victoria memorial hall, kolkata centre for arts and learning … · 2014-11-03 · in 2005, in...

Victoria MeMorial Hall,KolKata

ceNtre For artS aND learNiNGVISITOR FACILITIES, EDUCATION AND RESEARCH AMENITIES, LIBRARY AND EXHIBITION SPACE

PROPOSAL ON BEHALF OF THE CALCUTTA TERCENTENARY TRUST

CULLUM AND NIGHTINGALE ARCHITECTS / DULAL MUKHERJEE ASSOCIATES

august 2005

2

coNteNtS:

1 Background to current proposeal 2 the need for the centre of arts and learning

DeSiGN ProPoSal3 the brief for the proposed facilities4 concept5 architectural compatibility6 Siting7 Site coverage8 layout and schedule of areas9 access and parking10 landscaping and trees11 Views12 environmental control13 costs and value14 Funding15 Project structure

DraWiNGS16 calcutta tercentenary trust17 architects

aPPeNDiceSappendix 1 - report to the High court committeeappendix 2 - Brief environmental statement

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1 Background to the current proposalThis Proposal has evolved from earlier Reports and Proposals (from April 2003) prepared on behalf of the Calcutta Tercentenary Trust following consultation with stakeholders.

In response to suggestions by the Chairman, Trustees and Curator of the Victoria Memorial Hall and following the opening of the Exhibition of restored paintings in 2001, the Calcutta Tercentenary Trust (CTT) commissioned a feasibility study resulting in the ‘Strategic Report on Development Opportunities at the Victoria Memorial Hall – Part 1, April 2003’. This study identified the need for ancillary facilities and assessed a range of options for locating such facilities. The recommended option was to provide a new building within the VMH grounds on the site of existing sundry service buildings along the south eastern boundary. A preliminary design proposal was developed as Part 2 of the Strategic Report (July 2003) which established the primary design concept and set out sketch proposals to provide points for discussion and the basis for the development of a scheme design following consultation. The report of the High Court Committee on Improvement of the Environment of the VMH (27th November 2003 in connection with Writ petition no. 7987(W)2002) reinforced this strategy in recommending that the feasibility of providing additional educational, exhibition and visitor facilities in a separate building be explored (see Appendix 1).

Following discussions with the concerned persons, a Proposal was prepared by Cullum & Nightingale Architects on behalf of the CTT. Sir Rob Young, Chairman CTT, informally sought the views of the Government of West Bengal and the Government of India. A formal presentation was made to the Chairman and members of the Board of Trustees of the Victoria Memorial Hall on 28th February 2004 and the proposal was approved in principle.

3

In 2005, in response to further comments and recommendations from the Director/Curator and Trustees of the VMH and from interested parties, the design has been developed and refined.

2 the need for the centre for arts and learning In order to make the most of its historic significance and maximise its relevance in the 21st century the VMH urgently needs to be able to accommodate additional and supporting functions

The Victoria Memorial Hall is recognised internationally and nationally as an exceptional building of cultural and historic significance. It is the most visited museum in India and has iconic status in Kolkata and West Bengal.

The McKinsey Visioning Workshop held in 2002 identified the core purpose of the Victoria Memorial Hall (VMH) as “to showcase and educate the public about the heritage of 17th to 20th Century India and Bengal and to display the arts pertaining to this period.” It also identified longer-term goals “to be India’s pre-eminent centre of art and culture focusing on the heritage of 17th - 20th Century India and Bengal; to achieve international standards in conservation, exhibition, research and scholarship; and to be entirely integrated into the cultural life of Kolkata.”

Currently, however, the VMH lacks many of the facilities required to fulfill its role as one of Kolkata’s primary cultural and historic institutions in the twenty first century. These include:

• An accessible library with IT facilities so that the collections can be more widely known • A lecture hall and smaller conference rooms for specialist workshops and symposia through which

to further its broader goals of encouraging study and education • A centre for children's programmes to encourage a sense of heritage in younger generations

4

• A sales counter to make available in the form of reproductions items in the collections, to provide outlets for appropriate contemporary arts and to generate income for the institution

• Visitor amenities such as cafeteria and toilets • Appropriate space for visiting exhibitions.

To maintain its role as a leading institution in India the Victoria Memorial Hall also requires modern exhibition space to accommodate visiting exhibitions. This should be designed to international specifications so that the VMH will be in a position to host appropriate exhibitions from major museums and institutions throughout the world. In addition to enabling the institution to fulfill its stated Mission these facilities will help generate income for Kolkata and, complementary with the development of other arts venues, will serve to raise the profile of the city as an international cultural and historic destination.

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3 the brief for the proposed facilities Education, exhibition and visitor facilities

In order to achieve the objectives outlined above it is proposed that new facilities, ancillary to the main hall, will include the following:

• Educational and research facility - library / IT, linked to similar international institutions, and relocating the library from the main building.

• Lecture hall - for 250 people

• Small meeting room - for 30 people

• Space for children's programmes

• Sales counter - selling books, educational material, reproductions, artefacts etc.

• Cafeteria - open to the general public and visitors to the VMH

• Exhibition galleries - a range of spaces of various dimensions, built to international museum specifications including climate control, environmental, fire and security systems.

• Concourse /Reception - entrance, orientation, introduction to the VMH, ticketing etc.

• Service areas - exhibition preparation and packing storage, plant, maintenance

• Administrative offices - relating to the functioning of the new building

6

• Toilets / cloakroom - general public and visitors to the extension, relocating the existing public toilets

Additional relocated functionsIn addition to these new facilities and the relocation of the Library, the VMH has suggested that certain existing functions should be rehoused within the new complex. This will enable spaces within the main hall (currently inappropriately used for offices) to be restored to more suitable uses and for service functions (at present housed in substandard buildings in the grounds) to be re-accommodated in better quality buildings.

The relocated functions include:

• Essential administrative offices (from within the main hall)

• Maintenance workshop and plant/machinery storage

• Short-term accommodation for security staff

• Public cafeteria and toilets

7

DeSiGN ProPoSalS

4 conceptA composition of linked garden pavilions woven into the landscaped gardens

The following principles have guided the design which aims to:

• Respect the primacy of the VMH structure • Preserve the views of the VMH • Maintain the integrity of the gardens and improve the landscaping

• Remove unsightly and unsuitable existing structures • Create an institution suited to 21st Century expectations and functions

while linking it to its historic past. • Make the most of local skills and materials

The building itself should:

• Be designed to international standards• Have flexible space with a range of facilities• Be economically sustainable• Be practical to run with low maintenance costs• Be environmentally sensitive re energy consumption, use of materials etc.

The concept is for a building which is intimately related to the Victoria Memorial Hall and its gardens. The building consists of a series of separate pavilions linked by and arranged along a colonnaded walkway. The new colonnade relates to the colonnades on the east and west facades of the VMH itself and provides the main shaded circulation route through the building.

Moving through the new building the visitor will be constantly aware of the VMH, the trees and the gardens. The colonnade serves to unify the building allowing the individual pavilions (exhibition halls, conference facilities, library, cafeteria etc) to be designed to suit their particular functions. The external edge of the colonnade also provides a shady resting place for visitors to the gardens.

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Site location plan

Existing ancillary buildings + siteof proposed new scheme

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The building as a whole can be seen as an enhancement to the gardens as well as providing a new approach to the VMH. It can function as an integral part of the VMH and can also, through its location on the boundary, be used as a separate facility when appropriate.

A brief Environmental Impact Statement in relation to the project was prepared in August 2004 (see Appendix 2).

5 architectural compatibilityFine new buildings sympathetic with the style and materials of the existing hall

It is clearly essential that the new annex be compatible with the architecture of the Victoria Memorial. The concept is for a series of garden pavilions linked by a colonnaded walkway that will be sympathetic in style, form and material with the VMH but subordinate to it. The potential bulk of the complex is broken down by being a composition of discrete buildings set in gardens and masked by trees. The buildings will be generally clad in marble to match the main hall. They will appear elegant but reticent – not attempting to compete stylistically with the established grandeur of the hall.

It is intended that the design will be developed in consultation with a committee of experts along with the VMH Curator, the Chairman and Trustees and other stakeholders. This is to ensure that not only the general approach but also the detailed design of the building will be appropriate to the purpose of the project, to the architecture of the hall and to the spirit of the grounds.

9View of proposed new building from VMH gardens

6 SitingHidden amongst the trees along the boundary of the site

The new annex will occupy the site of existing low grade and temporary service buildings along the south east boundary of the VMH grounds. These buildings and the paved areas associated with them are unsightly (particularly as seen from the newly created gardens along Cathedral Road) and render a significant area of ground inaccessible to the public.

The new structure is set back from the location of the existing temporary buildings to the north (the ASI workshop etc) which will allow improved views of and from the main Hall. Views of the Hall will be unaffected by the new development.

The new buildings will be low lying (less than 10 metres high) and largely concealed by existing trees. The location of the new facility on the perimeter of the site will minimise any disruption to the functioning of the VMH or the enjoyment of its gardens during construction.

10

3D aerial view of VMH with proposed new buildings

SCHEDULE OF SITE COVERAGE AREAS

EXISTING

Exisiting sundry buildings: footprint area 2,100 sq.m

Unlandscaped paved area inaccessible to public (associated with sundry buildings) 2,900 sq.m

Total paved area and sundry buildings 5,000 sq.m

NEW PROPOSAL

Buildings footprint areas 2,790 sq.m

Loggias / walkways 830 sq.m

Total 3620 sq.m

7 Site coverageOccupying the place of existing substandard buildings and increasing the amount of area for public enjoyment

The footprint of the present hutments and the associated paved area amounts to 5,000 sq.m (2,100 sq.m buildings footprint and 2,900 sq.m paved areas). The new building, in its revised form, amounts to a total footprint area of 3,620 sq.m (2,790 sq.m buildings and 830 sq.m of loggias and covered walkways). This means that, following the development of the annex, there will be a decrease in the paved and inaccessible area and a net increase in properly landscaped grounds.

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220120

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806 sq.m170 sq.m

146 approx

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13

27

20(was57)

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EXISTING SUNDRY BUILDINGS (Area c. 2,100 sq.m)

EXISTING PAVED AREA inaccessible to public (area c.2,900 sq.m excluding building footprint)

TOTAL BUILDINGS AND PAVED AREAS c 5,000 sq.m

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OFLIGHT

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PROGRA

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S T A F F Q U A R T E R

165

CONCRETE

PAVEM

ENT

94

41

DRAIN

DRAIN

PAVEMENT

PAVEMENT

DRAIN

46

4544

43

42

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DRAIN

CONCRETE PAVEMENTCONCRETE PAVEMENTCONCRETE PAVEMENT

CONCRETEPAVEMENT

DRAIN

DRAIN

DRA

IN

DRAIN

DRA

IN

DRAIN

DRAIN

PAVEMENT

PAVEMENT

156

154

155

152

158

157153

151

150

235

230

226227

229228225

224

223222

159

148147

145

108

104

107103102

105

106

101100

52

80

77

CO

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PAVEM

ENT

CO

NCRETE

PAV

EM

ENT

CO

NCRETE

PAV

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CONCRETE PAVEMENT

CONCRETE PAVEMENT

CONCRETE

PAVEM

ENT

74

73

61

60

59

58

18

23

24

25

2627

17

2830

31

32

33

34

35

22

2120

19

16

15

13

14

12

11

39

37

40

3836

910

8

76

5

4

3

2

CONCRETE PA

VEMEN

T

CONCRETE PA

VEMEN

T

125

162

161

160

170

167

169166

164163

124

129

128

127

122121

120

119

118

126

116

117

115

114

113

99110

111

112

91

90

89

88

86

87

85

84

83

96

76

75

78

82

95

109

81

79

69

70

71

72

68

67

66

65

64

63

62

CONCRETE PAVEMENT

DRAIN

DRAIN

267

266

252

255

256

264265

251250

263

262

260258

257237

234233232

231

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CONCRETE PAVEMENT

DRAIN

PA

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ENT

PA

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PA

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PAVEMENT

STATUE

286

277

280

271270

269268

GRAVEL

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BRICK PAVEM

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CONCRETE PA

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W.B

.M.PAV

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133

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179

180

181

183

184

178

175

177

182

176

174173

172171

144

143

132

131

141

142

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137

130

136

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123

238

236

GRAVEL

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CONCRETE PAVEMEN

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278

279

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GRAV

EL

GRAV

EL

29

47

97

98

146

149

245

259

261254

253

281

5m 10m 20m 30m 40m 50m

N

210 212213 215 216 217

218211 214219 220 221

53 54 55 56 57

50

5148

4993

92

COLLONADED WALKWAY

Existing site plan

12

Existing miscellaneous service buildings to be replaced by proposed new building

8 layout and schedule of areasSemi-independent buildings linked by a colonnaded walkway

The new complex is arranged along a spine formed by the colonnaded walkway. This walkway provides an internal ‘walk through the gardens’ linking all the primary elements of the annex. The entrance hall to the new facilities is a double height volume located at the southern end of the colonnade closest to the main entrance to the VMH grounds. The conference facilities, public cafeteria and toilets are at the north end of the walkway (nearest to the main Hall) with the exhibition galleries, library and administrative offices accessible from the walkway towards the east boundary.

In addition to accommodating the functions considered essential for the VMH to be able to fulfill its role as a cultural institution and museum in the 21st century (exhibition space, lecture, meeting and educational spaces etc) the proposals include a larger library area than is currently housed in the main VMH building and office areas for the administration of the new facility. They also include space for the relocated VMH administration and rehoused service functions (workshops, toilets etc).

13Proposed layout plan

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165

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CONCRETEPAVEMENT

DRAIN

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PAVEMENT

156

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235

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159

148147

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108

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CONCRETE PAVEMENT

CONCRETE PAVEMENT

CONCRETE

PAVEM

ENT

74

73

61

60

59

58

18

23

24

25

2627

17

2830

31

32

33

34

35

22

2120

19

16

15

13

14

12

11

39

37

40

3836

910

8

76

5

4

3

2

CONCRETE PA

VEMEN

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CONCRETE PA

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T

125

162

161

160

170

167

169166

164163

124

129

128

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122121

120

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126

116

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99110

111

112

91

90

89

88

86

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85

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83

96

76

75

78

82

95

109

81

79

69

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71

72

68

67

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65

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63

62

CONCRETE PAVEMENT

DRAIN

DRAIN

267

266

252

255

256

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251250

263

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260258

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234233232

231

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STATUE

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ENT

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133

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179

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175

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144

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132

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SOUTH GATE

CATHEDRAL ROAD

GRAV

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29

47

97

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146

149

245

259

261254

253

5m 10m 20m 30m 40m 50m

N

165

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CONCRETE PAVEMENT

74

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33

34

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170

167

169166

164

129

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116

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91

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180

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235

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159108

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RECEPTIONENTRANCE HALL

EXHIBITION

EXHIBITION LIBRARY

ADMINMEETINGS

AUDITORIUM

CAFE / PUBLIC WC'S

VMH OFFICE,STAFF, SERVICE

53 54 55 56

50

5148

9392

RESTORED LANDSCAPING

COLONNADED WALKWAY

Landscaped way between building and boundary


EXHIBITION

EXHIBITION LIBRARY

ADMINMEETINGS

AUDITORIUM

CAFE / PUBLIC WC'S


SCHEDULE OF INTERNAL FLOOR AREASNEW FACILITIESExhibition and support spaces 1180Café 240Library 440Meeting / educational facilities 200Bookshop / giftshop 150Lecture theatre 340Administration 180Loading / receiving 130Registrar security workshop etc 180Storage 210Entrance hall 320Gen internal circulation, services,plant etc 740

Subtotal 4310 sq.m

RE-ACCOMMODATED VMH FACILITIESPublic café / WCs 240Admin, staff, security, services etc 850Gen internal circulation, services,plant etc 190

Subtotal 1280 sq.m

WALKWAYS, LOGGIAS etc 830 sq.m

Total 6420 sq.m

The table of approximate internal floor areas shows the areas for new facilities (reduced from the previous Sept 2004 proposal) along with approximate areas for the administration, staff, security functions that are to be relocated, and the new public café and wcs (which were not included in the Sept 04 proposal).

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9 access and parkingAccess from the existing main south entrance

The revised design enables all access (both pedestrian and vehicular) to be from the existing south gateway. The new buildings are set back from the eastern boundary with paved landscaping allowing vehicular service access along the length of the new building.

The main public access to the annex is via pedestrian paths through the gardens.

Parking for the new facility will be as currently for the Hall – ie immediately outside the southern main gateway.

10 landscaping and treesProtection of trees and careful integration between landscape and building

The new building will be closely integrated into the landscape design and it is intended that the development should facilitate the general improvement of the landscaping to this part of the site. The buildings are designed as garden pavilions with open courtyards between them enabling direct visual links between the interior and the gardens.

The removal of the existing buildings that have accumulated in the area to the north-east of the existing public toilets will mean that proper landscaping (accessible to the public) can be restored to that part of the site while the space created along the east boundary fence allows for appropriate landscaping and trees along the boundary.

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View of colonnade alongh edge of building providing direct views to the VMH and gardens

The revised design has been worked up with the benefit of a detailed tree survey and the new buildings are planned so that trees are protected. The entire complex will be well within the existing tree canopy.

11 ViewsProtecting and enhancing existing views of the VMH and from it

The new building will not obstruct any existing views of the Hall from outside the grounds nor will any views of the grounds from the hall be impeded.

The clearing away of the temporary workshops (north of the public toilets) will not only enable the landscaping to be enhanced but will improve views of and from the Hall. The creation of the new public gardens along Cathedral Road has revealed unfortunate views of the temporary and substandard buildings along the boundary of the VMH site. The creation of new quality buildings partially obscured by trees in this location will greatly improve these views.

12 environmental controlMuseum-standard environmental control sustainably achieved

The main internal spaces – exhibition galleries, auditorium, library, etc, will be environmentally controlled according to international specifications. However, the form of the structure will continue the principles of passive environmental design evident in the VMH itself. For example, changes in internal temperature will be limited through building mass and the judicious selection of materials, while light will be modulated through the layers of the colonnade and filtered and controlled from above. Dependence on mechanical means of control will thereby be reduced, and correspondingly the use of energy and running costs.

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13 costs and value International quality and value for money

Current cost estimate

The project cost is currently estimated at approximately IR 48 crores. This is a very preliminary estimate which is intended to indicate the possible order of magnitude of the project. More accurate budget estimates will be prepared as the project progresses but a firm costing cannot be achieved until the brief has been finalised, the design approved and the plans put to competitive tender.

The current estimate is based on a building with a gross internal floor area of approximately 5,140 sq.m. It includes the cost of construction and also the specialist internal fit-out to international museum specifications and the appropriate fees. This figure excludes the component of the building to house the relocated VMH functions (administrative offices, public café and toilets and service accommodation).

The preliminary budget figure is based on per square metre costs which have been drawn from guideline figures provided by Kolkata and Delhi based professionals and advice received from international construction cost consultants. It is considered prudent to base the budget on conservative estimates at this stage to take account of the following factors:

• The new building will need to built to the highest standards - in sympathy with the exceptionally fine quality of the materials of the Victoria Memorial hall itself (including the use of makrana marble).

• In order to be able to host international exhibitions is essential that the building be built to world standards of climate control, lighting, display, security, fire prevention, accessibility etc.

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Value for money and cost control

The design of the building may reflect a slightly higher initial capital cost in the interests of reducing the recurrent annual expenditure. For example passive means of environmental control will be adopted as far as possible - making use of building mass, orientation, sun shading etc to reduce long term operating costs and minimise reliance on machinery. The high standard of construction and finish involving the use of solid long lasting materials etc will serve to minimise maintenance and repair costs over the life of the building. Wherever mechanical systems are required (ie for air handling, climate control etc) they will be robust and of the highest quality in order to facilitate operation and control and reduce lifecycle costs.

As the project develops it will be the subject of a planned cost control process. This will include:

• An itemised budget costing (based on actual building material and equipment costs in India)

• A detailed cost plan with expenditure projection

• Regular checks and updates to the cost plan at every stage (along with value engineering exercises as necessary)

• A procurement strategy to ensure competitive prices and best value for all elements of the building.

Most importantly, the construction and fit out of the building will be put to tender to ensure that actual costs are competitive and maximum value for money obtained.

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14 Funding The CTT to raise funds with a minor contribution from the VMH

The Calcutta Tercentenary Fund will act as facilitator to raise funds from charitable and business sources, particularly from abroad, to cover the cost of the project.

It is proposed that the VMH will contribute a modest proportion of the construction and fit out costs (which proportion to be negotiated and agreed) and will also meet the full cost of the accommodation for the relocated administrative and service facilities. Once the building has been completed responsibility for managing and running it will lie with the VMH.

19

View of entrance from the gardens

15 Project structureResponsibility for the project to be shared between the CTT and the VMH The diagram below sets out the proposed organisational structure for the management of the project.

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21

DraWiNGS:

OVERALL LOCATION PLANEXISTING SITE PLANPROPOSED LAYOUT PLANAERIAL VIEW OF MODELPERSPECTIVE VIEW FROM GARDEN

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Existing ancillary buildings + siteof proposed new scheme

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OVERALL LOCATION PLAN

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21

53

806 sq.m170 sq.m

146 approx

14

13

27

20(was57)

8

16

EXISTING SUNDRY BUILDINGS (Area c. 2,100 sq.m)

EXISTING PAVED AREA inaccessible to public (area c.2,900 sq.m excluding building footprint)

TOTAL BUILDINGS AND PAVED AREAS c 5,000 sq.m

TA

NK

GALLERY

OFLIGHT

&

SOUND

PROGRA

MME

TANK

HA

L L

PO

LLUTIO

N

CO

NTRO

L

MA

CHIN

E

PLA

TFO

RM


165

CONCRETE

PAVEM

ENT

94

41

DRAIN

DRAIN

PAVEMENT

PAVEMENT

DRAIN

46

4544

43

42

DRAIN

DRAIN


CONCRETEPAVEMENT

DRAIN

DRAIN

DRA

IN

DRAIN

DRA

IN

DRAIN

DRAIN

PAVEMENT

PAVEMENT

156

154

155

152

158

157153

151

150

235

230

226227

229228225

224

223222

159

148147

145

108

104

107103102

105

106

101100

52

80

77

CO

NCRETE

PAVEM

ENT

CO

NCRETE

PAV

EM

ENT

CO

NCRETE

PAV

EM

ENT

CONCRETE PAVEMENT

CONCRETE PAVEMENT

CONCRETE

PAVEM

ENT

74

73

61

60

59

58

18

23

24

25

2627

17

2830

31

32

33

34

35

22

2120

19

16

15

13

14

12

11

39

37

40

3836

910

8

76

5

4

3

2

CONCRETE PA

VEMEN

T

CONCRETE PA

VEMEN

T

125

162

161

160

170

167

169166

164163

124

129

128

127

122121

120

119

118

126

116

117

115

114

113

99110

111

112

91

90

89

88

86

87

85

84

83

96

76

75

78

82

95

109

81

79

69

70

71

72

68

67

66

65

64

63

62

CONCRETE PAVEMENT

DRAIN

DRAIN

267

266

252

255

256

264265

251250

263

262

260258

257237

234233232

231

CO

CONCRETE PAVEMENT

DRAIN

PA

VEM

ENT

PA

VEM

ENT

PA

VEM

ENT

PA

VEM

ENT

PAVEMENT

STATUE

286

277

280

271270

269268

GRAVEL

GRAVEL

GRAVEL

GRAVEL

BRICK PAVEM

ENT

BRICK PAVEM

ENT

BRICK PAVEM

ENT

DRAIN

DRAIN

DRAIN

CONCRETE PAVEM

ENT

CO

NCRETE

PA

VEM

EN

T

CO

NCRETE

PA

VEM

EN

T

CONCRETE PA

VEMEN

T

W.B

.M.PAV

EM

ENT

133

135

179

180

181

183

184

178

175

177

182

176

174173

172171

144

143

132

131

141

142

140

139

138

137

130

136

134

123

238

236

GRAVEL

BRIC

KPAV

EM

ENT

BRICK PAVEM

ENT

CO

NCRETE

PAVEM

ENT

CONCRETE PAVEMEN

T

278

279

TH GATE

CATHEDRAL ROAD

GRAV

EL

GRAV

EL

29

47

97

98

146

149

245

259

261254

253

281

5m 10m 20m 30m 40m 50m

N

210 212213 215 216 217

218211 214219 220 221

53 54 55 56 57

50

5148

4993

92

COLLONADED WALKWAY

EXISTING SITE PLAN

24

TA

NK

GALLERY

OFLIGHT

&

SOUND

PROGRA

MME

TANK

HA

L L

PO

LLUTIO

N

CO

NTRO

L

MA

CHIN

E

PLA

TFO

RM


165

CONCRETE

PAVEM

ENT

94

41

DRAIN

DRAIN

PAVEMENT

PAVEMENT

DRAIN

46

4544

43

42

DRAIN

DRAIN


CONCRETEPAVEMENT

DRAIN

DRAINDRA

IN

DRAIN

DRA

IN

DRAIN

DRAIN

PAVEMENT

PAVEMENT

156

154

155

152

158

157153

151

150

235

230

226227

229228225

224

223222

159

148147

145

108

104

107103102

105

106

101100

52

80

77

CO

NCRETE

PAVEM

ENT

CO

NCRETE

PAV

EM

ENT

CO

NCRETE

PAV

EM

ENT

CONCRETE PAVEMENT

CONCRETE PAVEMENT

CONCRETE

PAVEM

ENT

74

73

61

60

59

58

18

23

24

25

2627

17

2830

31

32

33

34

35

22

2120

19

16

15

13

14

12

11

39

37

40

3836

910

8

76

5

4

3

2

CONCRETE PA

VEMEN

T

CONCRETE PA

VEMEN

T

125

162

161

160

170

167

169166

164163

124

129

128

127

122121

120

119

118

126

116

117

115

114

113

99110

111

112

91

90

89

88

86

87

85

84

83

96

76

75

78

82

95

109

81

79

69

70

71

72

68

67

66

65

64

63

62

CONCRETE PAVEMENT

DRAIN

DRAIN

267

266

252

255

256

264265

251250

263

262

260258

257237

234233232

231

CONCRETE PAVEMENT

DRAIN

PA

VEM

ENT

PA

VEM

ENT

PA

VEM

ENT

PA

VEM

ENT

PAVEMENT

STATUE

271270

269268

GRAVEL

GRAVEL

GRAVEL

GRAVEL

BRICK PAVEM

ENT

BRICK PAVEM

ENT

BRICK PAVEM

ENT

DRAIN

DRAIN

DRAIN

CONCRETE PAVEM

ENT

CO

NCRETE

PA

VEM

EN

T

CO

NCRETE

PA

VEM

EN

T

CONCRETE PA

VEMEN

T

W.B

.M.PAV

EM

ENT

133

135

179

180

181

183

184

178

175

177

182

176

174173

172171

144

143

132

131

141

142

140

139

138

137

130

136

134

123

238

236

GRAV

EL

GRAVEL

BRIC

KPAV

EM

ENT

BRICK PAVEM

ENT

CO

NCRETE

PAVEM

ENT

CONCRETE PAVEMEN

T

SOUTH GATE

CATHEDRAL ROAD

GRAV

EL

GRAV

EL

29

47

97

98

146

149

245

259

261254

253

5m 10m 20m 30m 40m 50m

N

165

CO

NCRETE

PAV

EM

ENT

CONCRETE PAVEMENT

74

73

33

34

35

39

37

CONCRETE PA

VEMEN

T

CONCRETE PA

VEMEN

T

170

167

169166

164

129

128

127

122121

120

119

118

126

116

117

115

114

113

112

91

90

89

88

86

87

85

83

76

75

78

69

70

71

72

260258

257

271270

269

GRAVEL

BRICK PAVEM

ENT

DRAIN

DRAIN

CONCRETE PAVEM

ENT

CO

NCRETE

PA

VEM

EN

T

180

181

183

184

178

175

177

182

176

174

172171

139

138

130

123

238

245

N


DRAIN

CONCRETE PAVEMENT

235

230

226227

229228225

224

223222

159108

104

107103

106

125

162

161

160

170

167

169166

164163

124

129

128

127

122121

120

119

118

126

116

117

115

234233232

231

CO

NCRETE

PA

VEM

EN

T

133

135

179

180

181132

131

130

134

153

266

252

255

256

264265

251250

263

262

260258

257

DRAIN

DRAIN

CONCRETE PAVEM

ENT

245

259

261254

253

CONCRETE PA

VEMEN

T


EXHIBITION

EXHIBITION LIBRARY

ADMINMEETINGS

AUDITORIUM

CAFE / PUBLIC WC'S


53 54 55 56

50

5148

9392

RESTORED LANDSCAPING

COLONNADED WALKWAY

Landscaped way between building and boundary


EXHIBITION

EXHIBITION LIBRARY

ADMINMEETINGS

AUDITORIUM

CAFE / PUBLIC WC'S


PROPOSED LAYOUT PLAN

25AERIAL VIEW OF MODEL

26PERSPECTIVE VIEW FROM GARDENS

27

16 calcutta tercentenary trust Chair: Sir Rob Young GCMG Trustees: Professor Amartya Sen, Shri Hirak Ghosh IAS (Retd.), Ian Scott Director Projects: Philippa Vaughan

The Calcutta Tercentenary Trust was established in 1990 as part of the celebrations of the 300th anniversary of Kolkata. The first project of the CTT, in association with the VMH supervised by the Secretary/Curator, focussed on the restoration of 82 oil paintings and their frames in the VMH collection, 51 of which have been on display in the Durbar Hall since 2001. A programme of conservation of works of art on paper was also undertaken. Training of VMH personnel in specialist conservation techniques and the transfer of technology was integral to the project. $1 million was raised, and spent, in the course of that project. In addition to the present proposal for the VMH Centre for Arts and Learning (Visitor Facilities, Education and Research Amenities, Library and Exhibition Space) described here, the CTT is also currently working towards establishing a Centre for the Built Heritage of West Bengal and Eastern India to be situated at the heart of the civic centre of Kolkata and on a series of heritage workshops organised in association with the British Council.

Simon

Rectangle

17 architects

Cullum and Nightingale Architects is an international architectural practice with a reputation for high quality design both in the UK and abroad. The practice specialises in the design and management of institutional, cultural and heritage projects and has worked in Europe, Africa, North and South America and the Indian subcontinent for clients including the British Government, the World Monuments Fund and the BBC. Pursuing the goals of design excellence, thorough understanding of the building users’ needs and environmental sustainability, the practice believes in working closely with its clients and executive consultants to achieve buildings of the highest international standards.

Dulal Mukherjee and Associates is a multidisciplinary practice of architects, engineers and quantity surveyors. The practice has been established in Kolkata since 1972 and has carried out a wide range of prestigious institutional, cultural and commercial projects. These have included the British Deputy High Commission, the I.D.B.I. Bank, the Consulate General for the Russian Federation and the Cultural Complex for the Indian Council for Cultural Relations. The firm is also involved in Heritage and Restoration work including the Metropolitan (L.I.C .) Building, Makinon and Mc.Kinsey Building, 16 Strand Road, Minerva Theatre etc. along with Environmental Developmental work such as the Curzon Park, Rabindra Sarobar etc. The firm’s work has been widely published and exhibited and the practice has a particular sensitivity for the close relationship between architecture and landscape.

28

aPPeNDiceS

appendix 1

Report of the committee on improvement of the environment of VMH constituted by the Calcutta High Court on 27.11.2003 in connection with Writ petition no

7987(W) 2002 February 2004

Chapter 7

General Issues

Other than the specific matters discussed in earlier chapters, the Committee felt that certain issues should be considered for long time sustainable development of the VMH. At present, there is no expert committee to advise VMH authority for conservation and restoration of the heritage building. The Committee recommends that an Expert Committee should be formed to advise the VMH authority, at periodical interval, regarding conservation and restoration of the heritage building. The members may, inter alia, comprise of the following

- A structural engineer with specialisation in conservation and restoration of heritage building

- An architect with specialisation in conservation and restoration of heritage building

- Representative from National Research Laboratory for the Conservation of Cultural Property, Govt. of India, Lucknow

- Representative from the Department of Environment, Govt. of West Bengal / West Bengal Pollution Control Board

- Representative from reputed NGO working in the field of environment

- The Secretary and Curator – Victoria Memorial Hall - Convenor

The Committee observed that setting up structure and/or facility within the VMH compound for commercial amusement and recreational activities will adversely impact the environment, and will not be in consonance with the existing local ambiance, and increase the visual pollution. The Committee recommends that no structure and/or facility should be built within the VMH compound for the purpose of amusement and recreational activities.

However, the Committee found that the VMH being an eminent centre of art and culture focusing on the heritage of 17th- 20th century India and Bengal, lacks several modern facilities like space/facility up to international standard for visiting exhibitions; space/facility for education, research, lecture, library, meeting/reception, and space/facility to serve the public visiting the VMH.

The Committee suggests that the VMH should enhance its existing facility to take a shape of an eminent centre of art and culture of international standard. The feasibility of building a visitors’ centre and exhibition area in a separate building within the VMH compound to provide the above mentioned facilities should be explored. In any case, this should not disturb the existing landscape, and should also be in consonance with the existing ambience and compatible with the existing architecture of the monument.

29

3.3 Visual impact:Shielded by trees the building site will be largely invisible from the VMH and its gardens.

3.4 Structure of main hall:The site is well removed the main building and the scale of construction is relatively small. The construction of the new building will have no effect on the structure of the Main Hall or its immediate surroundings.

3 Environmental impact following completion

3.1 ViewsThe new building’s siting and scale will mean that no existing views of the VMH from outside the grounds will be affected by the development nor will it mask any views (such as towards the Cathedral or the Maidan) from the Hall. The building will be sited within the existing grove of trees in the south east corner of the grounds. It will be low lying (not more than 10m high at its highest) and the roof will be well within the height of the existing tree canopy. As such the new building will be largely masked from view from the main hall and the grounds.

3.2 VisitorsThe new facility is an enhancement of the VMH and is therefore likely to attract more visitors to the institution. Due to its siting on the boundary the new building can, if desired, be used independently of main hall and grounds and so need not have an effect on the opening hours or operation of the existing facilities.

appendix 2

BrieF eNViroNMeNtal StateMeNt

1 Summary

Specific queries have been raised in relation to the visual impact of the proposed VMH Annex, its effect on views of and from the Hall, the possible effect of its construction on the structure of the existing Hall, and its general impact on the environment.

This brief report confirms that, due to its modest size and its siting amongst the trees, the new building will have no effect on existing views of or from the Hall and will itself be largely concealed by trees. The construction will in no way affect the structure of the existing hall and, thanks to its scale and location on the perimeter of the site, its impact on the environment of the VMH and grounds will be minimal.

2 Environmental impact during construction

2.1 Demolition and construction:The site is on the perimeter of the VMH ground and so is easily accessible. Access for builders and materials can be arranged in such a way that there need be no disruption of the use of the hall or gardens.

2.2 Use of grounds:The site will be fully hoarded and therefore will not constitute any hazard to

users of the VMH grounds.

30

3.3 Traffic / parking / accessThe new building is very well served by public transport being close to bus, metro and tram stops. Vehicular access will be via the main South Gate and visitor parking will be as currently arranged outside the grounds.

3.4 NoiseThe new facility will not generate significant noise and the new building will, if anything, serve to mask traffic noise from Cathedral Road. 3.5 ServicesNew mains water and electrical services will be provided for the new building from outside the grounds and the new building will be served by its own new drainage system. Where existing surface water or other existing services are affected by the new building these will be fully taken account of in the design and construction process to ensure the continued uninterrupted operation of the Hall and grounds.

3.6 PollutionThe new building will be designed to minimise energy use, both in use and when under construction (including taking account of embodied energy in building materials). Though critical areas of the building will be climate-controlled to international museum standards methods of passive environmental control (such as building mass, orientation, sun-shading etc) will be used to minimise dependence on energy consumption. Exhaust gasses and waste generation generally will be carefully considered and controlled and effective non-damaging means of disposal planned as an integral part of the project design.

3.7 Green spaceThe new building will occupy the site of a miscellaneous arrangement of existing low grade service buildings and associated paved areas. The footprint of the new complex will be smaller than the existing paved and built area and the area of landscaped ground will be increased as a result of the development. Through its design and relationship with the existing landscaping the new facility will increase access to and enjoyment of the gardens and can be seen as an enhancement of the VMH grounds.

RN 7 August 04, (Revised August 05)

31

32

DULAL MUKHERJEE & ASSOCIATES 28B, Shakespeare Sarani `Neelamber’, 10th Floor Kolkata – 700 017 India

Phone : 91 33 2287-0382 / 0388; 2240-7602 Fax : 91 33 2247-7865 Email : [email protected]

August 2005

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