University Institute of Architecture

Architectural Design VI, 20ARP-370

2022-2023

Design Problem 2
An Auditorium

Course Objectives:
1. The objective of the course is to focus on energy efficiency as an important design
determinant.

2. To introduce the challenges and skills of designing simple industrial buildings involving
circulation of men and materials as well as construction in steel.

3. To introduce the challenges and skills of designing form-oriented buildings using creative
shapes and structure systems.

Introduction
The essence of the concept for the cultural complex is that it should promote among its visitors
and viewers a sense of the divine, peace, tranquility, love of nature, a feeling of awe at natural
endowments construed as blessings of the divine and yet allow fulsome satisfaction of sensory
perceptions. A cultural complex with an auditorium is used for a variety of purposes, such as
hosting concerts and live performances, theatre and drama, dance performances, lectures and
speeches, conferences and meetings and other public events related to the arts and culture. These
facilities provide a valuable space for artists, performers, and community members to engage
with cultural activities, express creativity, and showcase their talents. They also serve as
important community gathering places, bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds to
celebrate the arts and culture.
An auditorium is a large room or hall specifically designed for public performances,
presentations, and lectures. It typically has a stage or a platform at one end and a seating area for
the audience facing the stage. Auditoriums are designed to optimize the acoustics and visibility
of the performance or presentation, ensuring that everyone in the audience can hear and see
clearly.

Overall, an auditorium is a versatile space that can be used for a wide range of events and
performances, making it an important part of many communities and cultural institutions.

Design Problem:
Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) has allotted about 3.2 acres to Mohali
municipal corporation for the construction of an auditorium in Sector 78. The auditorium will be
a landmark in the region with a seating capacity of 500 people. You as a student of architecture
are required to design the same. The auditorium should cater to various cultural and academic
activities as well as institutional programs. There should be full consideration to context and
surroundings as well as the need and the forces behind the creation. The building should be
designed so as to fit in the built environment.
Aim:
To develop the design of an auditorium with respect to site, building services (HVAC, Plumbing,
Acoustic, Electrical and Fire Safety), landscape, climate and Socio-economic conditions in urban
context & the application of anthropometrics.

The Design must address the following requirements:

Functional / operational

 Sloped Floors: Sloped floors, with level terraces for each row of seating, providing
proper sightlines from the audience to the stage. Bottom and intermediate rows should be
directly accessible from entry levels to allow for seating of persons with disabilities.
 Fixed Seats: Fixed seats with tilting upholstered seat and back, integral arm and tablet
arm with articulated back for maximum occupant passage space between rows.
Wheelchair access option-removable seats in sections of two and accessible end chairs
for mobility limited occupants should be provided.
 Special Lighting: Dramatic lighting systems including front lighting, foot lighting, spot
lights, follow spot lights, beam lights, and flood lights, and a projection room/booth with
manual and programmable lighting controls, and space for the spot light operator.
Flexible lighting systems to accommodate various performance venues (e.g., lectures,
plays, musical performances, etc.) in the Auditorium.

 Occupancy: Occupancy with sprinkler protected construction for fire protection.

Productive

 Special Acoustical Design: Quality acoustical characteristics are important in Auditorium

spaces so that performances and presentations can be clearly heard and understood. For
performance spaces and general presentation spaces, recommended noise criteria (NC)
rating ranges from NC-20 to NC-30; recommended sound transmission class (STC)
rating ranges from STC 40 to STC 50.

 Auditorium typically has a separate AHU constant volume with modulated temperature
control for ventilation. The recommended system for distribution of HVAC in auditorium
spaces is ducted supply through floor vents with ducted ceiling return air vents in
auditorium and lobby. In other spaces, ducted ceiling supply with return air ceiling
plenum is recommended.

Secure / safe

 Fire and Life Safety: Proper notification systems, lighting, and signage to facilitate safe
and speedy evacuations during an emergency in the Auditorium spaces. Step lights
recessed into floor risers at each seating tier and wall mounted low light level sconce
lights along side walls are typical. Sprinklers to be provided as per code and under stage
platforms to suppress fires.
Design Considerations:

 Form & shape of the Auditorium should be keeping in mind the type of seating layout
used and should strictly follow the norms of cone of vision.
 The roof of the auditorium should be worked on the basis of sightlines achieved; roof
structure system should be designed for column free large span auditorium.
 Provide quality public recreation area and associated services keeping in mind the safety
of the occupants in an auditorium.
 Auditorium building needs to be a landmark in the city with universal design approach
having facilities for physically challenged, old age people and children.
 Relativity to urban context.
 Responsiveness to site conditions, sensitive to requirements of the surrounding residents
 Climate responsive design, use of contemporary building materials, construction
technologies.
 Site planning should include well integrated built up and open spaces for various
activities like eating, waiting and recreation along creative landscaping.
 Enough parking area for workers and visitors.

Design Challenges

 Provide an architectural solution for Auditorium Building.

 Ensuring synchronized and functional interaction exhibition spaces, performance spaces
catering services, and ancillary services.
 Visual Angles both horizontally and vertically for the Performance as well as the
Projection Screen. The intent of the Auditorium is to be a multi-functional space which
easily adapts to the requirement of the cultural and convention functions.
 To provide clear segregation of different type Guests (VIP, non-VIPS, Performance
Artists) and Catering Services.
 Ensuring planned and streamlined seating arrangement which adheres to the fire safety
norms.
 To incorporate latest Audio-visual systems, communication system, surveillance system
etc. into design.
 Accessibility should be coordinated not only by analyzing and responding to the
context of the site but coordination should exist between parking areas, curb ramps,
paved areas, rest areas with adequate seating, lighting, signage, building entries, and
interiors. Continuous accessibility is also needed between building and within
building, between parking areas, corresponding destinations and native destinations.

Site Details:
1.Location: The proposed site for the Auditorium complex is situated sector 78, Mohali.
2. Area: The site measures 3.22 acres (Detailed site plan attached)
3. Building Bye laws: as per GMADA building bye laws 2021
 Ground coverage: 40 % max.
 F.A.R: 1.1
 Setbacks – Front, Sides and rear as per local bye laws
Area Requirements: (Areas to be calculated based on your library studies)

1. Hall with seating capacity of 500 people (Seating to be provided in more than one
level).
2. Projector with screen size (6mx4.5m)
3. Stage (90-130sqm)
4. Entrance foyer (2 Foyers: one for public & one for VIP’s) with display boards.
5. Manager’s Office with attached toilet
6. Administration office for 2 people
7. Records office
8. Back stage requirements:
 Rehearsal Hall- 90-100 sqm
 Green rooms for Male & Female with toilets. (2 in no.)
 Workshop (For storage of stage accessories and their assembling etc.)
 Stores for equipment
 Store for clothes, materials/ props etc.
9. V.I.P. lounge with toilets
10. Audio/ visual room
11. Media/Press Room (Briefing)
12. Projector room
13. Toilets (M/F as per NBC) and drinking water facility
14. Ticket Booth
15. Technical requirements:
 A.C. plant room
 Electrical room
 Fire control room
 Light& Sound control room
 D.G. set area
 Underground water tank
 Pump room
 Generator room
16. Parking area should have space for the following on surface as well as basement-
 Staff parking
 Visitors parking
 V.I.P. Parking
 DAP Parking
 Service Parking
17. Eateries: 4-5 eateries like coffee shop, snacks bar, juice bar, etc should be provided
separately from auditorium block with semi covered and open sitting areas.

The Deliverables:

1. Library Study:
 Submission of Library study, (Internet study or through library) & area analysis
on A1 Sheets
Study of space planning, seating planning, stage planning, green rooms, etc. various
structure systems for building and roof, building services, other technical details of
auditorium.

2. Case study:
Prototype Case Studies are to be studied and analyzed along the following criteria
on A1 size sheets
 Zoning and site planning aspects.
 Physical character of the built form (Connectivity, Orientation of the built
form with respect to climate, Site planning & landscaping).
 Mechanical, plumbing, electrical services analysis.
 Structural design aspect.

3. Site analysis:
 Details like entry/ exits, site topography, climatic influence on the site, surrounding
land use, micro climate, influence of multi-storied structures on surroundings,
skyline, etc.
 Site layout (entrance gate, security guard room, parking, roads, placement of block,
services, landscaping, etc.)
 Area formulation in detail.

4. Concept sheet:
 With the help of supporting sketches and explanation of the thought behind the
concept relating with the site and local climate.
 Zoning, Bubble diagram & Connectivity of spaces

5. Single Line Plan:

 Site plan showing zoning, setback, road networking, basic profile of auditorium
complex, design of basement, services, Etc
 Space/Area Planning
 All floor plans (single line, on scale with furniture layout)
 1 section, 1 elevation (on scale, human figures, trees, etc to be shown)

6. Design Development
 Detailed Site Plan with area statement
 Detailed floor plans (Double line, on scale with furniture layout, levels, any special
features, etc )
 2 sections, 2 elevations (on scale, human figures, trees, levels, etc. to be shown)
 Latest model for form exploration
 Perspective views (min 2)

7. Prefinal Submission
 Detailed Site Plan with area statement
 Detailed floor plans (Double line, on scale with furniture layout, levels, any special
features, etc)
 2 sections, 2 elevations (on scale, human figures, trees, levels, etc. to be shown)
  3D views (min 2)

8. Final Submission
 Concept Sheet
 Detailed Site Plan with area statement
 Detailed floor plans (Double line, on scale with furniture layout, levels, any special
features, etc.)
 2 sections 2 elevation (on scale, human figures, trees, levels, etc. to be shown)
 Detailed model
 Perspective views (min 2)

Schedule of Submissions:

S.No. Activity Details of Activity Mode of submission Date

Study of space planning,
seating arrangement and
its types, stage planning,
1. Introduction to the green rooms, etc. various
design problem. structure systems for 31.3.23
building and roof, building
services, parking
requirement and other
technical details for an
auditorium.

Submission of
2. Library study and A1 sheet/Manual 4.4.23
case study visit
Case study: 2 Prototype
Case Studies are to be
studied and analyzed along
the following criteria:
i. Zoning and site planning
aspects.
ii. Physical character of
the built form
(Connectivity, Orientation
Case study, site of the built form with
3. analysis and area respect to climate, Site A1 sheet/Manual 11.4.23
analysis submission planning & landscaping).
iii. Mechanical, plumbing,
electrical services analysis.
iv. Structural design
aspects.
Site analysis: Details like
entry/ exits, site
topography, climatic
influence on the site,
surrounding land use,
micro climate, influence of
multistoried structures on
surroundings, skyline, etc.
Area Analysis: Areas to
be calculated for the given
design brief.
Concept: Concept sheet
with the help of supporting
sketches and explanation
of the thought behind the
 concept relating with the
Concept, Site site and local climate.
4. zoning and single Site zoning: Site layout A1 sheet 25.4.23
line plan (entrance gate, security (Manual/Computerized)
guard room, parking,
roads, placement of block,
services, landscaping, etc.)
Zoning, Bubble diagram
&Connectivity of spaces
Single line plans along
with Area formulation in
detail.
i. Detailed Site Plan
(showing zoning, setback,
road networking, basic
profile of auditorium
complex) with area
statement and sciography.
ii. Detailed floor plans
(Double line, on scale with
5. Prefinal submission furniture layout, levels, A1 Sheet/ Computerized 2.5.23
any special features, etc )
iii. 2 sections, 2 elevations
(on scale, human figures,
trees, levels, sciography,
etc. to be shown)
iv. Perspective views (min
2)
v. Model for form
exploration
i. Submission of complete
Final submission set of drawings on scale,
6. (Presentation with all technical details, A1 Sheet/ Computerized 9.5.23
Drawings should be special features if any.
well rendered) ii. Detailed model and
views.
7. Portfolio A1 Sheets, Computerized 12.5.23
Submission
Site for Auditorium:

S.A.S Nagar, Sector 78

CO’s Mapped:

1. Students should be able to demonstrate through their design, their understanding of

energy efficient systems, structural systems, services and construction systems in the
design of a modern medium to high rise building in the urban context.
2. Multi storied design considerations with the understanding and designing of frame
structures.
3. Enhancement of the skills of designing form-oriented buildings using creative shapes and
structure systems.
4. Students will get well versed with the various physical factors of architecture design and
get equipped with the norms of barrier free design, to create large span column free
structures.
5. Students will be able to analyse the nuances of commercial and public buildings, to
design and develop ability to yield sustainable solutions to augment architectural designs.

Relevant Books:
1. Neufert, P., “Architects Data”, 3rd Ed., Blackwell Science
2. National Building Code 2016
 3. Francis D.K. Ching, Architecture Form, Space and Order, Van Nostrand Reinhold
Company, New York, 1979.
4. Time Saver Standards for Architectural Design Data

Marking Criteria:

Creativity/development Less than 25%-50% 50% - 75% 75%-100%

of ideas: 40% of the 25% of of work of work of work
total grade work completed completed completed
completed correctly. correctly. correctly.
correctly. (10-20 (20-30 (30-40
(0-10 marks) marks) marks)
marks)
Synthesis: 30% of the Less than 25%-50% 50% - 75% 75%-100%
total grade 25% of of work of work of work
work completed completed completed
completed correctly correctly correctly
correctly. (7.5 – 15 (15 – 22.5 (22.5-30
(0-7.5 marks) marks) marks)
marks)
Knowledge and Less than 25%-50% 50% - 75% 75%-100%
understanding: 20% of 25% of of work of work of work
the total grade work completed completed completed
completed correctly correctly correctly
correctly. (5- 10 (10- 15 (15-20
(0 – 5 marks) marks) marks)
marks)
Presentation: 10% of Less than 25%-50% 50% - 75% 75%-100%
the total grade 25% of of work of work of work
work completed completed completed
completed correctly correctly correctly
correctly. (2.5- 5 (5-7.5 (7.5-10
(0 –2. 5 marks) marks) marks)
marks)