21.08.

2020

RVS School of Architecture, Dindigul

Architectural Design VI – 7th Semester (S7)
Design Brief – Commerce Hub

Commerce Hub is a zone in urban context where commerce,

entertainment and shopping are concentrated. They are structures
with multiple activities integrated in an urban setting as follows
- Shopping, Cultural and Recreational activities which caters
floating population
- Work spaces and Offices for varied types of businesses, trade
and other organisations
- Lifestyle activities and exhibition spaces
The commerce activities are not confined to the above
mentioned spaces and shall be extended to reflect the identity and
cultural background

1. Objective
- To create a hub with iconic image and landmark to the city
- To have a standalone Central Business District that caters the ever
growing needs of the city
- Establish the symbiotic character of commerce and culture
- Transit Oriented Development
- Sustainable development with high green rating

2. Design Considerations

a. Function and efficiency in high raised building

b. Architectural character and form
c. Vertical and horizontal circulation
d. Ventilation and lighting
e. Integration of all building services
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f. Compliance with TNCDRBR 2019 and National Building Code

g. Aesthetics and Iconic character
h. Sustainable development
i. Climate Responsive
j. Amenities, Facilities, Services and Utilities

3. Design Task
An integrated iconic high raised towers that must
demonstrate the importance of building form, scale, façade,
colour, orientation, natural ventilation, lighting, circulation pattern,
building services, living comforts, safety, etc. in achieving a
sustainable development.

4. Design Process

Two sites are located opposite to each other across Anna

Salai at Nandanam, Chennai are to be linked at higher level by
means of Sky Bridge without disturbing the Arterial road- Anna Salai

a. Data Collection: Space requirements of intended activities

are to be studied from the standard sources. Primary and
secondary data shall be collected from various source that
provides information on high raised buildings and integrated
development that may be applied to the context.

The collected data should enable the process with data in

making the project brief and area requirements.

b. Case Studies: The following are the basic data that should be
collected and analyzed from similar building typologies

1. Site (location, topography, access and shape)

2. Climate (micro and macro)
3. List of various activities
4. Form
5. Colour, texture (finishes) and light
6. Circulation / movement patterns

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7. Articulation of spaces and forms

8. Orientation with respect to climate, function, view, access
and other factors
9. User details(active users and passive users)
10. Approach to site / building
11. Zoning
12. Structure and materials
13. Services (Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC, Fire Fighting etc.)
14. Vehicular and pedestrian traffic
15. Area requirements
The outcomes of the above studies should be analysed
to prepare the project brief and design requirements.

c. Site Analysis: It is a preliminary phase of an architectural

design process dedicated to the study of the climatic,
geographical, historical, legal, and infrastructural context of a
specific site.

d. Project Brief: You are free to determine the activities and

spaces of the building according to your case studies, urban
setting, site studies and research.

e. Design Concept: Concept design implies an idea, or range of

ideas, a development approach, a guiding concept and
design intent. Concept design explores the resolution of the
project brief, conceptual approach places the quantum of
development intelligently on the site.

f. Drawing Submissions

- Site Development Drawings:

Del
i) Site Plan at 1 : 200, showing the following
information - building footprint, setbacks, transformer
yard, traffic pattern, pedestrian circulation, open
parking, driveway, parking, ramps, landscaped area,
entry, exit, amenities, building services, etc.
ii) Site Section at 1: 200
iii) Other drawings as required to explain the design

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- Architectural Drawings:

i) All Floor Plans in1:100 scale to demonstrate the

circulation pattern and the inter relationship of spaces
and all details.
ii) Elevations in 1:100 scale of all side to demonstrate the
character and aesthetical elements.
iii) Sections in 1:100 scale along critical planes to
demonstrate the construction details.
iv) 3D model/view/perspective drawing encapsulating the
architectural character and form

- Structural Drawings:

Structural layout should be prepared showing all the

structural elements and their configuration.

- Service Drawings:

Co-ordinated services drawing should be prepared

incorporating the following services
Structural
Electrical
Plumbing
HVAC
Fire fighting

5. Development data: Development statement should be prepared

based on the design and that should have the following values

i) Site area
ii) Permissible FSI
iii) Achieved FSI
iv) Permissible Ground coverage
v) Achieved Ground coverage
vi) Setbacks
vii) No. of Floors and Basements
viii) Unit area
ix) Built-up area
x) Carpet area
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xi) Common area

xii) Share of common area
xiii) Super Built-up area

Site:

Site A – 1.7 Acres and Site B – 1.4 Acres, both are located on Anna
Salai diagonally opposite to each other at Nandanam, Chennai

Site survey drawing will be shared after review at the stage of data
collection