Environmental Thresholds
In this course, we were introduced to natural processes and systems, their flows, cycles, and interdependencies. The environment as we experience it is a set of interconnected networks which balance each other to maintain the rhythmic flows. The current building practices have resulted in new spatial priorities which largely ignore their consequences on the environment. This causes disruption to the very interconnectedness of all life forms and natural systems. This course investigates and explores design possibilities that negotiate bio-social relationships on ecologically sensitive terrain.
What is the architecture of terrain?
How does materiality respond to the nature of the program and terrain?
What is the ’nature’ of the institution and how does one experience it?
Program: Wetland Conservatory
The eastern coastal edge of Mumbai anchors diverse ecosystems comprising saltpans, wetlands, and mangrove zones. These edges form an oasis of plant and animal life including several abundant plants and aquatic life including flamingos which nest in the wetlands seasonally. The project tries to generate a built form type to negotiate the sloping terrain to intervene the site with a fixed program of wetland conservatory which includes three wings - research wing - hydrological and biodiversity research zones supported by testing wing with hydrology laboratory, biodiversity laboratory and chemical laboratory; education and outreach wing which includes outdoor wetlands observatory, education and training unit, gathering space for about 75 people to host awareness events, seminars and discussions. This center also includes annex facilities such as entrance lobby, supporting service systems of administrative wing and cafeteria.
Site Analysis & Zoning Diagram
Design Intent
The site is located on the eastern coastal edge of Mumbai, which has great historical and now geopolitical importance,hence feels like an abandoned place, aloof from all major settlements. This area is packed with either large industrial complexes or industrial warehouses and most of the land has been under the authority of Mumbai Port Trust, making it difficult to access even public spaces like the Sewri fort and the Flamingo Point. Thus it becomes imperative to accompany a public program which would attract more people to understand the importance of such a historically crucial place.
Thus introducing a Recreational Park as an additional program will help to make this yet abandoned eastern waterfront accessible and also can attract people towards the wetland conservatory. Which will help them to understand the importance of a place, by connecting to the place and making memories there. This place can become a major public gathering space, relaxation spot for the workers in nearby industries and can also become a vital location for neighbourhood schools to plan their study trips.
The idea is to contradict this existing enclosed landscape by introducing hierarchies of open and semi open spaces. The terrain is chiselled to form levels at intervals of 0.5m that separates different programs but keeps the navigation a continuous flowing experience. Each program gets its own open spaces overlooking the others, thus making it a visually cohesive experience of the built plus the existing ecology.
Imagining Spaces through perspective collages
The spaces were then thought through the selected material, i.e Stone. Also by digitally drafting plans, sizes of the main programs and corresponding circulation spaces were decided.
Simultaneously, perspective sketches of some major spaces were made which helped in articulating the experience of the space through juxtaposing the materials and use of existing leveled terrain. For example, the entrance plaza is a 5m wide passage formed by parallel curved stone walls, gradually welcoming the visitors inside. The walls have glass pockets so that as you enter you get a glimpse of the inside activities. Moving ahead the passage opens up to the recreation space, which cascades down further, overlooking the wetlands and Arabian sea. Next, as you look back from the recreation space you can see a passage leading to the Cafeteria. The cafeteria is divided into a shaded and open zone. It is adjacent to the open space on the southern side. this space acts as a buffer space from the southern harsh light and also a place where the adjacent Gathering space and Education and the training unit can spill over.
The section shows the visual connection of open spaces formed on the two levels. the whole terrain is divided in these levels so that it is seen cascading down from a level of 4 m and gradually meeting the wetland through intermediate levels of 0.5m.
Iso of entire project
Enterance Plaza
Perspective view from Reacreational Park
Plan at 1.8m
Plan at 5.4m
Plan at 11.8m
Section AA'
Section AA'
