Centre for Environmental Education [CEE], Ahmedabad

Introduction-

The following text interprets CEE, Ahmedabad and discusses how the space was designed in such a way that it coexists along with the terrains and vegetation of Thaltej Teki. It further explains how things work around numerous factors such as the existing vegetation playing a big role in creating a space, making differences within the lighting and how the architect/designer brought this place to life.

Description & about the architect-

Established in 1984 and designed by Architect Neelkanth Chhaya, The Centre for Environmental Education [CEE], Ahmedabad was laid on a 14-acre campus on Thaltej Tekri(hill).

Architect Neelkanth Chhaya is a very well known figure in the world of architects and has been the dean faculty of architecture at CEPT University, Ahmedabad and he has more than 25 years of experience both in field as well as academics. He also practiced in Nairobi, Kenya in between 1975-1982, later moving his base from Africa to India to continue practicing, he along with his partners Kallol Joshi [Architect] and Sohan Neelkanth [Instrumentalist], together started The Mandala Design Services in Vadodara. Also in 2013 he retired from CEPT after a 24-year teaching sojourn.

Space Planning and concept- 

Space Planning

Due to being located on a Tekri [Hill], the terrain offers a lot of contours to play along with, which is why landscaping is one of the main contributors for what one comes across and sees when they walk around the campus. The planning for CEE was done at 3 different levels which is a combination of partial/fully underground, on ground and above ground spaces. The design over all portrays the idea of sustainability. The spaces are staggered as per the tree positions all around the campus and these levels are intertwined with each other such that they respond to the existing site contours. As for the context on what each level holds, the first level houses seminar room, a library, workshop areas, studio and a canteen. The second level houses the office area, a library again, parking, seminar room, along with a recreational area and a workshop. The third level houses the studios, along with the continuation of the library, recreational area and the workshop. The spaces and the site are so seamlessly merged together that allows one to not even comprehend the circulation at first, also it doesn’t let one feel like they go through different levels when moving through the building. The existing trees and the surrounding vegetation makes the building take twists and turns. There is a unique blend and relationship between the inside and outside of the building and its surrounding at each level.

Light and Shadow-

The site is established according to the site contours and the trees within the campus. The dynamic play with the levels rise to different volumes in both spaces and various qualities of light throughout the day.  There is a play in light and shadows due to the terraces being linked with each other, thus creating a transition of spaces with covered pergolas.

Transitional Spaces-

Interactional spaces or what we call transitional space in the world of architecture offer the opportunity to allow the occupant to pause and take a look around the so-called space and further interact along with other occupants and the space itself, amidst surrounding nature. The main reason for doing so is to make sure that an occupant doesn’t lose touch with the space and the nature around it, therefore it allows the designer to succeed in constantly reminding the occupants that the built form or space doesn’t stand in an isolation without its surrounding nature.

Construction, Materials and language

In order to provide a free open plan for flexible usage, the designer decides to go along with rectangular & square space planning, thus showcasing the characteristics of Modern Architecture. The material palette for the main structures comprises three main materials, mainly stone, bricks and concrete.

We can also see the involvement of low height ceilings across the campus which further provides a humbling experience and the longer length of the spaces create a circulation space.

The material palette is used in a hierarchy from the bottom to the top, being stone, brick and concrete. The basement along with the semi-basement is made out of stone, while the ground and the above is made out of exposed bricks and the pergolas along with the structural members made of concrete. Simply said it's an earthy palette surrounded by vegetation.

The site has a rustic look due to the exposed bricks, concrete and stones, with the workmanship providing fine lines and edges and the trees [vegetation] grounding in and out of the space. In conclusion, this type of architecture doesn’t put any sort of restrictions on the surrounding nature, making an inseparable bond between the two of them. Therefore the material choice is made keeping in mind that it should let nature occupy and grow along with/on it.

Integration of the vegetation-

At each point within the campus, there is a unique treatment of existing trees with how delicately each tree has been integrated with the space. We see how each tree is given a courtyard and a othla[sitting space] which allows the occupant to utilize the space and also the tree provides shade during the day time as well as playing a major role in the  play of light and creating illusions within the space. At some spots where a tree comes at a slab or an inter-slab level, the concrete is carved such that it freely allows the tree to grow as well as be an occupant in the space. There are some changes made within the ground level such that it allows the tree to grow freely in its unique way without the built structure being an obstacle for it.

Sustainability & Conclusion-

In this project we get to see a dynamic integration with nature. This project shows how simplicity can be achieved out of so much complexity. Further the play in levels, materials, and the building's response as it takes twists and turns woth respect to the nature on the site; the building's response to the terrain and the climate and the range of comfortable spaces created, makes this a  sustainable project in my humble opinion.

References for the study done-

CEE campus tour (2021) YouTube. Available at: CEE Campus Tour (Accessed: 14 July 2024).

All news (no date) CEPT. Available at: https://cept.ac.in/news/1616/prof-neelkanth-chhaya-bestowed-the-balkrishna-doshi-guru-ratna-award-2023 (Accessed: 14 July 2024).

Foundation day – cee india (2020) YouTube. Available at: Foundation Day – CEE India (Accessed: 14 July 2024).

(No date) Centre for Environment Education, Ahmedabad. Available at: https://anujdaga.blogspot.com/2017/03/centre-for-environment-education.html (Accessed: 14 July 2024).