Supervisor: Prof. Arch. Alessandra Battisti

Co-supervising institutions:

Vastu-Shilpa Foundation for studies and resaerch in environmental design

CEPT University Ahmedabad

RWTH Aachen University, Lehrstuhl für Wohnbau

Senior student: Laura MarcheggianoOctober 2011

Graduation thesis research in Environmental Architecture

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Re-Housing Settlement Design Projectin compliance with ecological standards,

Makarba Community, Sarkhej Roza, Ahmedabad, India

PART 1

2

Supervisor: Prof. Arch. Alessandra BattistiCo-supervising institutions:

Vastu-Shilpa Foundation for studies and resaerch in environmental design

CEPT University Ahmedabad

RWTH Aachen University, Lehrstuhl für Wohnbau

Senior student: Laura MarcheggianoOctober 2011

Sapienza University of Rome, Faculty of architecture

5 -year combined bachelor’s/master’s EU degree

Graduation thesis research in Environmental Architecture

Gaay Nagar

Re-Housing Settlement Design Projectin compliance with ecological standards,

Makarba Community, Sarkhej Roza, Ahmedabad, India

Gaay Nagar

3

‘ A slum in Calcutta is not like one of those Western Dormitory cities where a man

can disappear or die without his neighbor noticing’ whereas, in Anandnagar…

“You cannot hide anything here, not even the colour of your soul”.

Anand Nagar, The city of Joy_Dominique La Pierre

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FOREWORD

As senior student of this faculty, I feel it as my

duty to follow and support any educational

path conscious of environment, diversity and

sustainable development. I trust this is only

the starting point of possible future studies

and activities on those topics.

My graduation thesis research project on Low-

cost affordable and social housing in India, is

just one of the choices I made, in order to de-

vote my interests and research studies to the

international dimension of social-architecture.

During the 2-month Ahmedabad International

Habitat Design Studio 2011, organized by Dr.

Arch. Balkrishna Doshi, Founder Director of

Vastu-Shilpa-Foundation, and CEPT University,

I developed an awareness of the complexity of

Indian urbanity and issues related to its growth,

while acquiring fundamental skills for a sensitive

and holistic approach to habitat design.

The latter was the occasion for an interesting

sharing of experiences with a group of interna-

tional students (from Germany, Spain, Holland

and India), exactly where my project finds its

roots.

As I see it, the university is the forum and

meeting point of initiatives which contemplate

the study of different approaches and the un-

derstanding of other sensibilities. This work is

an attempt to preset a bit of my experience

with Indian culture and architecture in the Eu-

ropean academic world, also leaving open the

possibility of reconsider our way of living built

and unbuilt environment.

On studying India as an emerging country, this

work goes into different topics in depth. It not

only refers to the housing problem within a su-

stainable living environment or the issue of a

fast uncontrolled growing periphery suffoca-

ting rural environment, but goes also back to

the teaching of well-known Indian Architects

such as V.B.Doshi, Laurie Baker, Neelkanth

Chhaya or Yatin Pandya, through their work

and lessons.

Laura Marcheggiano

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CONTENTS

Section I

1. Planning in emerging countries in 2011......

2. A Pattern of growth: Seeking a contextualurban habitat design .................................2.i Tertiarisation and economic growth2.ii Processes of structural change

3. Is there an Indian Urbanity?.......................

Section II

4. Habitat Design Studio 2011.......................4.i Descovering wonderful Gujarat ..........

Louis KahnLe CorbusierV.B. DoshiCharles Correa

4.ii Workshop_Feb-Apr 2011....................5. Learning From Doshi ................................

5.i LIC Housing5.ii IFFCO Township5.iii Aranya Nagar5.iv Vidyadhar Nagar5.v Ludya Village

Section III

6. Analysis and Context6.i Background, Layout and Concept ......6.ii Exixting Built and Unbuilt space:

Traditional generation ........................6.iii Existing Water System:

Networks and Potentials .....................7. Design intents ...........................................

7.i Who gets the Land?7.ii Gaay Nagar7.iii The Inclusive Design Manifesto7.iv Methodologies and Strategies

8. Design Proposals ......................................8.i Masterplan and Open Spaces8.ii Product vs Process8.iii We have many layers in life8.iv Three DIifferent Typologies

9. Learning from Laurie Baker ......................9.i A cost reduction manual

Section IV

Bibliography:: Selected list of References ........

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Section I

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1. Planning in emerging countries in 2011

When addressing the pressing, and often con-flicting issues of urban and architectural plan-ning in countries in the global south (e.g.informal development, globalisation, developingfor international investment), the Human Deve-lopment Index (HDI) plays an important role indetermining measurements of development.This composite index uses three different di-mensions of human development: life expec-tancy; literacy and education; standards ofliving. Those basic units, being more preciseand reliable then a PIL, became the means bywhich well-being in a country is calculated . Thefirst Human Development Report in 1990 ope-ned with the premise: “People are the real we-alth of a nation”. This have been the base fornew development policies around the world.

It is essential, and we still hope feasible, to facethe two main challenges in emerging countries:the interlinked issues of equity and sustainabi-lity. Stated that environmental degradation andthe lack of political administration and powerare the reasons why most disadvantaged peo-ple suffer the most, it is important to outlinewhat development means, from every side, andrecognise the risk and danger it represents at aglobal level. Past Human Development Reports

have shown that living standards in most coun-tries have been rising - and converging - for se-veral decades now. Yet the 2011 Reportprojects a disturbing reversal of those trends ifenvironmental deterioration and social inequa-lities continue to intensify, with the least deve-loped countries diverging downwards fromglobal patterns of progress by 2050.

As far as now planning in the emerging, deve-loping or under developed countries is concer-ned, what matters is the capacity of planners toface a variety of cultures and situations, but alsorespond to the needs of always different users.Taking the achievement of this competence asa steady point, the learning process can maybestart from traditional and vernacular architectu-res, that reflect the way local population thinkand live spaces, and give us the opportunity tostudy local techniques, skills and materials.

Facing a project in a low human developmentindex country, also means addressing the pro-blem of colonialism. This time not just the phy-sical and political occupation of the land, butmost of all colonisation of the present age: asneaky, quick and uncontrolled transfer of kno-wledge (and not only!) between developed anddeveloping countries is nowadays under way.Those influences have strong impacts on localpeople and lead to rapid social changes, oftenundermining the already precarious balances of smalltowns or villages.

The questionspontaneouslyraises: are we allcolonists?

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2. A pattern of growth:

Seeking a contextual urban habitat design

2.i Tertiarisation and economic growth

India stands to China and Brazil as the naturalleader on - both for historical and geo-econo-mical aspects – within the so-called group ofemerging countries. The subcontinent has re-cently landed the role of main character of aperiod of reform, which have produced a mar-ked strengthening of its growth process.The recent phase of Indian development hasbeen encouraged by an unusual - and rapid-process of tertiarisation based on a highly skil-led labour pool. This should continue in thecoming years, enabling India to achieve in thenext decades, an average annual growthclose to 5%, also higher than that intended forthe Chinese economy.However, it is observed that the employmentgrowth in the tertiary sector had been dynamicand growth-induced during the eighties, but inthe recent times has turned distress-driven:appropriate steps in policymaking should betaken for the tertiary sector revolution to bebeneficial and sustainable for the workers enmasse.

UN-HABITATThe state of asian cities 2010-11

Good practice from Ahmedabad:

When civil society tackles emplyement deficits

• The Umeed Programme

In 2005 and in partnership with the Ahmeda-bad Municipal Corporation, Saath launched alivelihood programme for youth called EkMouka Udaan (meaning ‘an opportunity tofly’). The scheme enhances young people’smoney-earning capacities and identifies suita-ble jobs for their placement through on-the-jobtrainings, guest lectures, exposure visits andevaluation of the student’s progress.

• Umeed’s achievements over the past 4 years

a) 53 Umeed Centres have been set up ope-rating across Gujarat and Rajasthan;b) As at 31 March 2010, a total 29,110 youngpeople had enrolled, of which 82% had com-pleted training and 59.3% had been placed.c) Students earn btw Rs. 3,000-6,000 ($65-$131) per month after job placement, compa-red with the national minimum wage of Rs.1700 ($37) per month in February 2004 or Rs2500 (US $55) per month Nov. 2009 onwards.

• Informal sector: Economy & labour deficit

Economic growth: 7.3% in 20089% in 20078.5% in 2006

7 million/year Labour force growth2.3% Employment growth

7% Manufacturing sector growth7.2% Unemployment rate

10% Formal sector 60% self-employed 30% casual workers

70% Labour force is illiterate

Agricultural sector = seasonal emplyementUrban/Metropolitan migration

Informal settlements = poor access to basic infrastructure, health and education services.

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Urbanisation in South-West Asia 1990/2020

The top 10 Asian Mega cities

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2.ii Processes of structural change

• Progress and Natural resourcesThe structure of production has been long focu-sed on traditional sectors of agriculture (produc-tion of tea, rice, sugar, but also cotton and jute)and manufacturing, encouraged by the abun-dant availability of natural resources and low la-bour costs. The excessive consumption theworld is currently facing, is a pattern due to anincrease in affluence that have caused a steadydepletion of resources in the natural world.This worldwide concern influences urban de-sign in such a way that, a robust balance bet-ween ecological and economical factors shouldbe maintained.

• Urban and Rural environmentWhile tertiary represents the fastest growingsector, Agriculture, with 25% of GDP, presen-tly continues to be of great importance for In-dian society, since it absorbs more than 60%of total employment, with two-thirds of the po-pulation still living in rural areas.However two factors are here playing an im-portant role:1. As FAO studies proved, the time between2000 and now have seen agricultural Landshrinking of 1,3% in less then a decade: urba-nisation and lack of common awareness withinthe agrarian world being the main reasons forthat.2. The United Nations’ ‘State of the World Po-pulation’ report, released nearly four years ago,proclaimed that 40,76% of India’s populationwill be living in Urban areas by 2030. The urba-nisation of India, as shown, is taking place at afaster rate than in the rest of the world.Interwea-ving the often conflicting needs of Rural andUrban world is therefore a prime concern.

Cities with Population of 10 mil or more

Year 2000: 1. Mumbai 16.09 mil Pop2. Dehli 15.73 mil Pop

Year 2010: 1. Dehli 22.16 mil Pop2. Mumbai 20.04 mil Pop

Year 2020: 1. Dehli 26.27 mil Pop2. Mumbai 20.04 mil Pop

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Indian Population growth

Year 2000: 266.430 th27,7 % Urban

Year 2010: 364.459 th 30,0 % Urban

Year 2020: 463.328 th33,9 % Urban

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• Building and means of production:seeking a localised economy

The industry has undergone a gradual transfor-mation, which has seen the medium and largemanufacturing companies and the production ofhigh technology, put side by side with the tradi-tional base of companies represented by localartisans and small family businesses. Craft tra-dition is, indeed, continuing to prosper thanksto a strong labour pool. The building industry is,as a matter of fact, experiencing a manifold rea-lity, that should be definitely maintained for asensible approach to context design.

To go on one step further into the struggle, weshould notice how the country is among thechartered destinations of the delocalisation pro-cess, in place on a global scale, involving seve-ral multinational companies. The abovementioned agencies are attracted by both thesavings achieved from the reduction in labourcosts, and the presence of personnel with highlevel of education, with knowledge of Englishand technical skills. The spread of new technologies in the industrialsystem, favoured by the entry of foreign com-panies, is now joined by the gradual liberaliza-tion affecting the traditional sectors, such ashandicraft, textile (cotton above all) and jewel-lery.Getting back to a model of localised economy,while taking into account the industrial and te-chnical development, would determine bigchanges in people everyday life at a micro level,while intervening in Indian economy at a largerscale.

UN-HABITATThe state of asian cities 2010-11

Decentralization: best practice from Tarakan, Indonesia

Decentralization and democratization havehelped small towns in Indonesia and the caseof Tarakan proves the point. This is a 251-sq. km island-city in East Kali-mantan with a pop. of 160,000. Historically,Tarakan served as a trading centre or transitpoint for travellers. During Dutch occupation,the town was an oil exploration centre and assuch attracted many migrants. However, theoil sector now contributes only around 6% (US$7.7 million) of Tarakan’s total annual produc-tion of goods and services (equivalent to US$120 million). After decentralization became effective in2001, under the strong leadership of itsmayor, Tarakan underwent significant chan-ges, especially in the areas of urban manage-ment, financing and cost recovery as well asenvironmental sustainability.

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3. Is there an Indian Urbanity ?

In order to take off the first veil of continuousastonishment, go beyond the first general por-trait I got of India and go just a bit more intodepth, I got involved into this work, that now be-comes my expression tool for what I learnt, ab-sorbed and assimilated of the subcontinent.

If we think of Indian architecture the first thingthat comes to our mind is the temple, where hi-story and tradition meet each other: but the lat-ter survives and prevails over history, remainingtimeless and becoming contemporary. In factIndia demonstrates to be much more then that:the highest populated nation after China is quic-kly turning into a place of urbanisation, indu-strialisation and westernisation, where chaosand crowding are daily bread and alienation andindifference have become synonymous of city.

All that being stated, some questions araise:• Is it possible to develop perceptions andconsequent design interpretations to providequality life among the inhabitants? • Can we modify the existing and transformhouses into homes? • Can we get back to a psychological comfort,guaranteed by social commitment and mutualtolerance?

1. Human being and architecture

Remaining humble:When working at first in Le Corbusier’s Firm inParis, it was for Doshi: “ 8 months with olives,cheese and bread, and crying”“I’m not an architect: for me it’s like a search”“There’s always someone behind you, who’sbetter then you”, he says.

“The human being is a compassionate, lova-ble animal…highly sophisticated”How does life reflects in architecture? The joy of lifestyle must be connected with theentire structure sustaining the buildingIdeal life:• Body (Built form, physical needs)• Action (Production)• Mind (thought, Concept)• Karma (Past, present and future)• Spirit (Relationship with nature)

Analysis of built and unbuilt areas, and theconnection of those spaces with the beha-viour, the habits, the activities of inhabitants,makes a project meet success.

2. Growth

“Architecture is a matter of transformation ofall kind of conditions” _Neelkanth Chhaya

Sustainability and growth are tightly linked to-gether. Liberalisation of economy changes theway people dream• Issues related with growth: • mobility • communication • Education • Access to finance• Microcredit easily accessible

Growth is a fact of life Make place fortransformation Negotiation Encroa-chment Entrepreneurship Porosity

Absorption

“Buildings shake hands: draw a plan wheregrow can take place but can remain constant”(IFFCO)_Balkrishna Doshi

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3. Self reliance

“In architecture, the end product is never asexciting as the process”How do you make people grow their own thinginstead of making them dependent on a sy-stem?Smart Urbanisation = Give everyone a stake;Give everyone a placeSelf reliance >>>Aid, charity, are not sustaina-ble!Baroda (200 Km from Ahmedabad)= The firstmicrobank started in Ahmedabad.Do you want a Hi-Fi System, or do you want tochange your life? = Activate a Process of assi-milation

Architects are not designers but catalysts!“You don’t design a house, but what is capa-ble of becoming a house”_Balkrishna Doshi

4. Ambiguity

India= Paradox and harmony synergizeWhat is chaos and order? How do we define them? India = Ambiguity : I may come…I may not!There is nothing right or wrong: the contextmakes this (Space out and in; Material; Wea-ther; Public or private territory; Boundaries –Ambiguity: Different uses & multiple purpose)In the global world, art is always changing:there are no boundaries anymoreFlexible, cooperative, diversified, tolerantspace >>> Viability (nature)Cooperation, Respect and Tolerance are themain rules for living in Indian society.

5. Sense of IdentityThe sense of belonging, of ownership, is diffe-rent to the concept of individuality: being partof the community involves the capacity of co-hesion between private developers’ initiatives.

In Indian urbanity, everyone is an actor (Like in social networks: if you don’t write, no-body writes you back) >>> It creates addiction! Physical and percep-tive (sensitive).Consequences: Colours, Horning, Façadesdecorations.

6. Negotiation

Multifunctional facilities: imaginativeness of In-dian people is reflected on the different usethey make of their potentials, their creative-ness.Through occupation, urban space becomesANPHIBIOUS:• Street sellers• Business on the road• Architectural extensions• Outside activities: Cook, sleep, pray

Small scale design: the same fabric finds a lotof variations using the same patternMany more small definable parts, rather thena few larger ones.Despite emptiness, people make use of unde-fined spaces, and as we saw, a creative anddiversified one.Adaptability, understanding and sharing areelements of the homogeneous heterogeneitythat India represents. Leaving room for nego-tiation is the real solution to social contradic-tions.

7. Sharing

Community vs IndividualityThe richer people get, the less they shareThe community, characterised by unaffordabi-lity and fear of death, share because has no-thing to lose.Inter-dependence is not “convenient”, whenyou risk to lose power!

“Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’sneed, but not every man’s greed.”_Mahatma Gandhi

Share is a game of giving and receiving: ifpeople care about their own needs, why dothey forget about the –receiving part of sha-ring?“There are businessmen and humanbeings”_Balkrishna Doshi

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Section II

Gaay Nagar

Vastu-Shilpa Foundation & CEPT University, Ahmedabad, India

4. International Habitat Design Studio 2011Habitat Design in an Urban Context

Duration _13th February to 13th April

• Asia Pacific University, Dhaka, Bangladesh

• Center for Environmental Planning and

Technology, Ahmedabad, India

• Escuela Técnica Superior de Arquitectura

de Madrid, Spain

• Goa College of Architecture, Goa, India

• Rheinisch Westfälische Technische

Hochschule, Aachen, Germany

• Technical University , Delft, The Nederlands

Rajeev Kathpalia

Balkrishna Doshi - Architect, Planner

Neelkanth Chhaya - Architect

Rajeev Kathpalia - Architect, Urban Designer

Sönke Hoof - Architect

Participating Institutions:

Studio Co-ordinator:

Faculty in charge:

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Doshi’s “SANGATH” in Ahmedabad, India

Abhijeet Singh Chandel

Joseph Varughese

Balkrishna Doshi - Architect, Planner

Neelkanth Chhaya - Architect

Rajeev Kathpalia - Architect, Urban Designer

Sönke Hoof - Architect

Arunav Dasgupta - Architect,Urban Designer

Debashish Nayak - Architect

Durganand Balsavar - Architect

Hemang Desai - Writer

Himanshu Parikh - Engineer

Jaimini Mehta - Architect, Urban Deisgner

Kashikar Vishvanath - Architect

Piyas Choudhari - Architect, Urban Designer

Rajan Rawal - Architect

Rajiv Kadam - Architect, Urban Designer

Riyaz Tyabji - Architect

Sandeep Virmani - Architect

Sharmila Sagara - Artist

Surya Kakani - Architect

Utpal Sharma - Architect, Urban Planner

Location:

Assistance:

Administration:

Faculty in charge:

Guest speakers & visiting critics:

Doshi’s “SANGATH” in Ahmedabad

16

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• Holistic design with multi disciplinary appro-

ach integrating dimensions of Planning, urban

design, architecture as well as Technology.

• Contextually relevant design which is respon-

sive to Socio-Cultural political, administrative,

climatic and economic context.

• Sustainable development optimally managing

the prevailing scarce resources and innovating

methods for generating newer resources

• Research based design involving first hand

understanding of the context and its realities

through fieldwork and the site visits.

• Design innovations for the improved

quality of life

• Optimal designs with minimum resource de-

mands

• Reinterpreting the traditional for the contem-

porary relevance

• Design strategy for urban insert as well as

blank site development

• Conservation- Adaptive reuse - New construc-

tion.

• Quantitative and qualitative challenges of the

built form

• High density mass housing

• The role and resolution of the unbuilt

Studio Enphasis:

Design issues:

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4.i Descovering wonderful Gujarat...

Sun Temple,Modhera - 1026-27 A.D.

One of the seven temples dedicated to Surya,

the God of endless energy, it is situated on the

banks of the Pushpavati river. The temple

comprises three separate but axially-aligned

and integrated elements.

The “Kund” or water tank, built to perform ceri-

mony rights,is a unique subterranean typology

of this region.

This sun temple has many unique astronomi-

cal features: for the construction of this temple

not a single design was made on paper. Infact

the mathematical calculation was so precise

that the first raise of the morning sun fells

exactley on the image of Surya, the Sun God.

Religious gatherings are held in a magnificent

pillared hall that is open from all sides and it

has 52 intricately carved pillars,some of the

best scupltures depicting indian mythology

and human life.

Habitat Design 2011 group on the steps of the Kund

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Louis Kahn:

Indian Institute of Management - 1962-74

While Louis Kahn was designing the National

Assembly Building in Bangladesh in 1962, he

was approached by an admiring Indian archi-

tect, Balkrishna Doshi, to design the 60 acre

campus. Kahn began to question the design

of the educational infrastructure where the cla-

ssroom was just the first phase of learning for

the students: the hallways and Kahn’s Plaza

became new centers for learning.

He incorporated local materials (brick and

concrete) and large geometrical façade ex-

tractions as homage to Indian vernacular ar-

chitecture. The porous, geometric façade was

positioned to act as light wells and a natural

cooling system, protecting the interior from In-

dia’s harsh desert climate.

Plan of the School: building and open spaces

Indian style...Restoration, February 2011

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Balkrishna Doshi:

Amdavad ni Gufa - 1992

Hussain Doshi Gufa is an underground art

gallery located in Ahmedabad that depicts the

works of the famous Indian painter named

M.F.Hussain. It has been designed by the fa-

mous architect B. V. Doshi. Thus, the art gal-

lery has been named after the two eminent

personalities, Hussain and Doshi. The gallery

is more popularly known as Amdavad ni Gufa.

It has been given the name Gufa, as its struc-

tural design resembles a cave.

For the art lovers, Hussain Doshi gufa is a real

feast for eyes. The Hussain Doshi Gufa art

gallery in Ahmedabad lies in the surrounding

areas of the Center for Environmental Plan-

ning and Technology. This structure has been

constructed using simple hand tools and that

too by unskilled workers.

The form of roof shells is guided by computer

designs and the structure, built in ferrocement,

is in the form of skeletal skin and wire mesh,

sandwiched on each side by layers of cement.

It is a lively whimsical fusion of modern art and

natural design with undulating interconnected

domes inlaid with mosaic tiles. Sit here to

watch the sunset or enjoy a cup of coffee in its

Zen Cafe. This space is a nourishing hub of

creative exchange.

Habitat Design 2011 group at Gufa, Navarangpura

Interior ceiling slab, light wells effects and graffiti

Plan and section of the complex

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Balkrishna Doshi:

School of Architecture, CEPT University

- 1966-68

The Centre for Environmental Planning and

Technology (CEPT) was sponsored by the Ah-

medabad Education Society (AES), a non-pro-

fit organisation established in 1935 devoted to

the cause of education at all levels in several

branches of learning.

CEPT has a 5-acre Campus near Gujarat Uni-

versty, primary concept of which was it to be

“an open place with hardly any doors”, and

Doshi was determined to use such accessibi-

lity not only as a metaphor for academic free-

dom, but also for environmental

responsiveness.

To do so, he used an L-shaped configuration

based on parallel bearing walls on a north-

south axis to capture and direct prevailing

breezes through the studios, offices and cla-

ssrooms. A funnel-shaped entrance under the

south facade is designed to direct the wind

through the building.

Working with the hilly contours of the site, the

architect decided to treat both inside and out-

side as educational space, refining Le Corbu-

sier’s notion of the open area under buildings

raised on piloti to become shaded, naturally

ventilated gathering areas.

View of an internal-open space passage

Side elevation: the school is recessed into

the landscape

Students Graffiti on a wall in the lively courtyard

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Le Corbusier:

Mill Owners Association - 1954

Located on Ashram Road, in the western part

of Ahmedabad, overlooking the river Sabar-

mati, the building is said as Corbusiers built

manifesto.

The building is oriented according to the pre-

vailing winds. The east and west facades have

sun braking structure, or brise-soleil, with a

high depth, whereas the north and south faca-

des are nearly blind.Sun breakers are one of

Corbusier’s many formal inventions, which,

while avoiding harsh sun, permit visual con-

nection and air movement. While the brise-so-

leil act as free facades made of rough

shuttered concrete, the north and south sides,

built in rough brickwork, are almost unbroken.

Its many walls (with windows in between)

slant, and there are trees actually growing out

of the side of it. Also, the drainage system is

built into the handrails of the balconies.

A ceremonial ramp leads into a triple height

entrance hall,on the first floor, where the exe-

cutives’ offices and boardroom are located.

The assembly hall, characterises the ground

floor with its organic wall, constructed of dou-

ble thin brick walls, pannelled in wood.

Axonometric view

showing both blind and brise-soleil facades

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Charles Correa:

Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya - 1963

The site on the Sabarmati River

bank is part of the larger ashram complex and

is integrated into its gardens.

Five interior rooms contain the

collection of the museum. The rooms are

enclosed by brick walls and wooden louvered

screens. All five rooms are part of the 6m

square module. Correa’s subtle changes of

the enclosure allow for variety in the module’s

lighting, temperature, and visual permeability.

A square, uncovered shallow pool is

located between the five rooms.

The museum uses a simple but

delicately detailed post and beam structure.

Load bearing brick columns support concrete

channels, which are both support the wooden

roof and direct rainwater. Boards are nailed

underneath the joists and tiles are placed atop

the joints. The foundation is concrete and is

raised about a foot from the ground.

The monumental and archetypal structure of

the museum recalls the well-known work of

Louis Kahn, who began two projects in the re-

gion shortly after Correa’s museum was

built. Wooden doors, stone floors, ceramic

tile roofs, and brick columns are the palette of

the building.

The enclosed units are counter pointed by

areas of visual rest where the visitor can medi-

tate - in varying conditions, from closed-box to

open-to-sky, with easy and subtle changes

from one to the next.

View of the complex overlooking green side

Section showing operable louvres

Section showing channels for carrying rainwater,

and for adding new units: it is a “living” structure

which can grow and modulate

Enclosed Units Semi-enclosedOpen Courtyard

Channel

Air gap

Tiles

Boarding

Operable

Louvres

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Le Corbusier:

Sarabhai House - 1951

Single family house in Ahmedabad, is oriented

according to the prevailing winds, and its faça-

des are furnished with brise-soleil.

For the structure, Catalan vaults: cradle-vaults

of flat tiles set in plaster without framework,

coupled with a row of bricks cast roughly in

cement. These half-cylinders are carried to the

walls by the intermediary of a rough concrete

lintel. This allows the windows solid-voids

game on the facade.

One of the most brilliant solutions is that of the

roof. The half-cylinders of the vaults, once the

waterproofing is assured, are covered with

earth and the upper part of the house beco-

mes a magnificent garden of lawn and char-

ming flowers.

The ground floor is of Madras stone with an

unobtrusive black bonding. This permits the

contractor to have no waste at ail in achieving

an harmonic richness, unequalled until now.

This technique was used in Ahmedabad for

the Sarabhai house, the Shodhan house, the

Palace of the Millowners and the Museum. At

Chandigarh, for the palaces of the Capitol.

Ceiling slab, overhanging and curved

View of the house from the back: the pool has the

role of a cooling basin during hot season

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Balkrishna Doshi:

Kamala House - The house where Doshi lives

- 1959-61

Located in Navrangpura, a suburb of Ahmeda-

bad, Doshi’s residence has been described as

“the first positive step towards translating Cor-

busier’s lessons to fit the Indian context”.

While using the Corbusian vocabulary of wide

concrete fascias and deep setbacks, the

house is sensitively oriented to sun and wind

and has a non-compartmentalized, open plan

that allows for more flexible use of the inte-

riors. Doshi wanted to recreate the shadow

and proportions of Le Corbusier’s Sarabhai

house, and to use more polished surfaces.

“How much you care for the building depends

on how close the building is to your skin. If

your house is your second skin you will clean

it like your own skin”

_V.B.Doshi

Doshi began designing his house by drawing

four pillars in the centre of a sqaure. The plan

developped as a cross, having four equal

rooms for living, dining and sleeping. The four

arms of the cross are respectively the stair,

the kitchen and the services.

Doshi about Husain’s painting in his drawing

room: “There is no figure, no animal, all of it

is abstract. Yet, it was tailor-made and fits the

place well. It is like an installation that not

only suits the house space but also one that

we see all the time.”

Doshi invited the Habitat Design group for an ice

cream on the lawn of his garden

Detail showing the potentialy covered terrace

2.ii Habitat Design WorkshopDuration _February- Apri 2011

Humans as part of Nature:

In Indian cities it is not uncommon to see cat-

tle and sheepherders allowing motorized traf-

fic to negotiate through their herds. Can these

supposedly conflicting demands of the agra-

rian village and the industrialized city be seen

as a continuum and an opportunity for an eco-

logically sensitive resource management?

How do we blur these distinctions between

urban and rural?

Individual, Family and Society:

Collective direction and Individual action with

neighborly negotiations- Development of In-

dian cities usually happens in piecemeal form

mainly through initiatives of private develo-

pers. Town planning schemes only lay down

the road network and related infrastructure

due to which there is a lack of development vi-

sion for cities. Given the fractured develop-

ment of sites what should be the nature of

negotiations between adjacent plot develop-

ments, and at a much larger scale what com-

mon vision should such developers work

towards?

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26

2.ii Habitat Design WorkshopDuration _February- Apri 2011

Context:

Context cannot be seen as a unidirectional

flow of information from outside within; a pro-

cess whereby surroundings influence and de-

termine design decisions in a project. Context

also implies a study and an understanding of

the influence of design decisions of a project

on its surroundings. The area of intervention

might be limited by the plot, but the sphere of

influence is much larger

Tradition and Modernity:

The craft tradition practiced by the artisan con-

tinues to thrive due to a rich history backed by

a strong labour pool. On the other hand, rapid

development has heralded and era of mecha-

nised mass production that provides a diffe-

rent sets of benefits. Both these modes of

production are currently seen in the building

industry. Maintaining a balance between the

two is a prime concern.

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27

Enphasis from Vastu-Shilpa-Foundation

The intention of this workshop is to create an

awareness of the complexity of Indian urba-

nity and issues related to its growth; and to

highlight the need for a sensitive and holistic

approach to habitat design.

Diversity:

Perhaps nothing reflects the diversity of India

better than the contemporary City. The coexi-

stence of temporary and permanent and the

variety of grain within the Indian city in compa-

rison to the western city may be interesting to

compare.

Density and Critical mass:

Densities prescribed by Indian planners reflect

standards that were often conceived in other

cultures for other societies. Traditional

and spontaneous settlements in India reflect

another reality.

Scale:

The idea of scale and the economics of pro-

duction. It is often assumed that large formal

production in factories is the generator of the

economy. However recent studies indicate

that small scale informal production actually is

the greater generator of economic wealth.

Boundaries:

Boundaries between formal and informal, bet-

ween monument and fabric, between bazaar

and home are never clearly defined in our

context. These ambiguous edge conditions

offer interesting anomalies and paradoxes

whose explorations may reveal interesting in-

terdependencies and offer examples

of sustainability

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Habitat Design in Urban Context

According to data available with the UN, 2008

marked a turning point in human geography

with more people living in cities than in rural

areas for the first time in history. South Asia,

though not the most urbanised, is amongst the

fastest urbanising regions in the world.

The FAO, on the other hand has proclaimed

that arable land is shrinking at an annual rate

of 1.6% due to urbanisation and land degrada-

tion. Design in such an era needs to sensiti-

vely handle the sometimesconflicting

demands of the agrarian village and the indu-

strialised city.

The world is moving towards a pattern of ex-

cessive consumption due to an increase in af-

fluence. These trends have been concurrent

with a steady depletion of resources in the na-

tural world. While the development in material

culture has been heralded as a sign of pro-

gress, depleting natural resources have cau-

sed worldwide concern. Design, in this

India is witness to another phenomenon mar-

ked by a struggle between different modes of

production, a phenomenon that is echoed in

the debate of tradition vs. modernity. The craft

tradition practiced by the artisan continues to

thrive due to a rich history backed by a strong

labour pool.

On the other hand, rapid development has

heralded and era of mechanised mass pro-

duction that provides a different sets of bene-

fits. Both these modes of production are

currently seen in the building industry. Main-

taining a balance between the two is a prime

concern.

Indian society does not view these seemingly

opposing forces as an either-or choice. This is

due to the multiplicity of value systems preva-

lent in the Indian society. This multiplicity is

evident in the apparent chaos of Indian cities.

What appears, as chaos to the outsider is ac-

tually a robust balance between multiplecon-

flicting needs. Such an approach is possible

due to the acceptance of manifold reality.

The design solution, hence, does not necessi-

tate making a polarised choice; it is the skilful

interweaving of the seemingly contradictory

demands that will lead to a contextual urban

habitat.

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29

Studio Brief by Vastu-Shilpa Foundation

The growing metropolis of ahmedabad, today

is aiming for the status of a world heritage city.

New and old monuments that had been long

forgotten are being re-looked at. New infra-

structure is being proposed, new town plans

are being drawn up, monuments are being re-

stored and lit up. The approach still remaining

more towards beautification than re-looking at

the whole idea of how and where these monu-

ments stand in today’s context.

Today when development (of any kind) signi-

fies growth, Sarkhej has taken a back seat.

The river has been channelized. Where the tri-

butary used to flow that land is being filled in,

day in and day out to make way for new hou-

sing. The ceremonial pathway is encroached

and the pylons are in ruins, and Sarkhej is dry.

The tank which collected the monsoon run off

is now perennially dry, in fact if anything at all

goes into it, it is sewage from the adjoining vil-

lage and shanties that surround it from two

sides.

Leaving the development aside, no plan or

person has looked into the community aspect

of Sarkhej. These were predominantly cattle

rearers, most of them having small land hol-

dings. A part of the sarkhej land was also be

used by these rearers but today as land rates

are high and monetary gains lure everyone,

a lot of these cattle rearers have sold off their

land leaving others stranded. There are fights

within communities as to where the cattle and

the sheep can be reared.

Capitalizing on work being done by the gover-

nment and the heritage committee, this year’s

studio focuses on the fact that if all these

changes are inevitable then how would the up

coming developments respond to it.

The site taken up, acts as the gateway to the

site, located at the start of the ceremonial pa-

thway, thatrequires to be strengthened.

Space from the site necessary for tourist in-

frastructure including parking, an orientation

center, souvenir shops, tourist facilities etc.

will need to be accommodated.

Focus of the Habitat Design Studio

The focus of the studio will remain the ma-

king of community and sustainable habitat.

• Variety, difference, synthesized by interde-

pendence the hallmarks of Indian urbanity

shall be the guides in formulating the design.

• Issues of water management (learning

from Sarkhej )

• Movement and accessibility for large num-

ber of people, scale of public/open space

• Recycling waste, use of minimum energy

and exploring options of alternative energy

• Relationship with the ceremonial pa-

thway/market street and community develop-

ment will be explored in the studio

• Considering the land parcels, groups are

required to evolve around 200 dwelling units

as follows: 45 m2 - 60 %

90 m2 - 25 %

120 m2 - 15 %

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Gaay Nagar

31

Doshi’s Contribution to Architecture

Balkrishna V. Doshi is an Indian architect, educator, and academician. He worked with Le Cor-

busier in Paris (1951-1954) as senior designer, and then in India to supervise Corbusier's pro-

jects in Ahmedabad and Chandigarh.

He established the Vastu-Shilpa Foundation for Studies and Research in Environmental Design

in 1955, known for pioneering work in low-cost housing and city planning. He also founded and

designed the School of Architecture and Planning in Ahmedabad ( CEPT).

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32

5. Learning from Doshi

Study of five residential interventions

5.i LIC Housing

Open entrance shared with the neighbours

Axonometric view of the unit sample, showing

possible expantions, and limits to it (staircase)

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5.ii IFFCO Township

Detail of masterplan: Cul-de-sac roads help

developing identity within the neighbourhood

Axonometrical view of the unit sample, showing:

connected terraces allowing social contact;

open entrance stair case limiting expantion in time

Balkrishna Doshi:

IFCCO Township - 1970-73

Masterplan:

The IFFCO township at Kalol is also driven by

the dictates of hot dry climate and demands of

social interactions amongst inhabitants – pre-

dominantly the industrial workers. Located

amidst a rural setting the township attempts to

capture the ambiance of a close knit, cohesive

and active town. Activity centre as congrega-

tion of collective amenities namely school,

shopping arcade, club and community hall, is

located in the centre surrounded by rows of

houses arranged in a staggered geometry. Al-

ternated pathways create a maze of pede-

strian linkages across the transverse to the

settlement.

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34

Environment:

As a part of concern for cleaner environment

and commitment for ISO –

14001 certification for both plant and tow-

nship, following activities have been

carried out during Year 2003-2004.

1. Water Conservation

Final liquid effluent is utilized for gardening

purpose within the plant premises

so as to reduce raw water consumption.

2. Tree Plantation

In order to develop cleaner & greener envi-

ronment, 28.5 acres & 30.5 acres

area are covered As green belt in plant & tow-

nship respectively and 1 acres of

land is covered as green belt during year in

the plant. Also 1990 Nos. fruit

plants and 4812 Nos. foresty plants have

been distributed to near by villages

during the year.

3. Disposal of Biomedical waste

We have our own set up for bio medical

waste treatment facility like

autoclaving, chemical treatement and also di-

sposal facility for sharpes

(needles and blades) by burying in rectangu-

lar pit constructed as per the

guidelines mentioned in clause of Biomedical

waste rule 1998.

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35

Foto of a unit sample: the stairs limit growth in time,

IFFCO Kota, Kalol

The IFFCO township at Kalol is driven by the demands of

social interactions amongst inhabitants - industrial workers.

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Sample Unit, Aranya Nagar, Indore

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37

5.iii Aranya Nagar

Foto of a unit sample

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38

Modification in time, Aranya Nagar, Indore

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39

5.iv Vidyadhar Nagar

Existing Masterplan of the city, influenced by the

Vastu Puruha Mandala toutghts

Schematical explenation of Vastu Purusha Mandala

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40

5.v Ludya Village

Bhunga of the village with painted walls

Drawings by Vastu Shilpa Foundation: Plan of a

cluster, section adn elevation.

Detail of Earth construction

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41

Partnering with People, Ludya Village, Kutchh

Animal husbandry:

• Construction of grass bank to assist

in storage of fodder and grass for the

cattle

• Cement troughs for animals’ drinking

water

• Cattle fodder distribution utilities pro-

vision

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42

Income generating activities:

• Depending on Social and Eco-

nomic structure of users, mainly linked

to the occupations on which it’s based,

training courses for artisans and craft-

smen can be held

• Identify, ascertain and establish

required facilities which help the villa-

gers enrich their economic and social

standing

• Provide newer technology to as-

sist and augment occupational produc-

tion capacity

• Check dams: construction over

rivers, in order to collect water from

huge tracts of land and the few inches

of showers yearly are able to fill the re-

servoirs.

• Committee: creation of an inter-

nal water management committee for

reparations and maintanance

• Wells: used to retain water. The

reservoir can be made by dredging

soil, which is previously used for hou-

sing construction. They regenarate a

ressource which easily desappears

through percolation and evaporation.

• Underground watertanks: instal-

lation to ensure lasting water supply.

Make available house to house drin-

king water. Each house will be equip-

ped with sanitation facilities consisting

of a soak pit toilet and a bathing area

Water management:Financial expedients:

• No Profit No Loss basis:

The funds generated out of sale of resi-

dential, industrial and institutional plots

are invested in acquisition of new

areas, which enable to generate more

plots for the public and more funds for

the development works and new acqui-

sitions.

• Cross Subsidization:

The plots to the Economicaly Weaker

Sections of the Society are provided

ona subsidezed rate of aproximately

500/300 Rps per Sq. yd, and the loss

on this account is charged from the hi-

gher categories of the plots.

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43

Processes - Strategies - Methods

“Site and Services” approach:

• 1. General rules:

- Only basic buildings cores are pro-

vided

- The built form can be extended by the

occupants at a pace in tune with their ca-

pacity to mobilize resources

- The enphasis should be on providing

building materials, technical knowhow, fi-

nances and simple building regulations

which can be adhered to

• 2. Reconsidaration of Norms /

Standards:

The conventional norms, standards and

building bylaws followedsince the British

period are quite irrelevant as they call fo

excessive provision of various amenities

that won’t enhance affordability

• 3. Optimization of Land Use:

- Increase density to decrease

plots costs

- Hihgrise buildings incompatible

with self-construction

- Increase proportion of marketa-

ble areas (residents)

- Decrease areas allocated for

road network and public-community spa-

ces. Provide multiple use of spaces,

which are often under-utilized.

“Partnering with people” approach:

• 1. A Social process

- Develop social network with the com-

munity and build confidence in them

about the agency’s commitment

- Carry out socio-economic survey of

the village

- Users themselves as human resour-

ces building their own houses, being

paid wages and material

• 2. Local & participated programm:

- Building with local materials in tradi-

tional style

- Setting up material bank + technical

supervision

“Self selection” design method:

• 1. Autonomous growth:

- User involved in the housing process

at every level of design (self-selection

of plots ecc)

- Contribution of residents achieved

from the micro level of individual

homes, to the macro level of the set-

tlement

- Design team role = general regulator

• 2.Continuous development:

- Organic nature of the urban fabric,

representative of traditional and un-

planned settlements (no pre-concei-

ved development plan)

- Growth process as an unbroken

cylce of events

(progressive provision of major infra-

structure)

Gaay Nagar

Continues...

Gaay Nagar

Click here for Part 2: Design Intents

Click here for Part 3: Design Proposals