Graduate Thesis Design Proposal

“Master’s thesis project enabled deep research.... connecting social issues with personal interest... a viewpoint to change certain prevailing concepts... and embracing new ones...

Schematic sketches showing the characteristics of courtyards and how they influence the adjacent spaces

PURPOSE OF DESIGN

Thesis - Courtyard Architecture

Jan 2016 - May 2016

– While aping the western world for design principles and materials, Indian legacy of nature-responsive architecture has been getting ignored

– Recent awareness have led to an increased number of architects to develop designs thatincorporate the rich heritage of courtyard architectural principles

– Not only Residential but even corporate space planning has started revolving around these unique characteristics which give an impetus to developing Sustainable Buildings

– Courtyards are believed to hold a divine energy in them, that gets spread into the surrounding spaces, thus creating a beautiful ambiance that establishes a connection between nature and people

– The characteristics that fascinated me about the courtyard structures:

– Play of light and shadow

– Abundant daylight

– Natural breeze gets induced

– Creating indoor green spaces

CHARACTERISTICS OF COURTYARD ARCHITECTURE

Site was chosen for the project in Hinjewadi, near Pune, Maharashtra, India

– Proposal for the Office headquarters for Crossword Bookstore Retail Store– A Bookstore and Music franchise that celebrates connecting all age groups, cultures, philosophies, languages and realms– This building would control the management of over 100 stores all over India

Developing a Sustainable work environment in Pune, Maharashtra, India

Micro-climate effects of courtyards

Level 2 floor PlanLevel 1 floor plan

CONCEPT

– Adopting the uniqueness of courtyard architecture a. providing seclusion amidst chaos b. offering a space for group conversations c. hosting a large gathering or a public events d. energy-effcient and a pleasant workplace for all the employees

– A transitional space that can be experienced by the workplace community while walking from one place to another, it offers an ambiance that calls for participation and yet at the same time allows people to be just observers

Courtyard 1 for Secluded Activities

Courtyard 3 for Small Group Activities

Building form revolving around 3 courtyards

Sectional Perspective

Overlooking the Courtyard 1, library deck, water pool through the water curtain

Courtyard 3 with the water curtain and adjacent work stations, housing small group talks

Section

USE of WATER in the DESIGN

– Ripples on the surface of water, with a focal point and dispersing energy around it - analogy with the courtyard planning principle

– Not only visibly pleasing but the presence of water pools and water curtains, the spaces encourage a pleasant hearing sound

– Water is used as a cooling mechanism

Level 3 floor Plan Level 4 floor Plan

INS

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Library and the water deck in the evening - Courtyard 1 for secluded activities

– Integrated volumes of space that embrace a variety of work activities interspersed with a beautiful composition of daylight, green foliage, breeze and creative minds working with collaboration

– Different levels of transparency and clear visibility of working environment enhancing flexibility of spaces

MULTI-LEVEL COURTYARDS

Interaction space and the transitional courtyard on 2nd Floor under a Bamboo pergola

Section B - B’

Different types of Human interactions established through interpretations of courtyards

Skylights and smaller courtyard on the 4th floor that overlooks the central courtyard

Entrance foyer with waiting area and the adjacent central courtyard

The central courtyard 2 for public events and overlooked by staircase

MATERIALS

– Maximum amount of natural daylight – Use of water bodies to enhance the passage of cool air– Operable/Retractable Skylights over the Courtyards that can be kept closed during the rains– Use of local materials granite, slate stone, marble for flooring

– Shaw fabric carpets in the interiors – Rice-husk like wooden flooring for gym– Jute, bamboo with a combination of 3-form, acrylic materials to give a high-end yet a vernacular effect

– Courtyards act as light shaft allowing daylight during winter times other wise shaded with deciduous trees to block heat during summers– Translucent Polycarbonate sheets used instead

0 of glass at an angle of 8 facing south to reduce the heat gain but allow light– Hierarchy of Courtyards ensures cross ventilation and stack effect of winds

– Indoor plants like Areca, Song of India, Lady Palms and colourful Anthuriums lead to an improved quality of air– Require less daylight, absorb toxins from air, act as humidifiers, enhancing the space for people to work in

SUSTAINABLE PARAMETERS FOR DEVELOPING THE DESIGN

Haworth Furniture provide a combination of private and collaborative style furniture Used different configurations and upholstery colours depending upon the activities involved

Indoor/Outdoor Plants View of the External facade and the entrance