TO PROMOTE AND ACTIVATE

INTERACTION AMONG
SOCIOECONOMIC GROUPS IN A
DIVIDED URBAN CONTEXT

Undergraduate Architecture Thesis

by Varun Michael Pais
WHO CONTROLS CITIES? VS WHO RUNS A CITY?
WHO DECIDES & WHO DECIDES WHO DECIDES?
WHAT IS THE IDEAL WAY OF LIFE?
FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE A CITY?
ECONOMIC ASPIRATIONS HOW IMPORTANT IS ONE’S STATUS IN SOCIETY
CULTURAL TO THEMSELVES AND TO OTHERS?
POLITICAL

IS THIS REFLECTED IN OUR

BUILT ENVIRONMENT?
IF YES, WHERE IS IT
MOST PROMINENT?
WAYS OF LIFE
PILOT STUDY 1: WANAWADI, PUNE PILOT STUDY 1: gokulam, mysore

exterior staircase to higher floors

identical floor plans

low boundary walls

vehicular presence on street

2.4a Area of Observation 2.4b

area of study: 0.75km2

area of study: 0.75km2

park opposite, no visual connect
high boundary wall - large house
unwelcoming boundary to park

2.5a Area of Observation 2.5b

Wanawadi, Pune Gokulam, Mysore

Area of Observation Area of Observation
houses with commerical on ground

Ques Used for the Study vehicles on street

wide road

These ques were derived from Amos Rapoport's The Meaning of

the Built Environment and Sukhanya Krishnamurthy's Neglected? 2.6a Area of Observation 2.6b

Strengthening the Morphological Study of Informal Settlements

Building Heights

Boundary Walls
new and upcoming house

house around 20 years old

old traditional house

2.7a Area of Observation 2.7b

Vehicular Presence Street Widths

Street Edges

Catergorization and Friction Zones

traditional house

'katte' in the front, actively used

undefined sidewalk area

Friction Zones

Identical Floor

There are resultant zones of friction that evolve due to the physical proximity that
Area of Observation 2.8b
different socioeconomic exist in. These zones are common point where two or
2.8a

more living systems meet, however the nature of the space and activities have an
Plans

unspoken definition of who that particular zone is catering to.

exterior staircase to higher floors
These friction zones are spaces and instances where there is evidence of aspirational
differences and realities of life is apparent. Where for one this would be a space
that caters to their needs and for the other it is a space that they need to avoid as it storage of material outside house

caters to an socioeconomic level that is too different from their own, such that they
feel as if they do not belong.
Services

Security

2.9a Area of Observation 2.9b

WAYS OF LIFE
high boundary wall
essential activity outised wall
additional services along the edge
At a large home with a high boundary wall
the response to the street is setting up a
barrier between ones private and public. All
associations that the residents have are of
those within the home.

2.10a Area of Observation 2.10b

identical floor plans

EWS (jnnurm) housing

high boundary wall

At a medium sized home, the boundary walls
vehicles on street
are normally shorter and there is some visual
connect that is there on either side of the
threshold. The residents tend to take care of
the entrance of their homes by washing it and
putting rangoli on the street.
2.11a Area of Observation 2.11b

single floor houses

activity/seating outside the house

narrow width of street

2.12a Area of Observation 2.12b

At the level of EWS housing, there suddenly

is a large amount of activity that takes place
outside the home, from washing clothes and
storage to sleeping and makeshift living room/
Amos Rapoport in his book, The Meaning of the Built kitchen spaces that come out when needed.
Environment (1982,1990), talks about how physical cues in a
built environment are means for judgement of the ‘type of
people’ who live in different areas. The cues derived for this
study were based on cues that Rapoport mentions in his
book. The judgement criteria is based on an understanding
of what social hierarchy is to each ‘type of people’ and how
one would associate meaning of a place being ‘good’ or
‘bad’ and hence the people of the place would in turn be
good or bad respectively. There definitely is a larger amount of social
interaction between neighbours of lower
income groups in common spaces within their
residential areas. Is this just due to the lack of
space that exists and hence people learn to
share and adjust? Or is there more to it? Do we
as people chose to share our spaces only when
we do not have another option?
 THE DIVIDE
WHAT IS A DIVIDED URBAN CONTEXT?
Different socioeconomic groups,
having different notions of living
systems, that exist in PHYSICAL
PROXIMITY of each other, are
dependent on each other, yet are
in NOTIONAL ISOLATION of each
other
no divide
SHORT TERM/SMALL SCALE vv mohalla/market study
(upto 5 sq m)

are there situations where the divide

ceases to exist?
Do scenarios arise in our daily lives where social
heirarchy is not a deciding factor for how we behave
with people who are not like us?
Street Vendor Juice Shop
An exploration of possible cases, both short term
and long term, gives an insight to the possibilities
of growth and betterment, as well as what can
be achieved, when we set aside our differences
and become a part of something more than just
ourselves.

Pani-Puri Wala Chai Wala

Coconut Seller Public Water Facility

 short term - large scale long term

how can these notions of

Festivals (Ganesh Chaturthi) no divide be implemented in
spaces where the divide is most
apparent?

Sports events (Cricket Match)

Where is architecture fitting

Social gatherings (Protest)
into all of this?
SENSITIVITIES, INCLUSIVENESS, BELONGINGNESS
unesco project for public spaces gehl medellin

The results of Medellin’s integral urban project,

which has invested in community-based
infrastructure that has fostered inclusion and well-
being .

These initiatives began in 2008

THE GEHL PUBLIC LIFE DIVERSITY TOOLKIT Scales that were addressed during decision making.
WAS USED TO CONDUCT SURVEYS TO
UNDERSTAND THE CONTEXT THAT THE
THESIS IS DEALING WITH AND ALSO TO
MEASURE SOCIAL MIXING
BANDRA WATER FRONT
Urban Intervention
Location: Bandra, Mumbai
Architect’s: PK Das & Associates
Length: 5 Km
Program: Waterfront Development
The Bandra Water Front development emerged out of an initiative by the Inferences:
residents of Bandra. They came together and involved the muncipality,
architects and planners to reclaim the abused and abandoned waterfront. - Play in levels and the variety in
The water front used to be a garbage dump and a space for unpleasant terms of activity allows for people
activity, now it serves as a public space that is open to and accessible by to stay longer and enjoy smaller
all. The Bandra Water Front also serves as an informal cultural center for things with ease.
the city as festivals are celebrated here as well as other small events and - Defined pedestrian pathways
performances throughout the year. The waterfront is maintained and with no undesired obstacles
managed by the locality itself. allows for a clear and enjoyable
walking area.
- Widening and shrinking of the
pathway adds to the possibility
of more activities that aren't
defined.
- Amphitheatre type seating
allows for improvised platfroms
BEFORE
for spontaneous performances.
- Vegetation creates shaded
areas for sitting as well as the
overall ambience of the space
AFTER
Triratna prerna Mandal
Community Organisation
Location: Kothu Wadi, Santacruz, Mumbai
Area: 500 m2
Program: Community Center
The Triratna Prerna Mandal was formed as a grass roots organization in
Kothu Wadi, Mumbai. They refurbished an existing and unkept public
toilet placed by the government and over the years, with the community's
help, transformmed that toilet into an active community space for all
those who are a part of the community. They have also introduced other
activities for the people and highly active. They offer a space for the
people of the community to voice their opinions, experiment and share
ideas. Over time. they have created a safe and vibrant space for all those
within the community.
Inferences:
- Architecturally the building is as
simple and unapeasing as it can
get.
- The right mix of programs as
well as the right intentions with
a desire to participate to adds
the COLLECTIVE SPIRIT of the
community.
- Cleanliness, Hygenic, Maintained
Public Toilets
- Community Meeting Room/
Library/Women Self Help Group
- Recycling & Waste Management/
Rainwater harvesting/Solar
Panels
- Planting of Trees
- Refurbished Building is used
for: Gym/ Tailoring classes/ Yoga
classes/ Cultural activities, etc.
5.13
5.14
ARCHITECTURE’S
ROLE
It’s important to understand where architecture fits in
with respect to the idea of social inclusion. As Medellin
suggests, the focus has to start from the level of the most
minute of details. How do people use spaces that exist today
and what are those activities that exist that allow for
different degrees of interaction to happen?
PUBLIC SPACE IN INDIA?
Looking at Streets
Indian streets today, in most cases, are
designed to serve vehicles rather than
pedestrians. Certain basic elements such
as benches, street lights, dustbins, drinking
water facilities and so on are sparsely placed
throughout the length of these streets,
however they aren’t the primary concern for
those who design and develop our streets.
People tend to appropriate spaces and such
elements through opportunities that they
see fit from the same. In some sense, these
spaces are a representation of how we as
people can democratically share space
within the public realm itself.
UNFRIENDLY FURNITURE
Street furniture unfortunately has no real
sense of responding to the identity of the
people of a place, neither does it really offer
any sense of opportunity for interaction
among people. As our cities become
wealthier economically, signs from small
elements of the urban fabric like a street
bench show how defensive our way of
design is. Partitions to define the amount of
space that each person gets to sit, or rather,
partitions that makes it impossible for a IMAGE 2
homeless person to be able to take some
rest on the bench rather than the street.
PUBLIC TOILETS
Our streets never incorporated the idea of
public toilets when they were designed. A
lot of public/commercial streets today still
don’t have toilets, however we see public
toilets that are being added, they are those
small metal boxes that aren’t maintained
and unwelcoming from the stench as well
as the overall appearance of them. The
intentions of providing such facilities is
definitely a positive sign, but what is the
point if most people won’t use them?
street vendors/kiosks
It is very common to find several
street vendors and kiosks on active
and busy streets all over India.
The Street Vendors (Protection of
Livelihood and Regulation of Street
Vending) Act, 2014 was introduced
to regulate street vendors in public
spaces and protect their rights.
They are normally large attractions
for people on a street, especially
since they aren’t the reason that
people may come to a street but
definitely reasons for them to stay
longer.
scenario
There are normally two main
types of street vendors, one that
sells a commodity or produce,
the other that sells consumable
food. The nature of activity at the
first type of vendors includes the
actions of buying and selling. The
later however, requires a lot more
including cooking, preparing,
eating, drinking and washing. How
customers tend to appropriate
space here is by transforming
whatever sort of space around into
a space that could offer seating,
shade or comfort while consuming
food.

01 02 03

A regular commercial street with four different One of the building changes function and Street Vendors capitalise on the fact that more
buildings at an intersection starts to become a popular spot for people people come to this space as it gives them more
who use the street opportunity for business

The manner in which informal commercial

activites like these take place must be optimised.
Street Vendor - Produce They are great value additions to the life on the
street and are reasons people choose to stay
on streets for longer periods of time. However,
because there is no dedicated space assigned
to vendors, hawkers and other forms of informal
commercial activity.

If there is a manner through which they can have

04
Street Vendor - Consumables The vendors set up shop in a manner that tends
to eat into the road, this is neither safe for the
vendor or their customers
planned and designated spaces, then they can
truly serve as street life activators and enhance the
idea of social inclusion, as activities like these and
05 the spaces that they create are truly democratic
in nature.
However, vehicles tend to avoid hitting
pedestrains and the effective width of the
road could change from 4 lanes to 3 or
sometimes even 2 lanes.

Street Kiosk
observations within the public realm
DEMOCRATIC APPROPRIATION OF SPACE

Activity Study 1 Activity Study 3

WHAT IS ARCHITECTURE’S ROLE WITH

RESPECT TO SOCIAL INCLUSION?

A parking area that is reserved for a Due to the fact that there is a road that is slightly undone and there is no defined
building has a ledge that is just about sidewalk, the surrounding neighbours have appropriated the space to serve as
the right height to sit. A chai stall placed an extension of their house. They use it to dry clothes, sit and converse with their
at the corner makes this a comfortable neighbours and also as a storage space. This is an interesting way in which people
gathering spot for customers. Over the appropriate available and unclaimed space to their use.
years they have appropriated the ledge
to serve as a seating space while they However, not all of these activities may be logical to have at a public space and
enjoy their hot beverages. This informal would be something that is ideal only for a residential are such as this.
use of a physical element tends to allow
more comfort for those using it and one
would normally see people interacting in
such a space.

Activity Study 2 Activity Study 4 Architectures role within the

ideas of social inclusion are
limited but not insignificant.
If interventions come from an
6.18
understanding of the people
and the place, they can be
At a junction, where the side is wider, there are interesting phenomenas that take
place. The opportunity to set up a temporary point of sale is possible. influential, provided the role
In this case, a coconut vendor is selling his product from the sidewalk itself. The
vendor also uses the boundary wall behind as a backdrop to the ‘shop’ and also as
a seating.
of architecture with respect to
Since the nature of the activity and its time frame is short, vehicles park right at the
vendor, quickly enjoy their refreshment and are on their way, and the vendor waits
social inclusion is understood.
for the next customer.
In VV Mohalla, there is a music event that takes place during Ganapathi evey year.
Some of the best Carnatic singers from across the country come and perform for
free. During this event, a road is blocked and converted into a space for this event.
Speakers are placed at surrounding junctions for the music to be shared by all.
Eventually, there was a structure that was placed on that road. The structure gives
a certain identity to that street and the people and activities that take place there.
mysore - GOKULAM

Map of South Asia Map of India Map of Karnataka

Mysore city is located at 12° 18′ N latitude
and 76° 38′ E longitude. Mysore is the third-
largest city in the state of Karnataka, India,
which served as the capital city of Mysore
princely Kingdom for nearly six centuries,
from 1399 until 1947. Located at the base of
the chamundi Hills about 146km southwest
of the state capital Bangalore, it is spread
across an area of 128.42 km2. The city is
located between two rivers: the Kaveri River
that flows through the north of the city and
the Kabini River, a tributary of the Kaveri,
that lies to the south..
Mysore City corporation, which was
established as a municilpality in 1888 and
converted into a corporation.
Mysore is noted for its heritage structures
and palaces, including the Mysore Palace,
and for the festivities that take place
during the Dasara festival. It lends its name
to various art forms and culture, such as
Mysore Dasara, Mysore painting; the sweet
dish Mysore Pak, Mysore Masala Dosa;
brands such as Mysore Sandal Soap, Mysore
Ink

According to 2011 census, Mysore was the

largest non-metropolitan city in India. The
civic administration of the city is managed
by the Map of Mysore

CLIMATE
Max temperature in summer: 35
Min temp in Winter: 35
Relative humidity: 70
Hottest months: March to May
Coldest months: Nov to Feb Average temperatures and precipitation Cloudy, sunny and precipitation days
Monsoon months: June to Sept

Mysore enjoys a moderate climate with cool

winters and warm summers. Mysore has a
tropical savanna climate (Aw) bordering
on a hot semi-arid climate. The city’s
average annual rainfall is 798.6 mm (31.4 in.
Temperatures during summer range from
a minimum of 21º Celsius and goes up to a
maximum of 34º Celsius. Winter in Mysore
is cool with temperatures ranging from a
minimum of 16º Celsius to a maximum of
27º Celsius.

Precipitation amounts Wind speed Map of GOKULAM

 opportunities in gokulam
This 13 Acre area consists of three
parts.
- An open ground that houses a
water tank and a Mysore One office.
It is also used for recreational sports
including cricket and the flying of
kites.
- An amphitheater built by MUDA for
the people of the neighbourhood,
however, the compund is gated and
locked and has not been used in over
2 years.
- A large vacant plot that is not
accessible because of the nature of
the terrain and vegetation. There
is a small portion of the land that is
used to dump and collect garbage,
this however, is not a dedicated
dumpyard or landfill.

Built vs open Road network Vegetation

Currently houses the Gokulam The lower end of Gokulam has a

Theatre, this site abuts KRS Road
and has the potential to serve as a
public space for the neighbourhood.
However it is not frequented by most
as there is nothing that attracts them.
crematorium and there is a large open
space next to it that could transform into
a place that is accessible for everyone,
though as it is near the crematorium, it
may not be a desirable place.

Landuse Building Use Plot segregration

Gokulam 1st Main Road is highly After an analysis of different

active throughout the day on both
weekdays and weekends. This is due
to the fact that most essentials that
people require on a day to day basis
from groceries, medicine and food, to
other essential services are available
here. Due to the physical location of
the street and the fact that it is at a
lower position, relatively to the rest of
Gokulam, it is easily accessible by all,
people today come by foot, private
vehicles and public transport. This
street also welcomes people from
all socioeconomic classes because
the variety in terms of price of the
different businesses caters to all.
This street lacks proper design and
facilities at the urban public design
levels.
opportunities in Gokulam and a the
relationship that would have with the
idea of social inclusion and how this
could be tackled through the means
of design, Gokulam 1st Main Road
was identified as the most suitable
area to intervene in. This is because of
the fact that it is already inclusive in
some sense and now the opportunity
to express how design could take the
idea of social inclusion to the next level
would be interesting. To understand
the street further, a larger indepth
study of the place was done which
included observational, morphological
and social methods were used to
understand the conditions and analyse
the current scenario and eventually
come up with a proposal for the street.

Opportunities in gokulam Site demarcated Pedestrian network

 USING THE GEHL OTHER METHODS IMPLEMENTED
PUBLIC LIFE DIVERSITY TOOLKIT FOR THE STUDY
The Public Life Diversity Toolkit, by Gehl, offers a variety of methods Other methods used for the study were primarily to do with an
to further understand the existing conditions of a place, the people understanding of the urban fabric and the built charachter of the street.
who use it and the degree to which social mixing among people from
different economic strata takes place. These methods help in being This included:
for informed while making suggestions and taking decisions when it
comes to design and policy proposal for the place. Some of the surveys - Observational Analysis
used are described below.

Participant/Intercept Survey - Elevation Study

There are certain things about a space that one can only understand
- Morphological Study
if the people who use those spaces are asked about it. The purpose of
this survey was to find out demographic data and how people used the
public space, in this case, Gokulam 1st Main Road. This also included - Price Diversity
quesitons about the current interactions that people are having on the
street, who they choose to interact with but still observe. This relates to
values of being recognized versus connecting. The data from the surveys
- Accessibility
and the findings have been mentioned in the coming pages.
- Street Facility Mapping
Method:

Surveys were conducted on the street at different times during the - Vehicular Movement
day and of different days of the week. There were a total of 100 surveys
collected. These surveys were conducted by four volunteers and the - Pedestrian Movements
people surveyed were done at random, no personal information was
collected and those filling in the surveys were aware that this was being
conducted for academic purposes. Another interesting thing to note - Vegetation Mapping
was that for every 10 people who agreed to fill in the survey, 4 people
declined to fill it in.
- Building Use
12 Quality Criteria
- Building Heights
This observational tool helps in giving an understanding of the quality of
life in the built environment as well as its ability to contribute or hinder
the idea of public life diversity. These criteria were developed by Jan Gehl
- Public Transport
and are being implemented in ever since. They are derived from the idea
that inviting public place mus have elements of protection, comfort and - Existing Conditions
enjoyment.

This also helps in comparing different public spaces and seeing their - Street Vendors
existing condition as well as interpreting their potential.

Method:

Volunteers assess the quality of a specific space according to the 12

Quality Criteria

Other tools that were used by Gehl included the Place Inventory Survey
and the Social Space Survey.

Note: All tools used by Gehl are freely accessible to the public. Some
of the questions and points in the tools have been appropriated to an
Indian and Mysore context. The tools are in Appendix - B of this report.
GOKULAM 1 MAIN
ST
 WHAT THE PEOPLE OF GOKULAM WANT

Sports Facility Place to sit

Swimming Pool Shade SECTION JJ’ SECTION AA’
Good Food Rest
Safer Roads Clubs/Pubs
Traffic Control

Public Toilet
Place for Kids More safety for
Parks/Plazas women

ATM
Health Clinic Library
Community
Space

Gokulam 1st main road serves as a
resource for everyone in Gokulam's
day to day needs, from groceries,
medical supplies to stationery, hard-
ware and much more. The street is a
place for everyone, but this is becuase
of necessity not a desire to be on the
street. The aim of studying the street
and its vicinity in depth was to under-
stand what the people of Gokulam
feel about the street and Gokulam as
a neighbourhood and to also under-
stand the built environment and the
workings of the street. The also ob-
served existing condition of the street
including sidewalk conditions, opend
drains, vegetation and so on.
Built vs open Vegetation Building Use Building Heights Parking SECTION KK’
SECTION BB’
The study was conducted in two main
methods:
1. A survey and sampling system that
helped in understanding how people
respond to the street and the activities
here. Surveys from the Gehl Institutes
Public Life Diversity Toolkit were ap-
propriated for Mysore's context.
2. An observational and morphologi-
cal study of the environment that the
street has as of now. SECTION II’ SECTION CC’
These studies led to an understanding
that the street itself provides several
opportunities to address the ideas of
social inclusion and interaction as ar-
chitectures means to do the same.

Hawkers Entry’s Price diversity Magnets

Other None 22% 0-70,000

18%
70,000-3,00,000

18% Bachelors
Masters 26% 12%
First time
66% reasons for visits Vehicular Movement Section Lines
SURVEY DATA

Daily
25% 55% Rarely6%
Indian
Hindu
42%
Male
5%
3,00,000-9,00,000
Uneducated 3% Monthly 4% SECTION HH’ SECTION DD’
61%
Female
75% Buddhist
12%
37% Jew 4%
10 grade pass 6% Weekly 12%
9% No answer

25% - shopping 9% - Recreation

Christian 9,00,000+
Muslim 5% 28% 23% 12 grade pass 12%
GENDER INCOME EDUCATION FREQUENCY OF VISIT
NATIONALITY RELIGION
13% - work 5% - time alone
7% 6% 41%
12% - meeting friends 4% - religious
Attendee Other (visiting) Walk
Mysore Gokulam
Other Two- wheeler Yes (Known)
37% 34% 55% 37%
No
Other Resident/ Neighbour
38% 29%
56% 15% 41%
11% - Food 10% - passing through
Tourist

Bangalore V V Mohalla
Employee 15% Bus 6% Yes (Unknown)
7% 4% Vijaynagar
34%

PLACE OF ORIGIN
8%
PLACE OF RESIDENCE RELATIONSHIP WITH PLACE
Student 17%
MODE OF TRANSPORT
Car 8%
FAMILIAR FACES
11% - Education SECTION GG’
SECTION FF’ SECTION EE’

50 51
 HEAT MAPPING/ PEOPLE MOVEMENT GENDER MAPPING/PEOPLE MOVEMENT

Thursday 7-11am Thursday 5-8pm Thursday 7-11am Thursday 5-8pm

Sunday 7-11am Sunday 5-8pm Sunday 7-11am Sunday 5-8pm

The pause
Location: Bombay-Goa highway
Architect’s: RC Architects
Area: 155 sq.mt
Program: Restroom
Building Type: Public Facility Inferences:
RC architects has designed pause with a set of facilities to serve the truck - Architectural language is simple
drivers and the common public. The long horizontal red building has and not overdone, with subtle play
multiple access points, where each point defines a separate facility. Truck in levels to define spaces.
driver’s facilities include a hair cutting salon, indian toilet, a recreational
space, space for washing and drying clothes and a pantry. The special - Multiple access points adds to
facilities are planned to serve truck drivers, who drive continuously for 18- the ‘free-ness’ of the building.
20 hours, offering them a space where they can eat and sleep before they
continue their journey. Taking cues from other public utilities, including - Spatial organisation of functions
London’s famous telephone booths, post boxes and buses, all colored with vegetation and play of
in red, ‘pause’ is painted in the same color to allow passersby to quickly natural light prevents the building
identify its public facilities. and architecture from being
overpowering and hence feels
welcoming to all.

- Single floor structure

- The red colour draws attention to

the building and is required due to
its location.

- Material used: Concrete and Steel

The commons
Location: Bangkok
Architect’s: Department of Architecture
Area: 5000 sq.mt
Program: Retail Complex
Building Type: Public btuilding
Inferences:
- Sectional Variations
‘The Commons’, a small retail development in the city center, is an attempt
to create a new active outdoor space where people can comfortably enjoy - Clear and defined movement
it at anytime of the year. It proposes a vertical open-air public space folding patterns that make the users
upward as a backbone of the building. ’The Commons’ also provides a feel like they have the freedom
solution answering to a classic challenge of a multi-storey retail building to move around the building as
on how to draw people upward to the upper levels. The wide ‘Ground’ with they please, though there is a
its gradual series of steps and platforms connecting the street level to the force from design to move in a
second floor naturally draws people to walk up leisurely. A series of openings manner that more is seen.
in the third and the fourth floor further enhance a continuity of the vertical
space. - Modulation of ground allows
for various scales of seating and
gathering.

- Comprehensice architecture,
yet ultimately it is simple and
welcoming.

- Zoning of functions shifts from

interactive activities on the
ground level and less interactive
activities as you move higher.
new community centre
Location: Poyeni, Peru
Architect’s: Semillas
Area: 230 sq.mt
Program: Community Centre
Building Type: Public building
Inferences:
- Simple Structure

The project has been carried out through participatory workshops and - One central kund type space
local architecture, complied from community input. Currently the that is used for multiple types of
space is a catalytic meeting point and serves a multipurpose use. The events
building is located in a central point of the community, attached to the
main square and the soccer field. The project consists of a multipurpose - Architecture is responsive to the
space and a module with kitchen, office and craft workshop. community and their way of life
- The structure is simple and light
and there are no unecessary
elements

- Small modulations in the space

allows for interesting usage on
a daily basis as well as during
events and gatherings.
House of switzerland pavilion
Location: Mexico
Architect’s: Dellekamp Arquitectos
Area: 171 sq.mt Inferences:
Program: Pavilion
Building Type: Public building - Simple Pavillion Structure

- There is a level of informality to

the design which allows for it to
A modular system was designed based on a triangular grid that allows be a comfortably usable space.
adaptation to different locations and changing needs of the program,
which allowed transformations during the design process. This - Can also be transformed into
adaptability feature allows it to be itinerant and a location to multiple a space for gathering and small
sites without damaging the environment. This pavilion will have an open events.
space without internal divisions and has two levels, an open forum for
cultural events on the ground and on its upper floor a circulation that - The structure is simple and light
works as a viewpoint. and there are no unecessary
elements

- Strategically positioned such

that it is visible and welcoming.
the flow
Location: Thailand
Architect’s: Department of Architecture
Area: -
Program: Pavilion Inferences:
Building Type: Pavilion
- Simple Pavillion Structure

- There is a level of informality to

the design which allows for it to
The intent of the project is to provide an architecture that triggers various be a comfortably usable space.
uses and accommodates multiple activities as a multipurpose pavilion
suitable for the community and the location. The floor plate is folded - Can also be transformed into
like a piece of paper forming different spatial configuration to allow for a space for gathering and small
various activities oriented mainly towards the great sea view. People can events.
sit on different tiers to relax and enjoy the view without blocking ones
behind. This fold may become a small amphitheater for mini-concerts, - The expressive use of design
performances, meetings, etc. Parts of the floor are as if they were cut to allow this to be a happening
and lifted up to become seating and tables. place

- Interesting roof design serves as

an attraction and protects from
climate

- Allows a variety of activity

types to happen just by small
modulations of space.
GOKULAM 1 MAIN
ST
PROPOSAL - INTERVENTIONS AND DESIGN AIM

Site AB (SCALE: L)
Aim: To serve as extensions of the street and
offer spaces for public life to capitalise on the
opportunities that interaction offers.
Provide essential functions and activities that
adhere to the day-to-day life of the people in
Gokulam
open drain (SCALE - S)
The Drain is unsafe and also gives an
unpleasant sensory experience. Objective was
to recreate that space to allow for a pleasent
experience on the street
streetscape (SCALE - xS)
Aim: To create a pleasurable experience on the
street that focuses on the pedestrians and the
activites that support pedestrian activity on the
street.
To rework traffic movement and provide
site d (SCALE - m)
Aim: To provide public facilities like toilets in a
manner that works with the notions of social
inclusion. How does one design a public toilet
that is safe and also a desirable place to be
otherwise?

Programs:
TEMPLE WALKWAY (SCALE - S) dedicated space for loading and unloading.
This is primarily focused on controlling traffic FOOD PLAZA (SCALE - m)
Library Aim: To create an experiential walk way from and vehicular presence on the street to make
Cultural Learning Spaces the street to the neighbourhood park behind pedestrians feel safer and take to the streets as Aim: To provide a dedicated and safe space for
Mysore One the temple. Also create a space for vendors by if it belongs to them vendors and the people of Gokulam. Also serves
Community Centre the temple as a desirable place on the street that people
Skill Development Centre would come to.
Womens Self Help Centre
Exhibition Spaces
Workshop Spaces Site c (Scale: S) interventions pedestrian oriented
scales:
Bank Branches sidewalk modifications
Aim: To offer a space on the street that protects
Food - formal and informal
from undesired climatic conditions and serve as l: Large m: Medium
Commercial Activity
an open space for all. parking/loading bus stops s: Small XS: extra small
unloading
PROPOSAL/street/restructuring of vehicular movement

a b

a b

street cross section aa - 4 lanes street cross section bb - 3 lanes

PROPOSAL - INTERVENTIONS AND DESIGN AIM

street cross section cc/temple - 4 lanes

PROPOSAL - INTERVENTIONS AND DESIGN AIM
This portion of the street is driven by the Ganapathi Temple. The other drivers
include a chai shop and a medical store that are opposite the temple. Apart
from that there are a few street vendors that draw people in the morning and
the evenings.

The junction as of now, is unorganised and a primarily space where pedestrians

feel unsafe. There is a bus stop, an auto stand and due to the high number of
pedestrians at the drivers of the street, it is chaotic and unorganised.

The interventions attempted here aim to address these problems and positives
with the intention of expanding the pedestrian domain of the street and give
primary importance to the pedestrians on the street.
PROPOSAL - INTERVENTIONS AND DESIGN AIM
This portion of the street is driven primarily by commercial activities including
an alcohol store and a bar that are primary drivers in this area. This portion of
the street sees more activity in the evenings as compared to the mornings and
is dominated by a larger male population towards the later hours of the day.

As this area draws a lot of pedestrians, the number of street vendors that set up
shop here are higher. The manner in which the vendors position themselves
however makes the experience for their customers and themselves a little
unnervy as there is no demarcated space for them to operate safely.

The interventions attempted here aim to address these problems and positives
with the intention of expanding the pedestrian domain of the street and give
primary importance to the pedestrians on the street.
intervention ab
Scale: LARGE
building b
Aim:
To keep the vibrance that food already brings to this
site while adding facilities for the people of Gokulam.
Introduce programs that a community-centric and allow for
interaction between these spaces at multiple scale within
the building and the street.

Program:
- Community Facility
- Skill Development Center
- Women’s Self Help Center
- Mysore One Office
- Bank Branches and ATMs
- Food
- Retail

building a
Aim:
To design a place on the street that infuses the everyday life
of the people of Gokulam and a variety of learning spaces.
The ambition is to bring spaces of culture and knowledge
sharing into the public realm. Identify ways in which such
spaces can spill out into the ‘public’ spaces of the building
that facilitate opportunities for interaction at multiple
scales and between these scales as well.

Program:
- Learning Spaces - Dance, Music, Art and other cultural
activites
- Workshop Spaces
- Library
- Exhibition Spaces
- Food
- Retail
Site a/b - site analysis

B
A
VEHICULAR MOVEMENT AND NOISE PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENT AND DENSE SPOTS

SITE CONTEXT PREVAILING WIND DIRECTION

SECTION b1 SECTION a1

TOPOGRAPHY BUILT vs OPEN

SECTION b2 SECTION a2

SUN PATH March June September December

SECTION b3 SECTION a3

section across site A and B

Site a/b - design concepts and development
Design Ideology
Keep ground floor as open as possible
Stepped terrace to have interactions
between levels
Multiple means of vertical circulation that is
interactive with the open space
Varied sectional quality to allow for play of light
and shadow
Modulated ground plane to create variety
in the experience of the space
MATERIAL SELECTION
BREAKING EXISTING NOTIONS
concrete is perceived as the go to
material for a ‘pucca house’
steel is perceived as a temporary
material
When we look at new housing that is
built in cities and even rural areas, the
desire is to always aspire to be able to
build in concrete and that is what is
aimed for. Even if vernacular methods
of construction and materials are more
suitable to those contexts.
Is there a way that I can subtly break
these existing aspirational notions
through material selection and
expression of my interventions?
Evolution of the Design

Possible entry points for both sites Atrium that runs along both the sites Defining open and built space

Introducing design grids for vertical circulation modifications of the open and semi open spaces developing a relationship between the two sites: at the entrie

variations of the atrium based on grids derived from sites atrium running through two sites multiple shifts in the atrium

curve derived from the road as possible form for the buildings deconstruction of the atrium to bring variety in the relationship notional intersections and segmentation of the sites
between built and open space

The site is considered as one site with a road running

through the middle. The derivation of the grids come
from the site on two sides of the road, while developing
the form of the building, variations of these grids were
attempted in several forms before the final design was
evolved

further variations of the grids final implementations of grids to either serve circulation or open/
built space
lower basement plan exploded view of structure
PLAN @ -2.90m
FLOOR LEVEL: -3.90m
Floor Height: 3.15m
No. of Cars: 22

1. VERTICAL CORE
2. PARKING

upper basement plan

PLAN @ +0.75m
FLOOR LEVEL: -0.75m
Floor Height: 3.15m
No. of Cars: 30

1. VERTICAL CORE
2. PARKING

part View of structure/building a/ exploded

 Though the space is defined as an exhibition space it can be As there is a TVS showroom and a Honda service center that SALES catch everyones attention! This ‘exhibition’ space could
used for several types or forms of exhibitions that respond to the cater to their two wheeler markets, this space could also serve for also house flash sales for clothes, elctronics and anything else.
desires of the people of Gokulam. A typical use, such as an art the launch event of a bike. The manner in which the launch itself Such a location won’t just serve positively to the stakeholders,
exhibition one such version of how this space can be utilised is conducted could be reimagined in a public space such as this. but could create a vibrancy within the public space itself.

lower ground floor

PLAN @ +3.40
FLOOR LEVEL: +3.40m
Floor Height: 3.15m
No. of Cars: 14

WHY EXHIBITION SPACE!?

WHAT EXHIBITION SPACE!?

1. EXHIBITION SPACE
2. KUND SEATING
3. RETAIL
4. BUS STOP
5. MEN’S TOILET
6. WOMEN’S TOILET
7. VERTICAL CIRCULATION
8. PARKING
9. GENERATOR
 SOUTH ELEVATION
upper ground floor
PLAN @ +6.55m
FLOOR LEVEL: +5.55m
Floor Height: 4.05m
No. of 2 Wheelers:

1. FOOD SHOPS
2. CHAI STALL
3. RETAIL
4. STORAGE
5. MEN’S TOILET
6. WOMEN’S TOILET
7. VERTICAL CIRCULATION
8. PARKING
 section aa section bb
first floor plan Through the vertical core Through the Library
PLAN @ +10.60m & entrance at +9.60m showing mezzanine
FLOOR LEVEL: +9.60m & folded plate roof
Floor Height: 4.05m

1. MAIN LIBRARY
2. DIGITAL LIBRARY
3. READING ROOM
4. READING SPACE
5. BOOK STORE
6. RETAIL
7. MEN’S TOILET
8. WOMEN’S TOILET
9. VERTICAL CIRCULATION
 east elevation
VIEW OF INTERNAL ATRIUM FROM THE STEPPED SEATING AREA
second floor plan
PLAN @ +14.65m
FLOOR LEVEL: +13.65m
Floor Height: 4.05m

1. LEARNING SPACE TYPE 1

2. LEARNING SPACE TYPE 2
3. OPEN WORKSHOP SPACE
4. RAISED WORKSHOP SPACE
5. WORKSHOP SPACE
6. MEN’S TOILET
7. WOMEN’S TOILET
8. VERTICAL CIRCULATION
DETAILED WALL SECTION EXPLODED ISOMETRIC
(Typical) South Facade Showing Program Distribution
For Building A

TERRACE
WORKSHOP SPACE
LEARNING SPACES
CORES

SECOND FLOOR
LIBRARY SPACES
RETAIL SPACES
CORES

FIRST FLOOR
FOOD SPACES
RETAIL SPACES
CORES

UPPER GROUND

EXHIBITION SPACES
RETAIL SPACES
BUS STOPS
CORES
LANDSCAPE
LOWER GROUND
 section XX
Through the Atrium/Interactive space running through building A and B
building a/Main Entrance (South-East)
lower basement
PLAN @ -2.90m
FLOOR LEVEL: -2.90m
Floor Height: 3.15m
No. of Cars: 24

1. VERTICAL CIRCULATION
2. PARKING

ground floor
PLAN @ +0.75m
FLOOR LEVEL: -0.m
Floor Height: 3.15m
No. of Cars: 22

1. VERTICAL CIRCULATION
2. PARKING

View of structure/building b/ from the top

 VIEW OF BUILDING B
Showing the south face , the open space within and
ground floor the lower courtyard
PLAN @ +3.40m
FLOOR LEVEL: +3.40m
Floor Height: 3.15m

1. FOOD
2. SERVICE STORE
3. STATIONERY STORE
4. ATM
5. MYSORE ONE
6. MEN’S TOILET
7. WOMEN’S TOILET
8. VERTICAL CIRCULATION

VIEW OF BUILDING B
Main Entrance
 perspective section cut isometric
of BUILDING B VIEW OF BUILDING B

first floor
PLAN @ +6.55m
FLOOR LEVEL: +5.55m
Floor Height: 4.05m

1. COMMUNITY SPACE
2. RESTAURANT
3. ADMINISTRATION
4. MEN’S TOILET
5. WOMEN’S TOILET
6. VERTICAL CIRCULATION

VIEW OF BUILDING B
From the Court through the Atrium
 south elevation west elevation
building b building b

second floor
PLAN @ +10.60m
FLOOR LEVEL: +9.60m

1. RESTAURANT
2. BANK BRANCH
3. ADMINISTRATION
4. MEN’S TOILET
5. WOMEN’S TOILET
6. VERTICAL CIRCULATION

VIEW OF BUILDING B
Recessed Court
 EXPLODED ISOMETRIC
Showing Program Distribution
For Building B

COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT
CORES
LO OR
DF
THIR

FOOD
FACILITIES
ADMINISTRATION
LO OR CORES
OND F
SEC
VIEW OF BUILDING B
third floor South West Corner
PLAN @ +14.65
FLOOR LEVEL: +13.65m
Floor Height: 4.05m

COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT
ADMINISTRATION
LOOR CORES
FIR ST F

FACILITIES
RETAIL SPACES
FOOD
1. SKILL DEVELOPMENT
LO OR CORES
CENTRE
N D F
U
2. WOMEN’S SELF-HELP
CENTER GRO LANDSCAPE
3. MEN’S TOILET
4. WOMEN’S TOILET
5. VERTICAL CIRCULATION
 STREET VS BUILDING
Public spaces around the world include plazas,
promenades and other forms of large open
spaces for everyday public activity. In India, we
consider our streets to be our primary public
spaces. Though true, streets have a lot of other
things going on, from vehicular movement, bus
stops and parking to services, drainage, etc.

The pedestrian is rarely given sole preference.

Yes, at time sidewalks are widened and traffic
methods are used to control the flow of traffic,
but can this be pushed further?

The way in which we look at our buildings and

their relationship to the street is limited. They
are always perceived as two separate entities.
It is possible to look at both as part of a whole
and the pedestrian domain can grow into the
buildings as well.

If such is the case, can the building be called the

street and the street the building?
EVERYDAY ACTIVITY/SECTION ACROSS THE ATRIUM/BUILDING AB
FOOD FESTIVAL/SECTION ACROSS THE ATRIUM/BUILDING AB
MUSIC PERFORMANCE/SECTION ACROSS THE ATRIUM/BUILDING A

GANESH CHATURTHI/SECTION ACROSS THE ATRIUM/BUILDING A

building B/BIRDS EYE VIEW
AXONOMETRIC VIEW/AB
APPROACH VIEW/FROM STREET/AB
intervention c
Scale: SMALL

TEMPLE WALKWAY
Aim:
To create an attractive and obvious pedestrian link with
the neighbourhood park behing the temple. Currently the
vendors around the temple set their shops up on the road,
there was an intent to see if they could also be incorporated
within this intervention.

pavillion c
Aim:
The Gehl Institute talks about creating spaces within the
public realm for people to stay longer. This intervention
aims to capitalise on the fact that there is an empty site
behind a demarcated bus stop. The intention was to
incorporate the bus stop within the site and create a shelter
that protects from undesired weather conditions. As was
observed in the case studies, pavillions can be designed in
a manner that it can be used on a day to day basis as well
as for small scale events. The design aimed to achieve this
while incorporating the street within the site as well.
Site C - site analysis

VEHICULAR MOVEMENT AND NOISE PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENT AND DENSE SPOTS

SITE CONTEXT
PREVAILING WIND DIRECTION

TOPOGRAPHY BUILT vs OPEN

March June September December

SUN PATH
Aim:
The Gehl Institute talks about creating spaces within the public realm for people to stay longer. This
intervention aims to capitalise on the fact that there is an empty site behind a demarcated bus stop. The
intention was to incorporate the bus stop within the site and create a shelter that protects from undesired
weather conditions. As was observed in the case studies, pavillions can be designed in a manner that it
can be used on a day to day basis as well as for small scale events. The design aimed to achieve this while
incorporating the street within the site as well.

EVERYDAY ACTIVITY

EVENT ACTIVITY
intervention D
Scale: MEDIUM

FOOD PLAZA
Aim:
To identify a location that can accomodate the street
vendors in this region of the street. While doing so
also create a relief space from the business of the
activities on the street.

building d
Aim:
This street does not have basic facilities like public toilets!
The intention of this intervention was to create a public
toilet on the street and also add certain complimentary
functions that work with the ideas of interaction and social
inclusion. The building would have to serve as a backdrop
to the street as well as incorporate the bus stand that is
located here.

Aim:
Public Toilet
Eatery
Uni-sex Salon
Exhibition Space
Office Space
Site D - site analysis

VEHICULAR MOVEMENT AND NOISE PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENT AND DENSE SPOTS

SITE CONTEXT
PREVAILING WIND DIRECTION

TOPOGRAPHY BUILT vs OPEN

March June September December

SUN PATH
Site D - CONCEPT

Pedestrianise road as food plaza Tilt of one block? Demarcation of vendor space
Initial massing Massing updated with central spine

Introduction of vertical circulation Parking entrance Roof iteration 1

Bus movement/into site Defining circulation lines

Redefining circulation lines Introduction of the second ‘box’/ Roof iteration 2

Introduction of ‘boxes’ defining the higher floor
GROUND FLOOR
PLAN @ +1.90m
FLOOR LEVEL: +0.90m
Floor Height: 3.60m

1. EATERY
2. COVERED SEATING SPACE
3. UNISEX SALON
4. MEN’S TOILET
5. HANDICAP TOILET
6. WOMEN’S TOILET
7. NURSING ROOM
8. JANITOR’S ROOM
9. PLAZA

basement FLOOR first FLOOR

PLAN @ -2.00m PLAN @ +5.50m
FLOOR LEVEL: -3.00m FLOOR LEVEL: +4.50m
Floor Height: 3.00m Floor Height: 3.60m

1. EXHIBITION SPACE
2. UNISEX SALON
3. OFFICE SPACE
BUILDING D/SECTIONS

key plan
c

d d

a a
b b
SECTION AA/
CIRCULATION GRID
c

SECTION BB/ SECTION CC/

CENTRAL SPACE CIRCULATION GRIDS

SECTION dd/
THROUGH PLAZA
building D/BIRDS EYE VIEW
building D/VIEW OF PLAZA
building D/VIEW FROM ACROSS THE ROAD/MAIN ENTRANCE
BUS stop

plan

building a bus stop b

front elevation

side elevation pavillion c building d

familiarity with a little playfulness

site d/open space behind bus stop site d/introduction of a wall site d/modification of wall to site c/pushing of sidewalk behind site c/angle & level difference accomodated/
accomodate seating the bus stop/within the site planter box serves as a back rest