Garden Library
This course started by understanding the material and spatial response in regard to the experience.
How the idea of materiality, construction and spatial configuration shaped the idea of user experience.
SITE STUDY
A site in the northern part of Mumbai, borivali. It has a warm and humid climate. The site is located in a highly residential area and has a college adjoining it.
The surrounding area also has many gardens and parks that are used regularly by local people of all age groups.
INTENT AND PROGRAM
Creating a non-intimidating structure that people can venture into freely. Having a park or garden like quality to the space so that it is familiar for the people around. Providing both formal and informal study areas, spaces where larger groups can interact with each other and also places where you could study alone. The library will have a very friendly as well as an approachable environment which creates the best engagement between students and knowledge.
To design a study centre in the middle of a residential area connected to a college to be used by people of the locality(aged 15-early 20s) and kids attending the college. A place where people can study individually or even have spaces for larger groups and classes. Having a place where people from college can come to relax during breaks and where extra-curricular activities(yoga, dance etc.) can take place as well.
DESIGN PROCESS
Initially, thought of creating 3 different spaces all of which would cater different experiences-a very closed formal space, a semi open discussion space, and a completely open informal space.
DESIGN DRAWINGS AND MODEL
The roof of the library is supported by steel tree columns so that they connect visually to the park-like experience. They also provide the benefit of having a larger span and a double heighted structure all which adds to making the space more open and having a larger ground space. The roof is covered with efte cushioned roof membranes which is waterproof, has a long life span and is easy to maintain. The membranes near the edges and the study spaces are more opaque allowing less light to enter and creating a different space then the transparent membranes in the center and open spaces.
There are two mezzanines that are spaces that make you feel that you are sitting amidst the trees itself. You can have a nice quiet study space but also have visual connectivity to the park and nature. There are also slightly elevated platforms, where people can sit beneath them to have a cozy sheltered space or above them for a space of informal discussion.
We initially thought of creating 3 different spaces all of which would cater different experiences-a very closed formal space, a semi open discussion space, and a completely open informal space.
To get an idea of the spaces we started by creating different iterations of the orientation of the bookshelf and other elements that would guide the flow of the people. The bookshelves are arranged such that they provide screening and privacy for people who want such a space. But it also creates an open space in the center.
CONSTRUCTION DETAILS AND CLIMATE RESPONSE
There is a paved path as well for people to use it as a walking track. These paths would also guide the people between bookshelves and other study spaces where if they choose they could sit and read for some time. Using these construction techniques we were able to create a semi-open space which functioned as a learning-thought exchange center but also as a park.
There is also a drainage system which is supported by the secondary support members and runs through the tree columns into underground gutters. The roof is sloping on the southern side which helps in diffusing the harsh sunlight. There is a concrete plinth under all the columns. The rest of the area has a sloping plinth which merges into the ground gradually and therefore it doesn't separate the plinth or block the access from any particular side.