The Flowing Strip

The Papdi Talav site in Vasai presents a unique challenge with its fragmented relationship between the densely built lakeside market and the serene natural element of the lake. The rigid boundary currently divides the two, limiting opportunities for engagement and interaction between the built environment and the natural water body. The design seeks to dissolve this division by creating spatial porosity, allowing for a seamless integration of the market with the lake. The key goal is to foster a dynamic exchange between these two spaces, enabling the built form to coexist harmoniously with nature. A critical element of the design is the incorporation of a continuous flowing strip, inspired by the natural flow of the lake and the movement of people across the site. The strategic placement of grid lines facilitates movement, while the bridges that connect the lake, the market, and the community space serve as conduits of interaction, both physically and visually. The continuous strip unfolds and folds throughout the site, shifting between different spatial configurations. This dynamic element transforms, adapting into seating, walls, chajjas, and even roofs, maintaining its continuity while responding to the varied programmatic needs of the site. As the strip ascends from the lake, it offers varying levels of interaction and engagement with the surrounding spaces. The design integrates a courtyard between the bridges, a soft spatial transition that allows for communal interaction and social gathering. This open space encourages users to move between different levels and engage with the environment, facilitating a fluid connection between the built form and the natural surroundings. The overall composition enhances the sense of continuity and promotes a balanced interaction between architecture and nature.The continuity strip is not just a physical element—it is a spatial language that articulates a fluid threshold between nature and urbanity, between movement and stillness.