Computational design

For the computational design module, I was assigned the site of Sanjay Gandhi National Park, a major tourist destination located in Borivali, adjacent to the Western Express Highway. The park attracts a wide range of visitors on a daily basis—tourists, joggers, trekkers, and cyclists—creating a constant flow of activity. In addition, numerous hawkers are present along its stretch, adding to the vibrancy but also contributing to congestion. Overall, the site functions as a highly active and crowded public space. 

Site plan

Site photographs

Observation diagrams

The observations I collected indicate that the space carries an sense of anticipation. People are often eager to discover what lies ahead or what they are about to encounter. I felt a similar sense of anticipation evident in this space, where people first gather and dispersed into the national park.

Hence, based on the observations, this setting appears to be appropriate for my waiting space intervention.

Idea of waiting: My concept of waiting here should allow visitors to pause briefly for water, transport decisions, queues, or companions; without losing their excitement. The space should support these short breaks while maintaining their anticipation to continue forward.

Additional program: The additional program introduces a small seating area where visitors can pause to drink water, while also integrating the existing bus ticket office with provisions for waiting.

Inference from the observations:

The existing ticket office and its entrance act as a visual frame, directing attention toward the trees, the road, and the movement of people within the park. After passing through this entry point, one follows a road, marked by sharp turns and shaded by a canopy of trees. This natural overhead cover creates a play of light and shadow along the path. As visitors walk this route, they gradually transition into the national park. These elements contribute to a sense of anticipation and curiosity in visitors.

Logic 1:

Using the initial inferences as design guidelines, I introduced a wall and broke it to maintain the same directionality. I punctured the wall to create voids that provide visual framing. The placement of these walls helps to guide the flow of people through the space, while the broken and punctured sections serve as informal seating or waiting areas.

Logic 2: I observed how people gathered around trees, creating a cozy and calm space. Inspired by this, I shaped the second form from a single wall, cut to define the desired space. 

Using both forms as a starting point, I began developing the structure. The design focused on the strategic placement of walls to not only define seating areas and accommodate additional programs but also to create a sense of anticipation within the space. By carefully orienting the walls, I was able to establish a pathway adjacent to the main entrance, guiding movement and generating curiosity as visitors enter. 

The roof strategy was inspired by the strong directionality of the road, expressed through its sharp alignment. The idea of layering one roof above another came from observing the overlapping canopy of trees. Finally, the interlocking quality of the roof was derived from the existing ticket office, which features a similar interwoven form. 

Plan of the Waiting Space

Elevation of the Waiting Space

Isometric view

Design model

Wall section