The Serenade

By Meet Gala and Stuti Bhatewara.

Observing The Site

The most enthralling part was visiting the sight. Each time we ventured into the forests, we stumbled upon fresh and intriguing sights, making the experience truly remarkable.

The Barbeque Spot

In the depths of the forest, we stumbled upon a circular layer of bricks containing burnt coal. Upon inquiring with the Agaris, we learned that this spot once served as a barbecue spot for the fishermen, where they cooked fish and crab.

The Cultural Area

This area having this recatngle shaped arrangement bamboos in two layers served as a space to have cultural programs for the people of Agari community.

The Insect Life

The whole sight served as a thriving place for the insect life of various species. The insect in the above photograph is known as Bumblebee

The Shrine

On the opposite side of the cultural area within the mangroves, we found a small temple devoted to an unknown Deity. The temple's bell was peculiarly locked to a mangrove branch. This sight raised the question, "Who would venture into a forest to steal a bell?"

The Mushrooms

During the rainy season, the forest transformed into a highly humid environment, fostering the growth of mushrooms and fungal life all around

The Crab Catchers

While exploring the shrine of the unknown we came across a man goind into the insides of the forest beyond the ends of the bund wall. On asking he replied,"Khekda Pakadne Jaa Raha hu".(Im going to catch crabs.)

The Unknown Sculptures

On the bund wall, there stood a small bridge or Swiss gate designed to allow the passage of water. Adjacent to this gate, we found a sculpture of Nandi, the sacred vehicle of the Hindu god Shiva.

The Claws

When we were passing through the settlements of the patels living the forest we couldn't help but notice these claws of crabs which gave us a sense of the diets of those people.

The conches

On our way on the bund wall,we came across many conches and shells lying around with creatures inside.

Identifying The Flow Of Sound.

The tangible element of sound necessitated thorough documentation of the forest's diverse sounds, their intersections, and their influence on other elements. Working with its flow required keen observation and understanding to grasp the intricate relationships between different auditory components within the forest environment.

Click to play the documented sound 1

Click to play the documented sound 2

Click to play the documented sound 3

Sound being a tangible 3-dimensionsal element,it felt appropriate to represent it using spheres or blobs of spheres .Although there are many hindrances and obstacles in the path of sound,the above drawing became our broad representation to represent the sounds of different elements all over the site.

After discerning the flow of sound, our focus shifted to identifying its intersections with other elements within the forest. Understanding the relationships sound established with the environment became a vital aspect of our research. We delved into how sound interacts with various elements of the forest and discovered that each sound emitted by a particular element had distinct effects on other components. Simultaneously, these interactions influenced the sounds of neighboring elements, creating a complex web of interconnected flows within the Dahisar Mangrove Forest.

Forming these networks of sound flows shed light on the dynamic and interdependent nature of the forest's elements. The soundscapes shaped by these interactions played a crucial role in defining the overall ecosystem. As we mapped out these connections, we gained insights into the delicate balance that exists within the forest's auditory landscape.

The Intervention

Having studied the sound flow and networks in the forest, we aimed to intervene in a way that would creatively utilize sound to shape the visitor's experience playfully. Our goal was to craft an immersive and engaging auditory journey for all who ventured into the forest.

The Objective

Our main objective was to design a tranquil space for relaxation and introspection, where visitors could sit with their thoughts. The space was intended for 2-3 people, providing a sense of privacy and offering a peaceful retreat to be in with oneself .

1st Iteration

In our first design iteration, we focused on identifying and categorizing different sound-making elements in the forest, leading to the establishment of four levels:

1) The Underground Level: Termed "The Burping of Swamps," this level allowed visitors to hear the sounds of the swamps and experience the vibrant life within.

2) Level 1: Centered around the sounds of the mangroves, this level enabled visitors to immerse themselves in the auditory tapestry of mangrove life, including the buzzing of insects.

3) Level 2: This level was dedicated to the sounds of birdlife in the mangroves, offering an opportunity to connect with the diverse avian calls and melodies.

4) Level 3: Focused on elements from the sky, such as airplanes and the distant sound of the metro passing through the mangroves, this level added an intriguing dimension to the overall soundscape.

The Cocept Model

Material used:-Boxboard

During the model-making process, we introduced cone-shaped structures at each level to enhance sound capturing capabilities. Utilizing conical forms proved effective in capturing and channeling sounds, enriching the auditory experience for visitors at every level of the structure.

2nd Iteration

This is how the 2nd iteartion would look when placed in the site model.

Material used:-Boxboard

In the second iteration, we retained the concept from the first iteration while introducing observer windows to each level. These windows were strategically placed to provide visitors with a unique perspective, allowing them not only to listen to the sound-making elements but also to observe them closely. This addition aimed to create a more immersive and multi-sensory experience, fostering a deeper connection with the sounds and life of the forest.

3rd Iteration

Material used:-Wiremesh

In this iteration, the design concept revolved around the use of tunnels branching out from a main tunnel, strategically opening at locations where specific sound-making elements resided. These tunnels allowed visitors to immerse themselves in the unique sounds of each element while providing an intimate and direct connection to the diverse auditory experiences within the forest. The branching tunnels created an intricate network, guiding visitors on a captivating journey to explore the rich tapestry of sounds throughout the site.

4th Iteration

Material used:-Filecard and Cartridge paper

In this design iteration, the focus was on creating a reverberation dome, utilizing the principle of multiple sound reflections to extend the perception of sound. The dome's conical form facilitated the entry of the forest's sounds, which then reverberated within the structure, providing visitors with an immersive and prolonged auditory experience. The carefully crafted acoustics within the dome enhanced the richness and depth of the forest's soundscape, allowing visitors to connect more deeply with the intricate symphony of the natural environment.

The limitation of the minimum diameter required to create a reverberation effect at the standard temperature of 30 degrees Celsius (17 meters) presented a challenge. The restricted availability of such a vast open land area in the Dahisar Mangrove Forest, combined with the ethical concern of preserving the mangroves, made it impractical to pursue this approach. Balancing the need for a suitable reverberation space with the conservation of the forest's natural habitat became a critical consideration in the design process.

5th Iteration

Material used:-Tracing sheets,newspaper,fevicol and balloons

In this iteration, the focus was on experimenting with various forms that could effectively reverberate sound, while carefully considering the different sound-making elements and their respective levels. The approach involved creating distinct modules, each tailored to a specific sound element, and strategically placing them throughout the Dahisar Mangrove Forest. These modules, thoughtfully situated based on the identified sound-making elements, aimed to enhance the overall auditory experience for visitors, immersing them in the natural symphony of the forest without compromising its ecological integrity.

The limitation of this design was that it required chopping off some mangroves to accommodate the modules for creating reverberation and manipulating sound. This posed a significant ethical and ecological concern, as preserving the natural habitat of the mangrove forest was a primary objective. Finding a design solution that could achieve the desired auditory experience without harming the mangroves became a crucial challenge that needed to be addressed.

Research for 6th Iteration.

This idea was rooted in the analysis of sound frequencies recorded in the Dahisar Mangrove Forest, resulting in the visualization of waveforms. The unique patterns and characteristics of these waveforms inspired the design approach, aiming to create structures that embodied the essence of the forest's soundscapes. By translating sound frequencies into visual representations, the design sought to offer visitors a tangible and artistic experience, enabling them to perceive and connect with the forest's auditory landscape in a novel and immersive way.

This design idea continued to explore the concept of reverberation, employing tunnels as a medium for sound to travel. The tunnels' endpoints were strategically placed at the locations of the various sound-making elements within the forest. By directing the sound from each element to the central dome, where reverberation occurred, a distinctive and captivating experience was crafted for those inside the dome. This design aimed to immerse visitors in the rich auditory tapestry of the forest, creating a dynamic and interactive journey that celebrated the unique sounds and ambiance of the natural environment.

The concept of cymatics, where geometric patterns are formed by vibrating a plate with certain frequencies and then extruded into three-dimensional forms and spaces, is intriguing. Utilizing these 3D spaces as sound catchers for specific frequencies can create unique and immersive auditory environments. If people were to inhabit these spaces, they would experience a truly distinctive and interactive sound experience. Each space, designed to capture specific frequencies, could offer inhabitants an extraordinary connection with sound and their surroundings. This innovative approach has the potential to transform the way we perceive and interact with sound, providing a harmonious and captivating living experience within the realm of cymatic-inspired architecture.

The design concept of domes of different sizes at various levels continued to explore the idea of reverberation, this time employing conical forms to guide and enhance the movement of sound within the domes. The strategic placement of tunnels provided visitors with a medium for experiencing the diverse soundscapes of the forest while also allowing them to navigate between the domes. Each dome, uniquely designed with its conical features, facilitated the reverberation of specific frequencies, offering visitors an engaging and multisensory auditory journey through the natural symphony of the mangrove forest.

The 6th Iteration

Material used:-Clay and wire mesh.

The inspiration for the idea of several modules of reverberation chambers came from Bjork x Arup's reverberation chamber design. By identifying various forms that facilitate the reflection of sound, we aimed to optimize the acoustic experience within each module. Incorporating curved surfaces in the design was a deliberate choice, as they have a natural ability to enhance sound reflection. The result was an auditory experience that provided visitors with a sense of sound persistence, allowing them to immerse themselves in the captivating and enduring echoes of the forest. By drawing from the principles of effective sound reflection and employing innovative design techniques, our modules sought to create a truly unique and enchanting sonic journey for every visitor.

A 3d drawing of our whole site.

The Final Design

Eventually through the process we realised that it is not the sound which needs to get amplified or reverberated or altered but it is our structure which needs to get altered such that it uses sound to curate itself. So we decided to design a very playful structure keeping the levels of sound making elements in our mind.we identified the intersections of various sounds in our site and decided to place our structures at those intersections of various sounds.

The upper level seems to be a unique and interesting location, providing a blend of various sounds from nature and urban life. The combination of birdsong, the muffled sound of the metro passing through the mangroves, and the distant hum of airplanes creates a harmonious soundscape that could be both soothing and stimulating.

The intersection of these sounds forms a space that offers an opportunity for relaxation and contemplation. It sounds like a peaceful spot where one can sit and immerse themselves in the symphony of nature and human activities coming together. Such an environment can be rejuvenating, allowing people to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and find solace in the natural world while still being connected to the rhythms of urban living.

Overall, this description conjures an idyllic and serene image of a location where individuals can take a moment to unwind and find tranquility amidst the interplay of diverse sounds.

The lower level sounds like a fascinating and immersive environment, with a lively combination of natural and cultural elements coming together. The various sounds of insects, the rustling of mangroves, the swamps' unique sounds, and even the distant sound of a temple on the opposite side all contribute to a vibrant and dynamic soundscape.

The intersection of these sounds creates a playful and interactive space. The presence of different platforms within a womb-like structure suggests a cocooned, safe, and creative area where people can engage in various activities. It sounds like a place that encourages exploration and fun, where individuals can jump, step, and move freely while being surrounded by the rich tapestry of sounds from nature and human-made elements.

This environment seems to be an exciting and multi-sensory experience, allowing people to not only hear but also feel the surroundings through physical interaction with the platforms. The combination of natural sounds and the distant sound of the temple might create a unique atmosphere that is both grounding and spiritually uplifting.

Overall, the lower level appears to be an enchanting space that stimulates the imagination and encourages playfulness while immersing individuals in a symphony of sounds from the surrounding world. It's a place that can offer a holistic and joyful experience for those who venture into its immersive embrace.

Conclusion

This imaginative space leads you on a journey through the serene mangroves into a womb-like haven, filled with an enchanting array of diverse sounds. Here, you can find solace within your own thoughts, embra. The design was driven purely by boundless imagination, allowing exploration of the myriad properties of sound. By playing with these sonic elements, an immersive and transformative experience was crafted.

The design process involved extensive experimentation with a wide range of materials during model making, ensuring the perfect blend with the natural surroundings. Additionally, sectional drawing techniques were deftly employed, seamlessly integrating with the overall design to create a multi-dimensional ambiance.

But what makes this space truly special is the integration of the captivating stories woven within the Dahisar Mangrove Forest. Through the design process, these narratives were unearthed and artfully woven into the fabric of the space, infusing it with cultural significance and profound meaning.

Ultimately, this space transcends conventional design, becoming a fusion of art, sound, and storytelling. As you traverse from the mangroves to the womb of sounds, you embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and connection to the wonders of nature, leaving you with lasting impressions of serenity and wonder.

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