Salim Ali center for Ornithology and Natural history We |ACONThe Salim Ali centre for ornithology and Natural history (SACON) is in Anaikatty, 24kms northwest of coimbatore. It was formally in- augurated on June 5, 1990 It had been Dr.Salim Ali’s dream to have an institute dedicated to carrying out research on Indian birds as he felt that information on the subject was sparse.The dream was realized by the incessant endeavors of the Bombay Natural History Society, Mumbai.General Analysis : Location : Anaikatty forest District : Coimbatore District State : Tamil Nadu Nearest Village : Anaikatty Area : 55 Acres Builtup Area : 4500 m.sq Architect : Laurie Baker Proximity : Coimbatore Airport : 34kms Coimbatore Railwaystation : 25kms Gandhipuram : 24kms Tannaikatti : 1.5kms Main access : Anaikatty Road Road width : 12m Inner Road : SACON Road Road width : 5m cowAdministrative Block The buildings are circular structures with courtyards, arched corridors, clay tile flooring and tiled roof. The design and materials used for construction ensure ample lighting and ventilation. They also reduce heat inside. So the need for using electic lights and air conditioners is reduced substantially though several office epuipment such as computers are used. Requirements Waiting Area Reception Office for admin Office Store Director Room Principal Scientist Room Sen.Principal Scientist Room Werland Education Room Nature Education Room Scientist Room Confrence Room Toilet Panrty and Sitting Lobby Research Student Room Photography Room Dark Room Technical Store Herbarium Room Site Engineer Room Admin Section Room Administative Officer Room Financier Officer Room Finance Report Store Finance Section Room Dining Room cowAdministrative Block Main Block Laboratory Canteen aconStructural Analysis : * Lintel beams eliminated in lieu, Brick arches provided as per old engineer- ing practice. *Foundation with rr masonry stones no footings/rec rafters provided +Internal plastering selectively done as required basis *Colour washing done in lieu of distempering +External plastering and coatings avoided stone/brick surfaces finished cement pointing for natural look. *Seating arrangements in common places with cement work as permanent fixtures. *Adequate circulating space in the building by providing verandhas inside the building. Filler Slab for Roofing : *Two layers of mangalore tiles embedded in concrete *Spacing of reinforcement as required basis *Better heat insulation, cool temperature inside the rooms +20 percentage saving in concrete quatity thereby cost reduction +No water proofing treatment over the roof, finished with plaster aconCommon Features Corridors : Arched corridors are provided along the courtyard space. Arch support walls are provided for the roof support. Courtyard: The buildings are circular structures with courtyards to ensure ample lighting and ventilation. The also reduce heat inside. Lobby: Lobby space are clearly defined along the corridor space with fixed sitting furniture, proper flooring patterns are given in the lobby space. Design Concepts : Central atrium in each building Natural lighting and ventilation Not much site clearance needed earth cutting and filling kept minimum Buildings designed accoring to ground profile in different levels Safe Guard against seismic effect All buildings external walls in circular and curvature shape to obiviate seis- mic effect Balanced structural design Minimum essential use of reinforced concrete cowCourse of Study Avian ecology Applied ornithlogy Conservation Ecology Bio diversity Wetland Conservation Landscape Ecology Eco Restoration Eco Toxicology Environmental Impact assesment Environmental Information System cow