh air and at the same time allows users to connect with the outside. These skylights act as seating space on the viewing deck.
SECTION CC'
EXTERNAL WALL SECTION
The external wall section talks about the materiality of the built form i.e. stone as a building material, concrete for footing and roof.
Retaining walls are used to support soil laterally and are designed to restrain the soil to a slope.
The drainage pipes collect water along the length of the wall and drain it to the outside. Shear keys are provided at the base of retaining walls to increase its sliding resistance.
SKETCHES OF THE SPACES
TERRACE AS VIEWING GALLERY
VIEW TOWARDS WETLANDS FROM TOPMOST LEVEL
LIBRARY AS EXTENSION TO LANDSCAPE
CAFETERIA THAT CONNECTS TO THE ENVIRONMENT
VIEWS TO UNDERSTAND HOW THE BUILTFORM RESPONDS TO THE SITE
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