Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Norbulingka Institute
Norbulingka Institute
Site
Approach
Approach to the building is the first phase of
circulation system.[ CITATION Fra07 \l 16393 ]
Location
Oblique approach [ CITATION aut20
The most precious pieces of art and architecture \l 16393 ]
have been found in the deepest crevices of the
earth, Norbulingka Institute being one, neatly
tucked into the folds of the Dhauladhars, in the
local district of Kangra. The high road to
Norbulingka from New Delhi is a scenic byway,
passing through classic landscapes of all times..
[ CITATION wor14 \l 16393 ]
PO Sidhpur Near Dharamshala 176057 Dist.
Kangra, HP India.[ CITATION Lha15 \l 16393 ]
[CITATION
Lha15 \l
Onsite and Offsite Features
Onsite features:Norbulingka is dedicated to the
preservation of tibet language and cultural
heritage. The institute contains the centre for arts,
the academy of tibetan culture, the literary and
cultural research centre and the library and
publications department.[ CITATION wor14 \l
16393 ]
Landscape area [ CITATION Pas16
\l 16393 ]
Offsite features: The site of the Norbulingka is
surrounded by leeward scrub vegetation, the
expansive Himalayan River banks, dense deodar
and pine forests, light green corn and paddy fields,
tiny villages nestled along the sinewy slopes, lush
green tea gardens and serene lakes.[ CITATION
Aut20 \l 16393 ]
Doll museum and art workshop [ CITATION
Ram19 \l 16393 ]
Entrance Typology
Entrance to the structure is through a staircase.
The entrance gateway has a symmetrical balance
and the primary colour blend perfectly with the
stone façade. Combination of many religious
symbols can be seen on the entrance gate which is
hand crafted and hand painted.[ CITATION Aut20 \l
16393 ]
[ CITATION
Aut20 \l
Configuration of path
Configuration of path is curvilinear and when a
building is approached at an extreme angle, its
entrance can project beyond its facade to be more
clearly visible.[ CITATION Aut20 \l 16393 ]
[ CITATION
Zoning
The site is irregular in shape with sufficient open
space. Zoning is done such that the path run by the
spaces (guest house, Norbulingka craft centre, doll
museum and administration) leading to the seat of
happiness temple at the end.[ CITATION Aut20 \l
16393 ]
Spatial Organisation
Site has clustered organisation. The spaces are [ CITATION
clustered about a large defined field or volume of Aut20 \l 16393 ]
space. This pattern is similar to that of a
Building Level interlocking portion of their volumes.[ CITATION
Aut20 \l 16393 ]
Threshold
Seat of happiness is built on elevated, sunny sites
facing the south. Entrance to the site is through
steps that lead to an open verandah which is
slightly projected. Red painted pillars in shape of
mandalas carved with religious symbols mark the
entrance way which adds to the aesthetic of the
structure. [ CITATION Aut20 \l 16393 ] [ CITATION
Aut20 \l
Form type
Building Geometry
When two forms differing in geometry or
orientation collide and interpenetrate each other’s
boundaries, each will view for visual supremacy
and dominance. In this situationtwo forms retain (Ching,
their individual identities and share the 2007)
Zoning and Circulation
Circulation
Walls
Private spaces
Semi-public spaces
Form and space
The building has a clustered form which is
additive in nature. Form depicts that the space
within the building is not more or less. There is
sufficient space. There is no illusion in form and
space. So, the form of the building defines the
space.[ CITATION Aut20 \l 16393 ]
[ CITATION Fra07 \l 16393 ]
The walls of the structure are 2 brick thick which (sidhu, 2010)
completely makes it a load bearing structure. It
also consists of curved walls.[ CITATION Aut20 \l
16393 ]
A
Types of areas Area (sqm.) slightly
Circulation 70sqm
Wall floor ratio: 0.15[ CITATION Aut20 \l 16393 ]
projected row of windows is placed centrally on
the first floor. The windows are decorated with First Floor Plan
ladder shaped black frame which means "ox
horn" and is said to bring good luck to people.
Some say black absorbs the sunlight, but others
say it repels evil spirits.
[ CITATION Aut20
\l 16393 ]
Wall floor ratio: 0.16[ CITATION Aut20 \l 16393 ]
Wall floor ratio: 0.28[ CITATION Aut20 \l 16393 ]
16% 18%
Wall area
Floor area
Circulation
65%
Circulation 153sqm
11%
21%
Wall area
Floor area
Circulation
68%
Circulation 190sqm
Wall area
Floor area
Circulation
74%
Window floor ratio Types of areas Area (sqm.)
The window-to-floor ratio of a building =Total glazing area Wall area 85sqm
/ total floor area
Floor area 305sqm
Ground floor plan
Types of areas Area (sqm.) Window area 32sqm
Wall area 65sqm Window floor ratio: 0.10[ CITATION Aut20 \l 16393 ]
[ CITATION Aut20
Floor area 410sqm \l 16393 ]
6% 13%
81%
6%
21%
Wall area
Floor area
Window area
73%
Third floor plan
Types of areas Area (sqm.)
5%
21%
Wall area
Floor area
Window area
75%
[ CITATION Aut20
\l 16393 ]
Z-Analysis
Facade Treatment
The façade of the building is symmetrical in Front elevation (sidhu, 2010)
nature which shows its balanced form and makes
it stable and adds to the aesthetics of the façade.
The top-down decoration of the lintel of the
entrance gate consists of five layers at a time, such
as lion’s head, beam panel, jump beam, rafters and
so on.
The windows are decorated with ladder shaped
black frame which means "ox horn" and is said to
bring good luck to people.
Crossed pattern iron railing can be seen in the
façade of the building. The façade has exposed
brick parapet with decorative eaves.
The building facade is made in stone.
The blend of primary colors with stone façade
makes it aesthetically pleasing.[ CITATION Aut20 \l Side elevation [ CITATION Jas10
16393 ]
Architectural Expression
Transformation
Design is a generative process of analysis and
synthesis, of trial and error, of trying out
possibilities and seizing opportunities.[ CITATION
Fra07 \l 16393 ]Building is designed by addition of
block to get the design concept which adds to the
volume of the structure.[ CITATION Aut20 \l 16393 ] (Author,
2020)
Balance
The façade of the building is symmetrical in
nature which shows its balanced form and makes
it stable and adds to the aesthetics of the façade.
[ CITATION Aut20 \l 16393 ]
Rhythm
Continuity is maintained as there is flow in
repetition of windows on the first floor.[ CITATION
Aut20 \l 16393 ]
Column Details
Staircase Details
The ground floor staircase leads to the mezzanine The decorative
patterns of
floor which further leads to the first floor through
a spiral staircase.[ CITATION Aut20 \l 16393 ]
Tibetan
Paintings Buddhist
The main temple, Deden Tsuklagkhang, flanked
by thangka frescoes and a two-storey high
applique thangka to its left. Large monastery and
monastery
temple thangkas are made with applique instead of
paint. The guidelines for composition, form, and
architecture are
very
colour, however, remain the same.
Front view of the applique thangka at the
Institute’s main temple. The composition,
comprising of Buddha and 16 arhats or saints, is a
labour of love by dozens of the Institute’s artists rich, mainly
divided into two
and took thousands of hours to create.
[ CITATION Ram19 \l 16393 ]
categories
Exposed brick work
with block eaves
detail
Architectural Elements
Iron railing detail
[ CITATION Aut20
\l 16393 ]
Tibetan Buddhist monastery architecture is
produced by the combination of religious culture
and architectural art. The general outer door
frame of the gate will have two or three layers of
convex door frame decorated with carved curly
grass, Buddha statues, lotus petals, scriptures etc.
[ CITATION Jas10 \l
16393 ]
Kalachakra Temple
Site
Configuration of path
Approach The site has a linear path that is axially segmented
or branched. Path runs at both the front and back
Approach to the building is the first phase of
of the building. The road to the Dalai Lama’s
circulation system.[ CITATION Fra07 \l 16393 ]
monastery is at the front and to the main McLeod
Approach to the site is oblique (at an angle). Ganj square is at back.[ CITATION Aut20 \l 16393 ]
[ CITATION Aut20 \l 16393 ]
The path can be redirected one or more times to Oblique approach [ CITATION aut20
delay and prolong the sequence of the Path and space relationship
\l 16393 ] [ CITATION
zapproach.An oblique approach enhance the effect
aut20 \l
of perspective on a building’s front façade and This path-space relationship is used to approach
form.[ CITATION Fra07 \l 16393 ] and enter functionally or symbolically important
spaces. [ CITATION Fra07 \l 16393 ]
Path space relationship is pass by spaces. The
building is centralised and [ path runs around the
CITATION
Location structure and shows the Fra07 integrity of \leach space is
maintained and mediating spaces can be used to
At a distance of 3 km from Dharamshala and 6 km link the path with the spaces.[ CITATION Aut20 \l
from McLeod Ganj, Namgyalma Stupa is an old 16393 ]
Tibetan Mini
Market
Pass by spaces. [ CITATION
Buddhist structure situated at Uparli Barol. aut20 \l 16393 ]
Namgyalam stupa is located inside the Thekchen
Chöling temple complex on the west side of the
Form of circulation space
Jogiwara road
Narowjeeroad
Macloedganj Market
Entrance Typology
Entrance to the structure is through steps at the
four corners. Main entrance to the temple is from
south-east and is slightly projected. The entrance
gateway is painted in red colour and two pillars
supporting the entrance have thangka artwork on
it and upper portion of the entrance has religious
Tibetan chants inscribed on it.[ CITATION Aut20 \l
16393 ] [ CITATION
aut20 \l
The circulation space is open on one side forming
gallery that provides visual and spatial continuity
with the spaces it links.[ CITATION Fra07 \l 16393 ]
[ CITATION
aut20 \l 16393
Building block
Gallery around it
[ CITATION
aut20 \l 16393
Mass and Space
While considering the whole structure the space
surrounding it is a small gallery and the mass Building block
enclosing the stupa is in accordance to the space
in which the stupa is built.[ CITATION Aut20 \l
16393 ]
Gallery around it
Spatial Organisation
[ CITATION
The site has centralised organisation as the path aut20 \l 16393
runs at both front and back of the site. The
Tsuglagkhang Temple and the stupa are linearly
placed which are alike in form and function but
differ in size. Each space along the sequence has
an exterior exposure.[ CITATION Aut20 \l 16393 ]
Building Level
Threshold
The building is accessed by steps. At the entrance
[ CITATION
there are two snow lions on each side. It is a
aut20 \l 16393
celestial animal of Tibet. It symbolizes
fearlessness and unconditional cheerfulness .In
Buddhism the snow lion is the protector of
Buddha.
Entr
ance
[ CITATION
aut20 \l 16393
(author, 2020)
Zoning and circulation
Form type
First floor plan [ CITATION Aut20
The form is transformed by the addition of \l 16393 ]
elements to its volume. [ CITATION Aut20 \l 16393 ]
The nature of the additive process and the number
and relative sizes of the elements being attached
determine whether the identity of the initial form
is altered or retained.[ CITATION Fra07 \l 16393 ]
The form is additive in nature, because of the (author, 2020)
additional cuboid to the structure.[ CITATION
Aut20 \l 16393 ]
Building Geometry
Two cuboids join to form a building block and
they differ in size of the geometry and have a
common boundary each will view for visual
supremacy and dominance. Thus, two forms retain
their individual identity.[ CITATION Aut20 \l 16393 ]
(Ching, 2007)
provides a cover to the gallery beneath it.
[ CITATION Aut20 \l 16393 ]
[ CITATION
Aut20 \l 16393 ]
Shade and Shadow
The roof of the entrance and the gallery of the first
floor provide shade to the ground floor . Large
overhangs of pagoda on upper floors acts as a
shading device. The gallery of the first floor is
projected which provides shade to the ground
floor.[ CITATION Aut20 \l 16393 ]
[ CITATION
Aut20 \l 16393 ]
Wall to floor ratio Wall floor ratio: 0.10 [ CITATION Aut20 \l 16393 ]
Wall to floor ratio of a building = external wall area / Second floor plan [ CITATION
4%
internal floor area.
Wall area
Floor area
96%
Ground floor plan
6%
First floor plan [ CITATION Aut20
Wall area
\l 16393 ]
Floor area
94%
Window floor ratio Window floor ratio: 0.02 [ CITATION Aut20 \l 16393
Second floor plan [ CITATION
]
Aut20 \l 16393 ]
The window-to-floor ratio of a building =Total glazing area
/ total floor area
9%
Window area
9%
Floor area
91%
Window area
Floor area
91%
3%
Wall area
Floor area
97%
Facade Treatment
The entrance gateway is painted in red colour and
two pillars supporting the entrance have thangka
artwork on it.[ CITATION Aut20 \l 16393 ]
Architectural Expression
Transformation
Design is a generative process of analysis and
synthesis, of trial and error, of trying out
possibilities and seizing opportunities.[ CITATION
Fra07 \l 16393 ]Building is designed by addition of
block to get the design concept which adds to the
volume of the structure.[ CITATION Aut20 \l 16393 ]
[ CITATION
Balance
The façade of the Namgyalam stupa is
symmetrical in nature which shows its balanced
form and makes it stable and adds to the aesthetics
of the façade.[ CITATION Aut20 \l 16393 ]
Rhythm
Continuity is maintained as there is flow in
repetition of prayer wheels on ground floor.
[ CITATION Aut20 \l 16393 ]
Repetition
There is repetition of victory banner and thangka
painted columns on the front façade.[ CITATION
Aut20 \l 16393 ]
Emphasis
The key focus of the temple is the Japanese
pagoda with large overhangs which decreases in
size with increase in height.
[ CITATION
Aut20 \l 16393 ]
Building Heights
The stupa is built at large scale thus the building
enclosing it has a larger scale than the
Tsuglagkhang Temple. The plinth level of the
structure is at 300mm, ground floor is at 2715mm,
first floor is at 3591mm, second floor is at
3133mm and total height of the Namgyalam stupa
is 15747 mm. The height of the central chorten of
the structure is 6600 mm. The height of the
Tsuglagkhang Temple is 3292mm. [ CITATION
Aut20 \l 16393 ]
Flooring Details
Flooring of the structure is in original state at all
the places. The step at the entrance and the inner
flooring of the structure is of marble but gallery at
the ground floor has terrazzo flooring.[ CITATION
Aut20 \l 16393 ]
(Author, 2020)
Column Details
Columnar treatment of the temple is an exquisite
example of the fineness and nimble skill of the
Buddhist monks.
Lotus flower
Conch shell
Wheel of dharma
Parasol
Golden fish (pair)
Victory banners, and
Treasure vase[ CITATION ins20 \l 16393 ]
Actual thickness of R.C.C column is 330mm
approximately. Overall thickness of R.C.C column
including the extrusions on the capital part 370-
400mm. In section the carvings are of 50-75mm
thick at the most.[ CITATION Swa10 \l 16393 ]
Parapet Details
A symmetric iron railing pattern run along the
periphery of the ground floor and is painted in red
and green colour. The pattern of the flower and
leaves can be seen which is symbol Buddhism.
First floor railing conch shell pattern painted in
white.[ CITATION Aut20 \l 16393 ]
Cornice Details
Use of Japanese pagoda can be seen in elevation.
The pagoda is essentially the skyscraper version
of a stupa. It is distinguished by its vertical tiers of
cornices and curved roof & eave lines.[ CITATION
Aut20 \l 16393 ]
Paintings
With mesmerizing interior decorations, the temple
features a contemporary Tibetan Buddhist mural [ CITATION Jas10
on cotton applique, which depicts 722 deities and \l 16393 ]
the central Kalachakra image. All of the temple's [ CITATION Jas10
\l 16393 ]
columns and walls are painted with Tibetan
"thangka" symbols.[ CITATION ins20 \l 16393 ]
Architectural Elements
Tibetan Buddhist monastery architecture is
produced by the combination of religious culture
and architectural art.
Column [ CITATION
A Pagoda is a pyramidal tower (multi-storied
tower-like structure) with an upward curving roof
which is built in traditions originating as stupa
near Viharas to honour Gautam Buddha.[ CITATION
Aut20 \l 16393 ]
Pagoda [ CITATION
Structure System Jas10 \l 16393 ]
[ CITATION Jas10
\l 16393 ]
Details of Stupa
[ CITATION Jas10
\l 16393 ]
Details of Stupa
Details of Column
[ CITATION Jas10
\l 16393 ]
-At Third floor
Gaiety Theatre, Shimla A recessed entrance provides shelter and receives
a portion of exterior space.[ CITATION[ Fra07CITATION
\l
16393 ] Aut20 \l 16393 ]
Approach
Approach to the building is the first phase of
circulation system.[ CITATION Fra07 \l 16393 ]
Location
Gaiety Theatre Shimla is a significant tourist
hotspot of Shimla.
It is a prominent landmark of the city of Shimla
which is located between The Mall Road and the
Ridge. It is the hub of cultural events of the state.
[ CITATION Aut20 \l 16393 ]
Gaiety
theatre Daulat
Singh park
Mall road
[ CITATION
Aut20 \l 16393 ]
[ CITATION
Aut20 \l 16393 ]
Configuration of path visually taller than the facade along the ridge.
[ CITATION Aut20 \l 16393 ]
The site has a linear path that is axially segmented
or branched. [ CITATION Aut20 \l 16393 ]
[ CITATION
Aut20 \l
Form of circulation space
Form of circulation space is enclosed that forms a
private corridor that relates to the spaces it links
though entrances in a wall plane.
It is used to create balance between the structures. Scale in comparison to nearby buildings (visual
As the building is built on the contoured site so, scale)
when sited at different heights it has different
impacts on the hillside due to varying height.
Thus, façade of the building on mall road side is
[ CITATION
Aut20 \l
Scale in respect to human scale along the ridge
Mass and Space
Initially the gaiety theatre was part of the town
hall complex but the two masses are separated
through a space in between that is a stairway and
it connects the mall road and the ridge. Area at the
back of the site has an open air theatre which can
accommodate around 150 people. [ CITATION Aut20
\l 16393 ]
Zoning
Being the hub of Shimla’s social and cultural life
Gaiety Theatre is sited on a busy street of Shimla OAT
[ CITATION
Spatial Organisation Aut20 \l 16393 ]
The building has a linear organisation.[ CITATION
Aut20 \l 16393 ]A linear organization consists
essentially of a series of spaces. These spaces can
either be directly related to one another or be
linked through a separate and distinct linear space.
[ CITATION Fra07 \l 16393 ]
[ CITATION [ CITATION
Building Level Fra07 \l 16393 Aut20 \l 16393 ]
Threshold
The building has two entrances one for theatre
complex and other for city museum. Entrance to
the theatre is marked by gothic archway which is
accessed through steps. Entrance to the city
museum is through gothic arcade (three arches
supported on piers and columns). The central arch
has the larger span.[ CITATION Aut20 \l 16393 ]
[ CITATION
Aut20 \l 16393 ]
Plan Shape and Form
Shape refers to the characteristic outline of a plane
figure or the surface configuration of a volumetric
form.[ CITATION Fra07 \l 16393 ]
Building Geometry
When multiple forms differing in geometry collide
and interpenetrate boundary of the principle form,
[ CITATION
they will add up to the volume of the form.
Aut20 \l 16393 ]
[ CITATION Aut20 \l 16393 ]
Walls
Private spaces
Semi-public spaces
The steps on the first floor lead to the ridge which First floor plan [ CITATION
connects at the back side of the building as Jas10 \l 16393 ]
building is built on a contoured site. [ CITATION
Aut20 \l 16393 ]
Basement Plan
Approach to the basement is through a spiral
staircase and through a passage that runs in front
of the stage. The plan has a room which has four
columns which supports the stage at the ground
floor and is used for storage purpose.[ CITATION
Second floor plan [ CITATION
Aut20 \l 16393 ] Jas10 \l 16393 ]
[ CITATION
Shade and Shadow
Five identical dormer roofs are seen on the front
façade which provide shade to the entrance. The
canopy at the first floor acts as a shading device to
the ground floor. Projected roof at the second
floor acts as a shading device for the lower floors.[
CITATION Aut20 \l 16393 ]
6% [ CITATION
24% Aut20 \l 16393 ]
Wall area
Floor area
11% 12%
Circulation
70%
Wall area
Floor area
Circulation
Wall [ CITATION
Aut20 \l 16393 ]
21% 20%
[ CITATION
Aut20 \l 16393 ]
59%
First
Types of areas Area (sqm.)
Floor
Plan
Wall area 260sqm
Floor area 771sqm
Circulation 277sqm
Window floor ratio Window area 27sqm
The window-to-floor ratio of a building =Total glazing area Window floor ratio: 0.035[ CITATION Aut20 \l 16393
/ total floor area ] [ CITATION
Aut20 \l 16393 ]
2%
25%
2%
21%
Wall area
Floor area
Window area
Wall area
Floor area
73%
Window area
76%
Window floor ratio: 0.04 [ CITATION Aut20 \l 16393 Window floor ratio: 0.031[ CITATION Aut20 \l 16393
] ] [ CITATION [ CITATION
Aut20 \l 16393 ] Aut20 \l 16393 ]
3%
25%
Wall area
Floor area
Window area
73%
Z-Analysis [ CITATION
Facade Treatment
The buildings exquisite Gothic style of
architecture is a true manifestation of Victorian
artistry. The structure of gaiety theatre is built in
stone. The play of projection and recession can be
seen as the entrances are projected outwards from
the principle façade and becomes an element of
focus. Windows of the structure are pointed which Front elevation [ CITATION
are major feature of the gothic architectural styles.
A rose window, a typical feature of gothic
architecture is a part of the facade.[ CITATION Aut20
\l 16393 ]
Transformation
Form is built as a result of irregular composition
of regular forms in which shapes interlock their
irregular composition of regular forms (author, 2020)
volumes and merge into a single form having
variety of faces. The form is additive in nature,
because of the additional element to the structure. [
CITATION Aut20 \l 16393 ]
Repetition
Reptilian of particular type of element is seen in
the façade like there is repetition of pointed
arched windows and dormer roof windows in the
façade.[ CITATION Aut20 \l 16393 ]
Emphasis
The play of projection and recession can be seen
as the entrances are projected outwards from the
principle façade and becomes an element of focus.
[ CITATION Aut20 \l 16393 ]
Building Heights
[ CITATION
The building is built on a contoured site on mall
road, Shimla and the rear façade of the building
runs along the ridge. Basement of the structure is
at -4500mm level. The main entrance to the
building is from Mall road which is at 100mm and
theatre stage is at 450mm. Level of the tavern hall
is -150mm.
Flooring Details
The theatre stage has wooden flooring which
offers an advantage over other kinds of flooring
like concrete or carpet, providing better movement
space for multiple kinds of presentations and art
shows. The auditorium also has wooden flooring
because it has good sound absorbing properties.
The upper floors of the structure have tile
flooring.[ CITATION Aut20 \l 16393 ]
Column Details
Corinthian columns are used in the interiors of the
building which are characterized by slender fluted
columns and elaborate capitals decorated with
acanthus leaves and scrolls. Columns in the
basement support the stage at the ground floor. In
the façade columns with conical top and wide base
can be seen which supports the arches on the
[ CITATION
entrance. [ CITATION Aut20 \l 16393 ]
Aut20 \l 16393 ]
Ceiling Design
Theatre has curved ceiling so, that the sound after
reflection from the curved surface reaches all
corners of the hall evenly this is purely made on
the principle of reflection of sound. These curves
can result in process of reverberation and the
colour used in ceiling is dark blue because dark
colours ceilings make focus on the stage and add
to the grandeur.
Staircase Detail
Mostly spiral staircase are used in plan which
save valuable square meters because they occupy
a much smaller area then a conventional staircase.[
CITATION Aut20 \l 16393 ]
Architectural Elements
The theatre is designed in typical gothic style
which represents renaissance in Europe, with its
arches, ribbed vaults and flying buttresses. The
walls of the store room are thick due to flying
buttress.
Dormer window[
This restored Gothic intimate theatre adorned with weightCITATION
was not only economical but also gave
[ CITATION
beautiful paperAut20
Mache panels
\l 16393 ] is reminiscent of Corinthian
the old colonial era. The building also personifies column[ CITATIO
N Jas10 \l
the Victorian aesthetic sensibilities. The most
coveted and special part of the building is the old
theatre hall which is equipped with the fine
acoustic facilities needed in the art of theatre.
[ CITATION Shi17 \l 16393 ]
Structure System
Gaiety theatre Shimla is built on a contoured site.
It has a pitched truss roof with sloping rafters. The [ CITATION hun20 \l
16393 ]
purlins are covered with slate tiles.
Basement
Roof plan[plan[ CITATION
CITATION Jas10 \l
Jas10 \l
16393 ]16393 ]
Elevations