Capitol Complex, Andhra Pradesh

Thesis Report

Capitol Complex Andhra Pradesh

Navpreet Singh Dua 2010ARA120 B.Arch 2015

List of Contents A. B. C.

Recommendation Undertaking Acknowledgement

5 7 9

1.

1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7

Synopsis Abstract Project Brief Validity Aims & Objectives Broad Requirements Methodology Site Brief

11 12 13 14 14 15 17

2.

2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4

Literature Studies Architecture & Politics Architecture of Democracy Parliamentary Chambers Urban Public Space

19 20 21 25

3.

3.1 3.2

Library Case Studies National Assembly Building, Dhaka Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Mumbai

27 35

4.

4.1 4.2

Live Case Studies Madhya Pradesh Vidhan Bhavan, Bhopal Capitol Complex, Chandigarh

39 53

5.

Comparative Analysis

69

6.

Site Analysis

70

7.

Area Programme

73

8.

Design Criteria

76

9.

Bibliography

77

Recommendation I hereby recommend that the thesis entitled “Capitol Complex, Andhra Pradesh” is submitted by Navpreet Singh Dua (2010ARA120), a student of B. Arch, Final Year, GNDU Amritsar, under my guidance be accepted in partial fulfillment for the five year degree program of Bachelor of Architecture. This submission is his original work and may be accepted of five year Bachelor of Architecture program.

Ar Nitin Batra Ar Pinto Emerson Ar Rawal Singh Aulakh Ar Rachanpuneet Singh

Dr Sandeep Dua

Ar Amanpreet Singh Ar Pinto Emerson

Thesis panel

Head of Department

Thesis Coordinator

5

Undertaking Subject: Undertaking regarding authenticity/originality of B. Arch. Thesis (Jan2015May2015).

This is for your kind information that, I Navpreet Singh Dua, have worked on the project ‘Capitol Complex, Andhra Pradesh’. The work submitted by me is my original work and has not been copied from anywhere at any stage of my thesis. If any time (even after I pass out from the department), my work is found to be copied, I am ready to face consequences as per the university rules.

Sincerely, Navpreet Singh Dua Roll. No. 2010ARA120 B. Arch, 5th Year Department of Architecture Guru Nanak Dev University Amritsar.

Dated: May 18, 2015

7

Acknowledgement I am grateful to my thesis panel Ar. Nitin Batra, Ar. Pinto Emerson, Ar. Rawal Singh Aulakh & Ar. Rachanpuneet Singh for their guidance throughout my thesis. Their vast knowledge and experience on the subject gave me valuable and guiding comment at each and every step of my work & helping me through the thesis and making available all the resources of the department.

Navpreet Singh Dua

9

Synopsis

Abstract India is now recognised as the largest democracy of the world, and a functioning democratic system requires efficient spaces to run its institutions. From the ancient roman Pnyx in Athens to Washington’s Capitol Hill, these spaces have traditionally been designed as iconic structures and often as symbols of larger political ideas. Hence political leaders have long used physical environment as a means to project power and prestige. But more than that, these government buildings are representative of aspirations and identity of its people as seen in the three legislative assemblies built after independence: The Vidhan Soudha (Bangalore), The Capitol Complex (Chandigarh) and Vidhan Bhawan (Bhopal). These projects have given unique freedom to their architects hence we find buildings such as the National Congress Building and Ministry of External Relations Building in Brasillia by Oscar Nemeyer, which project national political ideologies through his striking trademark style.

Palace of Assembly, Chandigarh (Le Corbusier) Photo: The Guardian

National Congress Building, Brasillia (Oscar Nemeyer) Photo: BBC

What is a Capitol Capitol is often confused with the word Capital, but they bear different meaning.

Capitol usually refers to the building that houses the government’s lawmakers.

Throughout history of democracy, the Capitol Complex has usually been the most important group of buildings of the capital city. This is apparent if we look at prominent buildings of legislature constructed throughout history and how the planners have given extreme importance to their location within the city. In a modern democracy, the capitol complex houses its most important institutions: Legislature, Administration and Judiciary. It typically contains following buildings:

Albert Speer’s Berlin Capitol Complex planned under Adolf Hitler (unbuilt) Photo: Wikipedia

1. The Legislative Assembly 2. The Secretariat 3. The High Court Additionally, it may also contain the governor’s residence.

11

Synopsis

Instruments Of Democracy Representative

Legislative Makes voices Heard Opportunity to speak, propose, be heard and be represented The Council Chamber

Judicial Scales of Justice Keep order Arbitrate Ensure Justice Courtrooms, Judge’s Chamber.

Executive The Eyes Gets things done Public works Public Welfare Symbolic figurehead, leadership Mayor and Staff edifices Executive Department Officies

Justice

Project Brief Due to an internal conflict that lasted more than four decades, the State of Andhra Pradesh split into two separate states on 2nd June 2014. Hyderabad will act as the joint capital of two states for a period of 10 years, after which it will become the capital of Telangana.

Hence the Andhra Pradesh government has started decided to build a new capital city in Guntur district near the city of Vijayawada.

The design problem comprises of design and conception of Capitol Complex for the new city, which shall include the Legislative Assembly Building, The High Court and The Secretariat.

12

Vijayawada

New state boundaries after reorganisation Photo: BBC

Legislative Assembly Building, Hyderabad

The High Court Building, Hyderabad

Photo: Wikipedia

Photo: Wikipedia

Synopsis

Validity The new capital city will be 12 km North-West of Vijayawada city. It would comprise of 31 villages from 3 mandals: Thullur, Mangalgiri and Tadepalle. ¹ The master planning of the Capital City has been assigned to two Singapore based firms, Surbana International and Jurong International. “Both these firms have worldclass experience in developing designs for infrastructure on a large-scale. The understanding is onlyfor preparing the master plan, thedevelopment part is left to the Ap government, The master plan is to be developed in three stages. In the first phase, which will continue till February, the vision of the region will be mapped. In the second stage, the framework for the detailed master plan will be conceived by midApril. And by July end, the detailed master plan pertaining to 8 sq km of the capital region will be ready.

While the master plan by the two Singapore firms will cover up to ⁸ sq km, a committee of representatives from Singapore, AP, Japan will be formed during the third stage where inputs will be taken from Japan to attract investments into the capital zone.

There will be detailed master plans for each level covering the entire 7,375 km of the Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA).² The Times Of India, Hyderabad Edition 25th Nov 2014 Page 1 1. Deccan Chronicle. 31st Dec 2014 2. The Times Of India. 13th Jan, 2015

13

Synopsis

Aim Aim of the project is to explore the idea of Capitol Complex as the center of the community in the new Capital city of Andhra Pradesh. The complex shall feel a part of the community and not remain static & isolated like most capitol buildings around the world.

Capitol Complex as an institute of democracy shall encourage interaction among the community and promote public gathering. Architecture that meets the people.

Objectives: Following are the primary objectives for the Project: 1. Planning To plan open public spaces in the complexes which can become a centre for Community interaction and encourage public gathering.

While at the same time, providing security to the users through intelligent design and planning.

2. Design and Architectural Expression To design structures that reflect the culture of the people and can become their identity.

To design structures with contemporary expression but taking inspirations from the rich architectural history of the region.

To design a series of spaces within the buildings that promote interaction among users at different levels and help employ play of natural light within the buildings.

3. Sustainability To design structures that are climate responsive and are energy efficient.

To design structures using local materials (such as limestone) that can hold against weathering for several decades and help the buildings blend well with the natural environment.

Scope of Project The project shall comprise of layout & master planning of the entire Capitol Complex at approx. 200 acre site and detailed building design of the Legislative Assembly & The Secretariat.

Broad Requirements

14

Lower House Assembly chamber Upper house Assembly Chamber Administrative Areas Office space for ministers Lobbies/Lounge Press rooms Public areas Member’s recreation Halls Canteens

Library Exhibhition Gallery VIP Dining Auditorium Meeting Rooms Banquet Hall Fitness Center Kitchen Areas Debating Chamber

Synopsis

The Secretariat Building shall comprise of the Office spaces for the following 31 departments of Andhra Pradesh Government:

Agriculture& Co-operation Department

Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development & Fisheries Department

Backward Classes Welfare Department

Consumer Affairs, Food & Civil Supplies Department

Department

Irrigation & Command Area (Projects Wing) Department

Labour, Employment, Training & Factories Department

Law Department

Minorities Welfare Department

Municipal Administration & Urban Development Department

Education Department

Energy Department

Environment, Forest & Technology Department

Panchayati Raj and Rural Development Department

Finance Department

Planning Department

Finance (Works & Project) Department

Public Enterprises Department

General Administration Department

Health, Medical & Family Welfare Department

Rain Shadow Areas Development Department

Revenue Department

Home Department

Social Welfare Department

Housing Department

Industries & Commerce Department

Transport, Roads & Buildings Department

Information Technology & Communication Department

Women Development, Child Welfare & Disables Welfare Department

Infrastructure & Investment Department

Youth Advancement, Tourism & Culture Department

Irrigation & Command Area Development (Irrigation wing)

Additionally, the Building shall comprise of Secretariat Administration, Canteens and Library.

Methodology The following schemes shall be adopted to evolve the Project: 1. Theoretical Background Understanding of Capitol Complex and their relationship with the capital cities. Study of Capitol Campuses of major Capital Cities of the World. Study of recent Capitol Complex designs in India. Study of various techniques to achieve sustainable design solutions in Indian context.

15

Synopsis

2. Identification of Problem & Analysis To be familiar with the major challenges in the problem. To study the major cultural and climatic context of the region. To be familiar with the major requirements for the government from the new Capitol Complex.

3. Data Collection To carry out case studies of similar projects built in India after independence. To carry out detailed library study to know the basic standards of each kind of required spaces to be designed.

To carry out a visual and physical survey of the site and its surroundings. To know the soil bearing capacity, underground water table, vegetation, site topography, water bodies etc.

To collect information about the site from government records, documents and satellite imagery.

To carry out a detailed study of Building Bye-laws of the area, and requirements of Building Design clearance from various authorities in the region.

To collect climatic and meteorogical data about the area and know the various natural disasters the region is prone to.

4. Data Analysis Defining the functions and framing out the detailed requirements of the buildings with areas required.

Defining the correlation of different functions within the building.

Analysing the site conditions to decide suitable orientation, entrance and landscaping required.

To analyse the local climatic conditions and decide suitable orientation for the buildings.

5. Design Process Formulate a conceptual design that meets the requirements.

Refinement and detailing of the design.

Scope of Design

Aims & Objectives

Literature Studies Details of the Project

The Project

Site Brief

Data Collection

Analysis

Concept

Preliminary Design

Final Design

Case Studies

Requirements

16

Live Case Studies

Literature Case Studies

1.Capitol Complex, Chandigarh 2. Vidhan Sabha, Bhopal

1. National Assembly Building, Dhaka, Bangladesh 3. Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Mumbai

Synopsis

Site The site selected for the Capitol Complex is a riverfront site located in the region allocated for the construction of the new capital city in Guntur District. The Site will act as the end of a vista created perpendicularly with the city Total Site area is approx. 290 acres.

Vijayawada

Vijayawada, India

Satellite Imagery demarcating the site for the Capitol Complex

Site

Kr

ish

na

Ri

Hills

ve

r

Vijayawada

Satellite Imagery demarcating the Capital Region

17

Literature Studies 1.

Architecture and Politics

1.1. Scale in Context 1.2. Formal Shape & Expression

2.

Architecture of Democracy

3.

Parliamentary Chambers

3.1. Composition of the Assembly Building 3.2. Assembly Hall Design 3.3. The Assembly Hall

4.

18

Urban Public Space

Architecture & Politics

Architecture and Politics Politics Itself is a pure beauty that had played the momentous role to bring the civilization to this instant. It is about power, of governance and authority for the goodness of the mankind. But often the practice of politics turns the player’s intentions into obsession.

The insatiability of this obsessive desire of power often breaks the rules of the game. Its breaks the very basic rule of sanity and ethical imperative, thus erase the memory of ground values of goodness. One breaking of the rule multiplies the breaking itself; chaotically. It is of no surprise that politicians believe in an ideology and attempts to express it through material matters and Architecture is not immune either. But it is indeed a mesmerizing wonder how politicians often seize every inch of time and space with the idiosyncrasy of accentuation and the dogmatic glorification of a personality or an ideology beyond the limit of its own ground. This greed explodes its boundary of its own state buildings and spill into the public spaces. Starts from the forefront of the state palace with an ostentatious effigy, advance through the road, the boulevards, to the open space into the so called public building and even inside the private realm of a Home. It is important to note that though politics and architecture are each justifiable according to its intrinsic set of criteria, the opposition between warring architectural views nowadays, is one which is fought less on artistic grounds and more on political grounds. This exploration is about how and why architecture is manifested to sing political ideologies and power.

Scale in Context Scale is the most basic way of expressing the most fundamental meanings like power or weakness. Through scale, buildings show the hierarchy of importance in context.

Size (In Volume and Space): Larger the size means Larger the Power Height: Taller the Object means higher the Authority Weight: More Weight (Heavy) means more Stability and Domination Compatibility with surrounding: More Contrast means more the Detachment & Peculiarity

Formal Shape and Expression Formal shape and formal language in buildings transform these fundamental meanings of scale to a higher level of expression, like a monumental neo-classical, totalitarian building trying to pass itself off as a continuation of an ancient value.

Symbolic Representation: More Ornamentation means more it gets idealized Transparency and Visibility: More Opaque means more Mysterious Complexity: More Abstract means less Clear Spatial organization: Spatial organization is used to censor the existing social structures Accessibility and Invitation: Definite access means more Segregation Complexity: More complex means more Security Flow: Formal flow means more Control

19

Literature Studies

Architecture Of Democracy Symbol Of Power Ornament of a Country/State Draws people and Commerce Promotes Patriotism

Security Recent terrorist attacks have changed the balance between openness and the need for security Has given to fortress mentality and buildings are being shaped like bunkers.

Architectural Vocabulary Contemporary Should not have any ethnic references.

Spatial Qualities Openness/Open Space Encourage Public Gathering or foster participation Buildings that ‘meet’ the people Welcoming Sense of Place Center for the Community

PUBLIC ARCHITECTURE

Symbol Of Identity Reflects the culture of its people.

Reflects the past of the people

Public Architecture in India (Problems) Palace like Architectural characteristics of strong hierarchical symmetry (imperialist style) Democracy is lost, as architecture symbolises power for a few, but not power for the many.

Democratic Architecture should not hide behind think walls, it should interact with the city and be an integral part of it.

Isolated From the Public

History shows that as a nation progresses and accumulates wealth, its civic structures are rendered in pompous, almost authoritarian style- Grand landscaped gardens, high walls and deep setbacks.

Currently in India, there are many un-democratically designed public architecture that spots palace-like characteristics. These buildings are intimidating, the scale and architectural style can have an undesirable impact on the citizens and the leaders.

Winston Churchill once said,“We shape our buildings, thereafter they shape us.”

Architects need to realise the importance of democratic spatial relationship before the public loses touch with their city or architecture, in turn creates a society that does not come together and not worth caring; an indisposable society.

20

Parliamentary Chambers

Parliamentary Chambers In any democratic setup, the Legislature can be a Unicameral or a Bicameral setup. In a unicameral system, there is just one legislative or parliamentary chamber (usually called the Lower House), whereas is a bicameral system, the legislature of the government will function through two parliamentary chambers, The Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council (the Lower and Upper house respectively) Lok Sabha in session at New Delhi Photo: IBNlive

Composition of the Assembly Building An Assembly Building contains all the necessary spaces for a legislature to function properly nd house all its sta and members.

1. Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) Numbers of Seats depends on state population. Members of legislative assembly are chosen directly by the people on the basis of adult franchise from territorial constituencies in the state.

Its Tenure The normal tenure of the legislative assembly of every state is of 5 years but it may be dissolved earlier by the Governor.

2. Speaker & Deputy Speaker Speaker is the chief president oďŹƒcer of the legislative assembly of a state. He is chosen among the ruling party members.

The assembly elects its Deputy Speaker also from its own members among opposition party.

eral system of governance. The legislative council of each state selects its chairman from among its own members. Theoretically the powers of the Legislative Council are equal with the Assembly; in reality, the Council is the weaker partner.

Ordinary bills can originate in any chamber of the legislature. A bill must be passed by both chambers, and receive the assent of the state's Governor, before it becomes law as an Act. The Governor may give his assent or return the bill back to legislature with his observations.

As of 2014, Seven (out of twenty-nine) states have a Legislative Council: Andhra Pradesh, B i h a r, J & K , K a r n a t a k a , M a h a r a s h t r a , Telangana and Uttar Pradesh.

4. Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha Chamber) This is the lower house in legislature. The Karnataka Legislative Assembly in session at Bangalore Photo: IBNlive

Functions It has the cardinal functions of legislation overseeing of administration, passing of budget and ventilation of public grievance.

Speaker is the custodian of the dignity of the house and an impartial arbitration in its proceedings.

3. Legislative Council This is the Upper House in states with bicam21

Literature Studies

most important function of the Legislative Assembly is to act as the highest law making organ of the state. In unicameral state Legislatures all bills on subjects in the state list are initiated and passed by this House before transmission to the Governor for his assent.

The chair of the Speaker is placed conspicuously at the center. In the pit of the chamber just below the Speakers chair is the table of the Secretary General of the house. In front of him is placed a large table, which is the table of the house on which papers are formally laid by ministers, officers of the house and the official sit at this table.

Vidhan Sabha so as to enable members to participate efficiently in the debates of their respective house.

A seat is allotted in the chamber to each elected member Vidhan Sabha. The seats on the right hand side of speaker belongs to ruling party and that on the left side belongs to the opposition party members.

Ruling Party leader (Chief Minister) occupies the first row seat on the right side.

The deputy speaker occupies the first row seat on the left side.

7. Visitor's Galleries There are two galleries on either side of the speaker dais. The one on the left side are for the VIP members and other on the right side is reserved for the bureaucrats.

The press gallery is situated on the first floor.

The public gallery (gents & ladies) is on the first floor.

5. Library Its primary object is to keep members of Vidhan Bhavan well informed of the day-today developments in India and abroad, by maintaining an up-to-date and well equipped library backed by prompt and efficient research and reference services.

It provides research & reference material on legislative measures and a variety of other subjects coming up before the house -

Parliament House, New Delhi Photo: Publicinterestfoundation 22

6. Press & Public Relation Wing This wing maintains relation with the press and various Government publicity organization and communications media. It also handles all matters concerning the press gallery of the Vidhan Sabha including issue of press gallery passes and provision of facilities to the correspondents covering- When the Vidhan Sabha is in session, important news items are displayed on boards, outside the library.

8. Committees (1.) Ad-hoc Committees and (2.) Standing Committees Ad-hoc committees are appointed for a specific purpose and they cease to exist, until they finish the task assigned to them and submit a report.

Standing committees are those who run through the year like committee on estimate.

Gujrat Legislative Assembly in Gandhinagar Photo: Gandhiportal

Parliamentary Chambers

Assembly Hall Design The Parliament is not just a building, it is a scene of order and disorder, drama and inaction, place of heated exchanges, a place of outburst of emotions. Within the four walls of the Assembly area, it defines a nation’s history and political state.

For more than 2500 years, people have assembled to participate in and observe democracy. The environment in which democratic debates take place can be seen as a physical expression of mankind’s relationship with the ideas of democracy. Public participation on democracy in architecture is an idea evolved from Ancient Rome. Since this is not the case today, public spaces as a place to foster democracy have ceased to matter, and this has reduces these civic structures as nothing more than ornaments.

INTERACTIVE SPACES Symbolise democracy by encouraging participation in the democratic process facilitated by the creation of an open and publicly welcoming building.

SPATIAL QUALITIES A key part of the process of achieving a more interactive public architecture is in arousing curiosity in a building, most notably through contrast - of light & shade, hard & soft, new & old, Transparent & Opaque

CONTEXT The building should reflect a dialogue between the landscape and surrounding context, it sits gently on the site rather than imposing it as a harsh monument.

URBAN The art of interaction to dissolve the boundaries between buildings and the street, the assembly building that is accessible by the public, it symbolises democracy by encouraging public participation in the democratic process.

SPATIAL EXPERIENCE The Palace of Assembly uses circulation routes as a kind of a narrative journey, it provides spatial experience through a series of views.

23

Literature Studies

The Assembly Hall Assembly hall includes debating chamber and other supporting spaces.

These spaces are very important as it is in these places where people’s representative debate, decide discuss and deliver legislation.

While designing assembly hall, following considerations should be taken : UN General Assembly, New York Photo: Wikipedia

Shape of the Hall Different types of shapes are used to perform conventions, meeting or conferences. Generally, square , rectangular , fan shaped , hexagonal shaped , oval shaped , circular shaped plans are used. For large assembly purpose, circular or oval plan is recommended mainly for assembly purpose . since the stage requirement is very less and need of visibility of stage from every corner. In different countries, shape of assembly hall is taken akin to type of parliamentary politics practised in that particular nation. For example in west minster model of governance where there is strong opposition in debate between two major parties , the rectangular shapes and opposite seating layouts are preferred. Similarly in consensus based inclusive democracy the circular or oval shape of halls are preferred for more collaborative effort. From visibility and greater accommodation point of view, circular shapes is most appropriate .with circular shapes , there will be two alternates to the inner seating layouts namely semi oval or semi-circular, the appropriate shape can be chosen .

Space requirements: From various studies and their inferences , the area standards have been ascertained and it has been found that : Area of 1.5 - 1.6 sq.m per user is adopted in the assembly hall.

Area of 0.05-1.2 sq.m per user is generally adopted in the general seating gallery depending upon the type of user and requirement of space .

seating arrangement . This type of arrangement encourages face to face debate .

However this type of arrangement also likely to bring unnecessary opposing nature among the parliamentarians.

House of Commons, London, UK Photo: Wordpress

b) U-Shaped Arrangement This type of arrangement encourages face to face debate but less opposing in nature than that of opposite seating arrangement. It is reformed type of opposite seating type which is more interactive in nature. Commonwealth countries like Australia have this kind of seating arrangements.

a) Opposite Arrangement Generally countries with parliamentary systems like united kingdom have this kind of 24

House of Representative, Canberra, Australia Photo: aph.gov.au

Urban Public Space

c) Concentric Arrangement Seating arrangement is concentric and thus is more interactive with greater visibility.

Moreover this type of arrangement is found to be more cordial and less opposing . Such types of seating arrangements are found in Scandinavian countries where parliamentary politics is mostly consensus based.

Grand National Assembly of Turkey, Ankara Photo: albawaba.com

Urban Public Space “Public spaces are a mirror of social values, customs and culture and are a reflection of the interaction between physical, social, political and economic realities. They symbolize the larger society or culture in which they exist.

Public spaces acquire meaning for people through the different functions activities and roles in people’s life. In these spaces people are able to exchange information, communicate local news and also provide a context for political behaviour. Public spaces encourage social exchange, the formation and continuation of social groups and enable the transmission and exchange of important public messages. When public spaces and public life are missing in a community, residents become isolated from each other and are less likely to offer mutual help and support”¹.

Public spaces have been developed by different societies since ancient times. From Roman forums and Greek agoras to the Bazaars of India, they all have been important public spaces for centuries. Every community needs a symbol of its existence, a centre on which to

Recreated image of Roman Forum

focus life. Public spaces can be such a symbol and pulse of the city. They form nodes or focal points, symbolizing shared identity and culture.

A city is made up of many urban spaces. Public spaces are among the most important of these. These are tangible spaces with some intangible qualities where friends and strangers alike can come together, communicate, recreate, transact business, work, stroll, relax, sit, or just enjoy the sights and sounds of each other. Over the ages, the nature of public spaces and people’s preference for one kind over another has changed. Urban public spaces are living organisms, which respond to the varying socio-economic conditions and cultural patterns of cities. The meanings of public spaces have varied with time, culture and context.

Public spaces, their origin and how they have evolved over time are influenced by physical, cultural and political factors. The physical factors are climate and topography. Cultural factors are – social public life: catering to the urge to meet, interact and socialize; functional public life: catering to people’s everyday needs like buying groceries etc.; symbolic public life: catering to the need of people to feel a sense of belonging and being a part of a larger group. Besides the above three, technology and economics are two other factors influencing public spaces. Technology determines what can be accomplished by a society in terms of the construction of a physical setting. In addition electronic devices like the personal computer and the television are changing the way the middle classes live

Photo: usu.edu 1. Marcus, Clare Cooper. Francis, Carolin; People Places: Design Guidelines for Urban Open Space (John Wiley & Sons. 1998)

25

Literature Studies

and work and the balance between private and public life. Modern technology like computers, telephones and fax machines is allowing people to work at home in isolation.

Likewise television provides entertainment for the family in the comfort and security of their home. According to Carl, “It is impossible to understand public life and space without recognizing their political nature. Hence public life is one of the most democratic rights. A public life has the potential of bringing diverse groups together so that they learn from each other, perhaps the richest quality of a multi-class, multicultural, heterogeneous society” According to Carl & Francis, “Three critical human dimensions should guide the process of design and management of public space: the users’ essential needs, their spatial rights, and the meanings they seek”. A space usually becomes meaningful when it truly meets people’s needs. On the other hand a monumental public space not catering to people’s basic needs and contriving a meaning does not facilitate any connections.

Ensuring basic needs and rights of users in a

Piazza San Marco, Venice, Italy Photo: filmapia.com

Times Square, New York, on New Year’s eve Photo: mic.com 26

public space creates the fundamental level of civility that prepares the way for the expression of cultural meanings”. Meanings change as spaces and functions change. For a space to have a deeper and long lasting meaning it needs to be “richly embedded in its context”.

The site’s natural setting is its primary context. The history of the site and the region forms a secondary context, which can lend a site deep meaning. According to the authors of Public Space the “most difficult, least developed, and potentially most rewarding would be the development of qualities and associative meanings that are special to our own time and place and the experience of our emerging culture”. Also the democratic management of a space goes a long way in making people feel a sense of belonging, ownership and pride in a space, and thus forging a connection with it. Meaningful elements and events in public spaces should be introduced to retain users’ interest “and commitment to the place, qualities that are the foundation of meaning.

Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi Photo: tajmahaltripindia.com

Connaught Place, New Delhi Photo: sodelhi.com

Case Study National Assembly Building Dhaka Louis I Kahn

Selection Criteria

Building with Modernist expression but inspired from local styles and context Exemplary integration of public spaces with democratic institutions

General Introduction Originally meant to function as the Assembly for second capital of Pakistan, it became Bangladesh’s National Legislative Assembly when it became an independent country in 1971. Louis Kahn began his work on the project in 1962, but the structure was completed only in 1983. Connected by the green lawns and plazas, the 155 feet high white concrete building floats on a lake on a site of 215 acres. Contrasting the low red brick buildings within the complex, the Parliament building in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar is an Architectural monument of the modern times.

View of North entrance of the building from the public park.

Photo: Aga Khan Foundation

Site and Climate The urban site is of an oblong shape of 840 acres, located 7 miles north of Dhaka city centre, and it is a low-lying, flat plain. oriented North-South.

The climate of the region is warm and humid, characterised by high temperatures during summer, high humidity, heavy rainfall during the Monsoon, and a short but pleasant winter.

Due to heavy rainfall, the growth of vegetation is intense.

Minister’s hostels set apart from the Assembly building by artificial lake.

Photo: Aga Khan Foundation

27

Case Study

Architect’s Brief The programme originally called for a National Assembly building, and three hostels to provide living accommodation for the members of the National Assembly during the alternate sessions which were to be held in Dhaka. The hostels were intended for Ministers of the Government and Secretaries of departments. The programme also included an individual residence for the President, for the Speaker of the Assembly and for the Deputy Speaker; and a building for the administrative work of the National Secretariat.

The programme called for an Assembly chamber seating 250-300 Assembly members; galleries accommodating 500 visitors and 80-100 press; 2 political party meeting rooms of 60-75 seats each, and a third of 150 seats; a prayer hall; a post office; a commercial bank; a library; a courtesy office for the President; offices and a reception hall for the speaker; offices for ministers, secretaries, and other personnel; and a restaurant and lounge facilities.

Evolution of Design Concepts a) The Master Plan

28

In developing the master plan, 19621964, Kahn conceived the capital as poles on a north-south axis. He called them "The Citadel of the Assembly" and "The Citadel of the Institutions”.

The Assembly Group: The Citadel of Assembly, comprising the National Assembly, the supreme Court, and the various accommodations for the ministers, secretaries, and parliament members, has particular significance in relation to the whole complex and is placed in a vast setting of gardens and lakes to emphasize its importance.

The National Assembly building dominates the Assembly group, and the entire capital, as well, by its volume, use

of materials, and location.

Low rise residences of red brick flan king the Assembly lead the eye towards the focal point - the building itself, a dominant mass of finished concrete and white marble strips.

An artificial lake unites the individual buildings with in the group as well as determining their location and defining boundaries . The mosque emphasizes the southern entrance to the Assembly.

Between the two zones, a public park is placed that is daily used by the general public and for celebration of public events. The park is attached to the North building entrance through the Presidential Square.

National Assembly, Dhaka

A The Citadel of Assembly

4 Lake

1 The Assembly Building

5 Hostels for Ministers

2 Presidential Square

6 Hostels for Secretaries

3 Public Park

7 Residences for Assembly Staff

3 2 7

4 1 5 6 A

b) Response to Climate

The local conditions of prevailing breezes, and rain and wind storms led Kahn to impose two conditions on his designs: orientation to northwest/ southwest breezes to obtain natural ventilation through any dwelling unit, and shelter for any window or door opening.

Kahn designed a "double-layered building".

The outer building protects the inner one; this external skin shields the habitable interior spaces.

This attitude lent Khan's geometry of circles and triangles a freedom of external surfacing.

The triangles and circles do not hide the real facade : the real skin manages to peep through huge cuts on extended walls.

Protective Outer concrete skin as a means of architectural expression Photo: Aga Khan Foundation 29

Case Study

c) Internal Spatial Organisation 1 Central Zone

The interior of the Assembly Building is divided into three zones -

2 Middle Zone 3 Outer Zone

1. The central zone is the area of the Assembly .

2

2. The middle zone provides inner circulation, ties together the galleries of the people and the press, and provides access to committee rooms and the Library.

3 1

3. The outer zone is the area of the off ices, and party rooms, lounges, tea rooms and a restaurant, the garden entrance and the entrance of the mosque.

The floor levels of the offices have been arranged to give privacy of movement to the Speaker and the Members of the Assembly.

The Middle zone of the Assembly building is composed of 8 Light and Air courts which provide diffused natural light and ventilation to all interior spaces and which are the fresh air intake source for the air-conditioning system.

The Outer Zone is protected from glare, rain and sun by deep garden porches which harbour the outer zone windows.

d) Project Components

National Assembly Block

1. Assembly Chamber Block 2 . West Wing Block

4. Main Mechanical Plant Room underneath the Plaza

3. North West Block

5. Car parking hall underneath the Plaza

4 . Garden entrance/North Block

6. Telephone exchange

5 . North East Block

7. PWD maintenance Engineer 's off ices

6 . East Wing Block

8 . Equipment stores

7. South East Block

9. Allied facilities

8 . Plaza Entrance/South Block 9. South west Block

South Plaza

1. The open plaza with steps and ramps directly linked with a bridge to the main Assembly building 2 . Entrance gates 30

3. Loop Driveway

Presidential Square

It contains marble steps, gallery and open pavement, ground floor partly open.

East Hostels

9 Blocks of Hostels

West Residential

5 blocks of dwellings.

31

32

National Assembly, Dhaka

e) The Assembly Chamber

The Assembly Chamber, 100 feet high, is an amphitheatre of 300 individual seats arranged in pairs.

A ring of seats on the periphery is provided to accommodate joint sessions of the three Legislative Assemblies. To the right of the Speaker is the President's box, to the left is the Speaker's box , and, flanking them, is the Distinguished Visitors' Gallery and the Gallery for High Officials.

The Assembly Chamber is surrounded by and connected to spaces shaped to the special needs of the various functions that support its work.

The Assembly is a cylindrical form derived from the idea of a hollow concrete column with perforated walls.

The "column" is also used as a lightregulating structural member throughout the complex.

The column is in effect octagonal in shape and there are 8 sectors on the eight sides of the octagon; and against 8 sectors there 8 outer blocks. The 9 blocks (including the central assembly block) interconnect only at levels 1 and 3. The outer blocks are interconnected at even levels while the central block is connected with the Western and Eastern Blocks at odd levels .

Above: North-South Section Below: The Assembly chamber Source: Aga Khan Foundation

33

Case Study

f) Design Failures

The building is an introspective building and , once inside, the user is not aware of the outside. Due to the lack of outside view, Assembly staff complains that they feel uncomfortable after day’s work.

The complexity of the walkways make orientation difficult.

The reverberation time inside the Assembly Chamber is extremely long, mostly due to the shape of the chamber and lack of absorbing surfaces.

The amount of natural light is not sufficient in the work environments and artificial light levels have to be varied several times during the day.

There is a lack of natural ventilation inside the building.

The building cannot sustain heavy wind driven rainfall as many of its spaces become waterlogged.

Timber used for windows did not weather and warped; had to replaced with aluminium.

There is a combination of diffused natural and artificial light in the building.

g) Architectural Character

Kahn has managed to give the building a Monumental character, which gives it prominence in the whole complex.

Public space in the form of Park and Plaza has been successfully created such that it can be enjoyed by the general public.

The building is rendered in a modernist expression but relates to the elements in Islamic Architecture.

Landscape and water elements have been used taking inspiration from the

Above: Park and Plaza designed as Urban Public Space Right: Play of light and shade inside the building Source: Aga Khan Foundation

34

Islamic Architecture. Also, water features are not visible from a distant hence the onlooker is drawn closer to the building to enjoy the water.

The building is rendered in exposed cement concrete with inlaid marble strips, which conceal construction joints and form drip mouldings on the exterior surface.

Openings of geometrical shape have been created to give the building a sculptural expression which is responsive to light and shade.

Case Study Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Mumbai Selection Criteria

Similar and recent example of Legislative Assembly in an Urban Context in India.

General Introduction The State Assembly in Mumbai was built in 1981 to house the summer sessions of the Maharashtra Assembly, while winter sessions continue to be housed in the old Assembly Building in Nagpur. This recent Legislative Assembly building is located in the midst of imposing skyscrapers at Nariman Point. The main Secretariat Building falls across the Madam Cama Road; since there is no direct contact between the two government buildings, it is difficult to access one building from the other.

Site and Climate The present council hall stands on plot no.

241, 242 & 243 of Back Bay Reclamation no.

3. Total area of all plots is 12,925sqm. Plots 241 & 242 originally belonged to the Reserve Bank, but were later surrendered to the Maharashtra Government.

The climate of the region is tropical wet and dry climate. Mumbai’s climate can be best described as moderately hot with high level of humidity. Its coastal nature and tropical location ensures temperatures won’t fluctuate much throughout the year. The mean average is 27.2 °C and average precipitation is 242.2 cm (95.35 inches).

Aerial view of Assembly Building from South Photo: wonderfulmumbai.com

Secretariat

Vidhan Bhawan

Gateway Of India

Satellite imagery showing the location of Vidhan Sabha, Secretariat and Gateway of India Imagery: Google Earth 35

Case Study

Planning Approach Concept

The entire complex comprises two units, one unit consisting of three Halls for the Assembly, Council and Central Hall for the joint session of both houses and the other unit comprising of the Legislative Secretariat.

The three halls have been coupled in one single mass one over the other, having folded plate wall on its exterior and a dome on top. This is set against a backdrop of twenty-one storeyed Tower Block which accommodate the offices of the Legislative Secretariat and the Library.

The dome set on top of this arrangement is of folded petal arrangement. Above the dome is cylinderical base for Ashoka Stambha.

Introducing glazing between the folded plates derives light in the top potion of the building

Top: Layout Plan showing Assembly and main Secretariat Below: West entrance of Assembly Building Source: loksatta.com

Functional Arrangement Below: Section through the Building Opposite: Ground Floor Plan Source: loksatta.com

Combined Hall Council Hall Assembly Hall Tower Block

Functionally, the components of the building are: 1. Basement It accommodates parking space for 66 cars, air-conditioning plant, water supply arrangement, pumps, electric-sub station, panel room etc. Area 10,558 sqm. Height of basement floor: 7.3m.

2. Ancillary Building This surrounds the central circular zone on three floors. It is semicircular in plan bounded by the tower block on one side and the circular halls within. It mainly accommodates the Minister’s chambers, Business Advisory Committee and has two main entrances.

3. Central Circular zone This consists of a six storey structure with three Assembly hall on the ground floor,

36

State Assembly, Maharashtra

Council Hall on the second floor and the Combined Hall on the fourth floor. The roof over the central hall is dome with cranked slab forming a petal dome over a part area.

Height: 50m.

6. Combined Hall A circular hall of 31m diameter, provides seating for 400 visitors. The hall is used for joint sessions of both houses of legislature, and international conferences.

4. Legislative Assembly Hall It is circular in shape, having a diameter of 30m and accommodating 304 members (seating + desk arrangements). The 5.33m cantilever gallery provides seating for 398 visitors.

7. Tower Block It is a 21 storey building, housing functions like the Minister’s offices, various committee rooms, M.L.A and M.L.C lounges, railway and airline booking offices, various offices of legislative secretariat (around 600 staff), canteens, library, reading rooms etc.

5. Legislative Council Hall It is a circular hall having diameter of 21m, and can accommodate 130 members with desk and seating arrangements. The 8.2m cantilevered gallery provides seating for 210 visitors.

Assembly Hall

Speaker’s Chambers

Ministers’ Chambers

Assembly Lobby

CM Chambers

Assembly Secretariat

Opp. Chamber

37

Case Study

Inferences

Being cited in an urban landscape, the building is extremely accessible from the outer street which is used by the general public everyday. However, the complex design hasn’t included any spaces for the public to use and enjoy.

Due to the restriction of space, all functions of the Assembly have been accommodated in a vertical setup. This has led to heavy reliance towards mechanical modes of circulation, such as elevators.

The building relies heavily on mechanical modes of lighting and air conditioning, as most of the areas inside the building do not receive any natural light.

The outer folded plate facade is strikingly distinctive from the rest of the structures of the area, and it gives a recognisable character.

Top: Fourth Floor Plan Right: View of Assembly building from the entrance gate Below: Aerial View of Nariman Point Source: loksatta.com

38

Combined Hall Library

Case Study Madhya Pradesh Vidhan Bhavan Bhopal Charles Correa

Selection Criteria

Building with contemporary architectural expression inspired from native styles.

Use of courtyards to create introvert spaces with efficient climatic performance.

General Introduction Vidhan Bhavan is a new state assembly for the Madhya Pradesh government in the capital city of Bhopal. It replaces the former building (Minto Hall) which is nearby and was initially built during the colonial period as a guest house for the viceroy of India when he visited the city.

Location and Climate The Legislative Assembly is located on the Arera Hills of Bhopal. The Hill is flanked by a large lake on one side and greenery on the other. Vidhan Bhavan is located on the crest of the Hill, which drops sharply to the lake side, but gently to the green zone where the main road passes. It has a panoramic view to th.e lake but an obscured one to the green area of the city. It is also better seen from the lake side rather than from the other side.

There are three seasons in the State of Madhya Pradesh: Hot season (April-June): High 47°C, weather dry & dusty. Cooler in the evening.

Wet season (July-September): Monsoon period with high humidity.

Cool season (October- March): Low 20°C, weather is mild but the air is cool.

Top: Looking towards Legislator’s entrance from Mantralay Road Below: Location of Arera Hills Source: Aga Khan Foundation 39

Case Study

Site Layout a) Approach

The Vidhan Bhavan is approached through a 60 feet wide road, i.e. Arera Road which leads to the three main entrance gates for VIP’s, general public and Legislators.

b) Circulation

Once inside the complex through the outer gates, different user groups enter the building through differently entrances.

Above: Satellite imagery showing various entrances to the complex for different user groups

The South-Esat entrance is reserved for Members and VIP’s, as the Assembly chambers are nearest.

Imagery: Google Earth

Below: Illustration showing different components of site and designated Building entrances for different user groups

The Legislators and staff members enter from the North-West.

The CM enters from a private entrance towards the West.

Source: Aga Khan Foundation

Legend

The Speaker enters from the South-West, and enters directly to his chambers.

Legislators/Staff

Services

Public

Cafeteria Speaker VIP/Members

Open To Sky

Chief Minister

Garden

Garden

t aria cret e S To

Rose Garden

Pond

Parking B

Garden

Security Offices

Parking A

Arera Road

40

State Assembly, Madhya Pradesh 1

Concept and Form

The plan form has been inspired from the Navagraha Mandala concept: the cosmic organisation of functions, sequences and spaces within the ancient Hindu conception of the univ-erse.

The plan consists of a series of spaces within spaces, divided into a pattern of nine compartments, which focus around a centre which represents nothingness.

On two perpendicular axis, emanating from central courtyard, are the admin-istrative offices. The remaining four corners are occupied by the specialised functions: The Vidhan Parishad (Upper House), the Vidhan Sabha (Lower House), the auditorium and the Library.

Other features are inspired from various sources, such as the dome roof of the Vidhan Sabha hall inspired from the Sanchi Stupa, or the series of steps in the ‘Court of the People’ inspired from the bathing ghats.

The form of the plan building was designed to be a circle, as the approach roads winds as it moves towards the building. As the buildings is placed on one of the highest points in the city, this enabled the building to project a progressive elevation, equally visible from all

Clockwise: 1. Illustration showing different divisions of the plan based on Mandala.

2. The Sanchi Stupa 3. Steps of the Public Court inspired from bathing ghats of medieval times.

4. View of Vidhan Bhavan from across the city.

Circular form ensures it is visible from all sides.

Source: Aga Khan Foundation, Wikipedia

1. Khan, Hasan-Uddin. Charles Correa: Architect in India (Butterworth Architecture. 1987). Pg 134-35

41

Case Study

7

Zoning and Layout 6

The plan is divided into nine zones as per the mandala concept. They are explained as follows:

This is the main entry foyer for the Members and VIP’s, approached through the north-west entrance of the building.

The foyer is flanked by Vidhan Sabha and Vidhan Parishad halls on both sides, to provide rapid access to the members during session days.

At a lower level, a dispensary has been placed which is only accessible from the outer road.

Zone-2

This zone contains the Vidhan Bhavan and ancillary areas such as the Minister Information center.

This zone also houses the offices of Principle Secretary, Speaker and Deputy Speaker.

Zone-3

This zone forms the main entrance for the general public. It contains a large courtyard with series of steps for sitting, as well as artwork by local artists that portrays the culture of the state.

From here, visitors can be allowed to fo to the auditorium, or any of the houses via a series of ramps to the upper balconies.

Zone-4

42

This zone contains a multipurpose auditorium that is used to host a wide variety of events.

5

8 Vidhan Parishad

Library

Zone-1

CM Offices

1

9

Ministers’ Offices

Legislator’s Foyer

Central Hall

2

4

Vidhan Bhavan

Auditorium Court of the People

Open To Sky

3

Zone-5

This zone contains an introvert system of office spaces that are G+1 high and designed around a courtyard.

The office spaces are divided between the ministers and the legislative staff.

This zone also houses the main cafeteria for the legislative secretariat staff and one separate dining hall for ministers and VIP’s.

Zone-6

This zone houses several floors of library and spaces for library staff. It also houses the research section.

Zone-7

This zone contains a series of office spaces for the ministers and the legislative secretariat, arranged around a courtyard.

This courtyard is one level below the courtyard A, as the site contours down towards this part of the building.

This zone contains a group of several offices that are used by the chief minister and his cabinet.

State Assembly, Madhya Pradesh

Legend 1 Public Entrance

9 Courtyard B

2 Court of the People

10 Vidhan Parishad (upper house)

3 Central Hall

11 Legislators’ Foyer

4 Courtyard A

12 Vidhan Sabha (lower house)

5 Legislators’ entrance

13 VIP entrance

6 Ministers’ offices

14 Reflecting pool

7 Library

15 Auditorium

8 Cabinet Room

16 Terrace

Below: Ground Floor plan Opposite: Schematic Roof plan showing nine zones of the Vidhan Bhawan building; Southwest elevation looking towards Auditorium, Public entrance and Vidhan Sabha hall.

Source: Aga Khan Foundation

Landscaping 8

16

7 9

10

6

4 3

5

11

13

6

12

15

2

1

14

43

Case Study

and electrical control rooms are placed.

Zone-8

This zone contains the Vidhan Parishad, or the upper house and ancillary spaces.

Several other important spaces such as opposition party offices, offices of dy secretaries etc can be found in this zone.

At the lower level, all airconditioning plants

Clockwise: 1. Partial model view showing Court of the People, Central Hall and Vidhan Sabha.

2. Northwest-Southeast section through Auditorium & Court of the People 3. Southwest-Northeast Section through Vidhan Sabha & Vidhan Parishad halls 4. Southeast-Northwest Section through legislators’ foyer, Central hall & Courtyard A 5. Northeast-Southwest section through Courtyard B, Central Hall & Public entrance Source: Aga Khan Foundation, Wikipedia

44

Zone-9

This zone contains the central hall which acts as the link between all the sectors.

It also has several adjoining spaces such as the post office, ATM and press rooms.

State Assembly, Madhya Pradesh

Circulation

After different user groups enter the building via different entrance gates, for security and privacy reasons, their Movement pattern is defined differently.

For the legislators and members, the movement is always at the edge of the courtyards, around which their offices are placed. The legislator’s foyer at the southeast end of the building is used to enter the two halls on the lower levels.

The Courtyard A at the north-west end of the building is used to access the offices around it, and similar scenario can be found i n t h e C o u r t y a r d B. T h i s f o r m s a n interesting arrangement such that the path

leading to the office spaces is delightful in its own regard.

The movement pattern for the general public originates from the Court of the people, which is connected to a series of ramps and stairs that can be used to access the balconies overlooking the three halls.

The central hall forms the key in connecting the other eight compartments of the building.

Chief Minister’s office chambers, which also contains offices and retiring rooms for his staff, are secluded from the rest of the office spaces for security reasons

Members/Staff Chief Minister Public

45

Case Study

Building Components Courtyards

The building contains two courtyards around which major office spaces of the complex are arranged. This has been inspired from the nineteenth century indian homes that were designed along a courtyard for climatic reasons.

The courtyards significantly help reduce the overall internal temperature of the complex as it facilitates very efficient natural ventilation along both its axis.

Courtyards also function as spaces that enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of the areas around the office spaces and of the entire building itself.

The courtyard A is one level above the

B

A

courtyard B (partially covered) as the site is contoured towards that reason and floor levels have been designed accordingly.

Clockwise: 1. Roof Plan showing location of Courtyards inside the building 2. Southeast-Northwest Section showing natural ventilation through legislators’ foyer, Central hall & Courtyard A 3. Northeast-Southwest section showing natural ventilation through Courtyard B, Central Hall & Public entrance 4. Photograph looking upon Courtyard B with offices on three floors around it Source: Aga Khan Foundation, Wikipedia

46

State Assembly, Madhya Pradesh

Central Hall

The central hall forms the key component inside the building as it links all other zones of the building.

The position of the central hall is essential to the concept of mandala, in which the centre of the cosmological arrangement of spaces is an empty space that connects everything.

The hall bears a drop panel slab supported on four columns, which makes way for natural light on all four edges and in the centre as well.

The hall has four stairways leading up/down to the adjoining zones, as well as two ramp systems.

Permanent seating furniture has been designed along the corners and the centre of the hall.

The details of the structure are as follows:

Central Hall

Anticlockwise: 1. Ground Floor plan showing the location of Central Hall 2. Photograph showing drop-panel slab supported on four columns inside the central hall 3. Public seating space inside the central hall 4. Drop panel makes way for natural light to enter from the four edges and through the centre as well.

Type - RCC M-250 Size - 29.4m x 29.4m Thickness - 250mm Dia of columns - 1100mm

Source: Aga Khan Foundation, Wikipedia

47

Case Study Vidhan Parishad

Vidhan Sabha Chamber

The Vidhan Sabha hall is located at the south end of the building and the members access it from the Legislator’s foyer.

The Assembly hall is a hall of circular diameter of 31m (area: 754sqm) which can house 366 members in its lower seating spaces.

The seating arrangement for the members is a U-shaped arrangement, which provides greater interaction between them. Since the Assembly is presided over by the speaker, his seat is the most prominent in the house. The deputy speaker has his seat right in front of him.

Behind him are the seats for the VIP’s and administrative officers who attend the assembly session, in addition to guests invited by the speaker.

Vidhan Sabha

Before entering the assembly chamber itself, the members enter a circular lobby space that is designed all around the chamber. This lobby is used by the members to access the door that is closest to their seat in the chamber. It also doubles up as relaxation and informal discussion space for the members during the session days.

Top to Bottom: 1. Key plan showing location of Vidhan Sabha and Vidhan Parishad halls 2. Vidhan Sabha hall as seen from the centre aisle 3. Visitors’ galleries in the Vidhan Sabha hall Source: Aga Khan Foundation 48

The area also houses the information and post center, which the members use to collect their research material for the debates inside the chamber.

Behind the chambers, office spaces for the Speaker are placed, which include his private conference hall, retiring rooms, catering rooms and office spaces for his staff.

The visitors’ galleries, which can be accessed from the Court of the People (or from the lower corridors near the Speaker’s office), contain the following seating capacities:

Speaker’s Gallery: 74 seats Officers’ Gallery: 74 seats Other Galleries: 8x60

State Assembly, Madhya Pradesh

VIP Gallery: 120 seats Women’s Gallery: 60 seats Men’s Gallery: 200 seats Press Gallery: 120 seats

The dome is an RCC shell structure that is 14m high from the assembly floor. It is 180-90mm thick.

The chamber has carefully designed acaoustic properties, wherein reverberation times are greater when sound source is near the speaker’s seat.

Vidhan Parishad Chamber

The Vidhan Parishad chamber has been provided on the other side of the legislative foyer; it is a 182sqm hall that can accommodate 125 persons.

Combined Hall

Originally designed to be the combined hall for holding joint sessions of both houses, it is presently used as an auditorium.

Since Madhya Pradesh does not have a bicameral legislature system, the hall is currently used as a large conference hall.

It contains upper galleries that can be accessed by a series of ramps from the Court of the People.

The roof of the Vidhan Parishad is an inclined pyramid constructed out of steel space frames.

This is a 2600sqm hall that can accommodate 700 persons.

Its roof is designed as a warped slab of 90mm average thickness.

Top to Bottom: 1. Combined Hall/Auditorium 2. Speaker’s private conference room 3. southwest-northeast section through Vidhan Sabha and Vidhan Parishad chambers Source: Aga Khan Foundation

Vidhan Sabha

Vidhan Parishad

49

State Assembly, Madhya Pradesh

Architectural Character Shape & Size The overall shape and size of the building reflects the architect’s concern for humanistic values in the context of a seat of authority & power. Rather than trying to glorify the political power center as an awe-inspiring monumental building, the architect designed the complex in the model of a heart of the city.

Entrances Access to the building is through three strikingly different entrances that punctuate the circle plan at 90 degree intervals; a door surrounded by grillework for the assembly members, a bold blue and white white striped VIP entrance and a public entrance that penetrates deep into the circle via the Court of the People.

Plan The plan is devised in an a series of ‘Gardens within gardens’. A series of courtyards and open spaces that are connected to each other, in a way inspired from the ancient Islamic architectural styles, and very much as courtyards were used in Indian homes of the nineteenth century.

Path Space Relationship The path leading to the spaces has been designed that it enables the user to experience the complexity of the spaces in all its dimensions. For example, the path to the office spaces is around courtyards; and path leading to the visitor’s galleries of the Assembly chambers are through winding ramps from the Court of the People- pretty

Top to Bottom: 1. View of the Vidhan Bhavan from across the city.

2. Public entrance gates leading up to the Court of the People 3. The seating steps in the Court of the People with murals & Paintings on the walls Source: Aga Khan Foundation 50

much like the ritual circumam-bulatory pradakshina around the Sanchi Stupa.

Cultural References Throughout the building, several references to the history and culture of the region have been used - the dome of the Vidhan Sabha from the Sanchi Stupa, the circular plan to the Parliament Building in New Delhi, the seating steps in the Court of the People to the bathing ghats, the reflecting pool in the shape of the state boundary, the use of local red stone, handmade ceramic tiles & paint used to make contemporary murals & sculptures that reflect the arts of Madhya Pradesh.

Case Study

Construction & Materials² 1. Foundations

5. Floors

a) Interiors - White Indian Marble with patterns in granite and coloured marble.

Cast-in situ reinforced cement concrete foundation

2. Principle Structural Members

b) Terraces - Red Sandstone

c) Kund - Local redstone

Cast-in situ RCC frame structure

a) Slabs and Beams

6. Ceilings

b) Domes

a) Interiors - Mostly false cieling in Gypsum Board, but some areas have just Neeru finished cement plaster on the R.C.C. slab.

c) Shell roof d) Flat slabs

3. Infill

115mm thk and 230mm thk Brick walls

4. Rendering of Facades/Exterior Finishes

Partly 50 mm thk Dholpur sandstone clodding and partly Polyurethane paint on rough cast plaster with blue hand made ceramic tiles border. Cafeteria, security cabins and boundary walls are finished in local redstone.

b) Semi-open spaces - Partly false cieling in cement particle board, rest have Neeru finished cement plaster on the R.C.C. slab.

7. Roofing a) R. C. C. slob with fibre glass skylights. Brick bat coba is used as insulation b) Transparent polycarbonate sheets in steel frame to partly cover the courtyards.

Left: Exteriors rendered partly in Dholpur Stone and partly in Polyurethane paint on rough cast plaster Right: View of Legislative foyer with White Indian Marble flooring with granite and coloured marble inlay.

Photo: Aga Khan Foundation

2. Architect’s Record

51

Case Study

Inferences

52

Since some of the Minister’s offices are far away from the assembly chamber. During session hours when voting time is declared, sometimes the ministers are not able to reach the assembly chamber in time due to the large distance, and the voting procedure continues without them.

each other. Same is the case with major and minor committee rooms.

The dome causes more reverberation at some points within the assembly chamber than the rest. Also, there is no provision for natural light inside the chamber and hence there is heavy reliance on artificial lighting.

Similarly, canteen areas are located far away from the assembly chambers. this becomes problematic in session days, when members continue to debate for long hours and no lunch time is allotted.

Hence, the catering space should be adjoining the assembly chambers for maximum convenience and efficient working of the Assembly proceedings.

Because of the expanded plan form, the need for security personnel rises many fold, so as to maintain control over several access points into the building. This is evident from the fact that about 100 security personnel are on active duty at any given day, about three times more than the security personnel in Chandigarh Legislative Assembly.

The offices for the ministers and the legislative secretariat are difficult to distinguish as they are not located in distinct zones but are intermingled with

The most important person in the Legislative Assembly building is the Speaker; but the speaker has not been given an appropriate entry foyer or car entry.

Case Study Capitol Complex Chandigarh Le Corbusier

Selection Criteria

Similar building by one of the masters of modernist Architecture.

Striking shapes and forms that have become a symbol for the city and the state.

Exemplary Capitol Complex planning that houses democratic institutions of the state.

General Introduction After the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947, Punjab lost its previous capital Lahore.

Building of a new capital city, later named as Chandigarh, was called upon by the then prime minister of India Jawahar Lal Nehru.

Architect Le Corbusier (along with some associate architects) was called upon to do the master-planning of the city, and to design its major buildings. In his brief, Nehru called for “a new town, symbolic of freedom of India unfettered by the traditions of the past….. an expressions of the nation’s faith in the future”.

So it was almost certain that the city’s buildings will bear no resemblance to the historic architecture, but a new direction for the architecture of the region and nation in general.

Corbusier designed the Capitol Complex as the focal point of the city, and distinctively different from the Lutyen’s capitol at New Delhi, as it embodied the colonial ideologies.

The importance of the complex was additionally substantiated as it was to provide employment to approx. 18,000 people.

Out of the three capitol buildings, the legislative assembly building is perhaps the most significant, with its hyperbolic shell and the giant portico.

Top to bottom: 1. Palace of Assemby 2. High Court 3. The Open Hand monument Sources: brynmawr.edu, Wikipedia 53

Case Study

Location The selected site for the city of Chandigarh was a sub-mountaneous region 260 km north of Delhi. The site was suitable for its fairly central location in the state, proximity to the national capital, availability of sufficient water and its ideal gradient for natural drainage.

With the shivalik hills in the background, the site provided great potential for imaginative landscaping and offered magnificent views.

The city’s altitude varies between 304.8m to 365.76m above the sea level.

The Capitol Complex is located at the northeastern end of the city, and is accessed by the Jan Marg (People’s Avenue) from the city centre. The site of the complex is very near to the artificial Sukhna Lake, which has been used to keep the microclimate under control and also to enhance the scenic beauty of the architecture. The lowline shivalik hills form the backdrop of the site, which was one of the primary reasons of choosing the site.

Cimate Cahndigarh's climate is characterised by extreme hot and extreme cold conditions.

Annual temperatures in Punjab range from 1 °C to 46 °C (min/max), but can reach 49 °C in summer and 0 °C in winter. The area lies near the foothills of the Himalayas, so it receives heavy rainfall, whereas other areas of Punjab lying to the south and west receives less rainfall and experiences higher temperatures.

Average annual rainfall ranges between 960 mm in the sub-mountain region and 460 mm in the plains.

The area has three seasons: Summer (April to June), when temperature typically rise as high as 100 Fahrenheit.

Monsoon season (July to September), when the majority of rainfall occurs.

Winter (December to February), when temperatures typically fall as low as 0 °C. 54

Chandigarh

Capitol Complex

Sukhna Lake

Capitol Complex, Punjab

Site Layout

7

Approach

4

1

The Capitol complex is approached by the Jan Marg (People’s Avenue) from the major parts of the city, including the city centre.

6

5 2

Planning¹

The masterplan is asymmetrical, symbolic of the democratic nature of the state.

The main components are the Secretariat, the Assembly hall, the High Court, the Governor’s palace and other monuments.

The plan is based on Corbusier’s geometric proportions - A first diagram of two 800m squares. Within the left hand square, another square of 400m. On the right side the 800m square will be abandoned (its limits falling largely in the river erosion area), but a second square of 400m will be created and will adjust itself to its counterpart, already installed.

Legend 1 Palace of Assembly

5 Tower of Shadows

2 Secretariat

6 The Matyr’s Memorial

3 Governor’s Palace (Unbuilt)

7 Open Hand Monument

4 Palace of Justice

8 Jan Marg

800m

800m

7

3

4

6

1

5 2

8 1. Bahga, Sarabjit. Bahga, Surinder. Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret (Galgotia Publishing Company. 2000). Pg 89-91

Site Plan 55

Case Study

The 400m square on the left contains the Secretariat, the Assembly hall and the Museum of knowledge.

The High Court occupies the second 400m square on the right. A 450m long pedestrian plaza penetrates into these areas.

The facade of the Secretariat on the left demarcates the edge of one of the 400m squares of the masterplan. The Assembly hall and the High Court which face each other across the plaza terminate the cross axis on either side.

The Assembly is located symmetrically across the axial approach on the left side, whereas the High Court is located slightly beyond the axis. The Open Hand monument is placed at the outer edge of the complex.

The Capitol Complex is proposed to have the Museum of Knowledge, the location of which was shifted to the left side of the approach road to the complex, to make it the focal point without obstructing the line of vision.

The enormous amount of earth removed from the excavating grounds have been shaped into several artificial mounds on which shrubbery is planted.

The water bodies are planned to modulate the microclimate. The buildings, trees and hills are reflected in these ponds, thereby producing a pleasing effect. Another garden with a geometric layout is pro-

posed to be built near the Museum of Knowledge.

The ever increasing requirements of strengthening security arrangements gor govt officials has resulted in an unimaginative conversion of the complex into a fortress. The steps taken by the Chandigarh Administration to regulate the inflow of visitors along with an unsuitable choice of location of entry ans exit gates and barbed-wire fencing have created parking problems as well as public inconvenience.

Visitors’ vehicles are parked haphazardly at places which are unpaved and meant to be green. Fences have been erected to cordon off the individual buildings, thereby destroying their unique spatial, compositional and symbolic cohesion.

Presence of police tents and barracks create a cluttered feeling.

New extensions to the complex could have done further damage to the formal aesthetics and functional dynamics of the complex.

According to famous Indian architect BV Doshi, “We have an independent justice, an independent Legislature and between them lies the Governor’s Palace. Thus a triangle is set up to symbolise people’s participatory governance. And then we have the Open Hand which says, let us open ourselves to the world - let us give and let us take. The whole conception is fantastic, for the first time you have a complex of buildings placed in a certain order, philosophically and visually, in relation ot site and then in relation to form and scale.” ² 56

2. ANQ Document, Chandigarh: Forty Years After Le Corbusier (Amsterdam, Guus Kemme), pg 27

Top to Bottom: 1. Aerial view of the Capitol Complex 2. Photograph of the proposed Governor’s Palace Source: gorlinarchitects.com

Capitol Complex, Punjab

Circulation

The circulation pattern is designed to segregate the Vehicular and Pedestrian traffic in all of the complex.

In order to do that, the site is arranged on two levels: a pedestrian plaza and five metres below it, a configuration of roads and parking spaces.

The pedestrian plaza further connects to a series of bridges at various places that passes over the vehicular roads below it.

The large plaza between the Legislative Assembly, High Court and Governor’s Palace (unbuilt) acts as the main pedestrian expanse aimed at enhancing the monumental facade of the buildings.

Top to Bottom: 1. View of the parking adjacent to Legislative Assembly building showing the pedestrian overpass to Secretariat.

2. Aerial view of the pedestrian system adjacent to Legislative Assembly Source: gorlinarchitects.com

Vehicular Pedestrain Water body

Site Plan 57

Case Study

Site Components 5 1

High Court

58

The structure of the High Court symbolises three ideas: The majesty of law, the protection of law and the power & fear of law.

1

The building has an L-shaped plan and houses eight double-height courtrooms and a triple height high court on the ground floor with offices above each court. The courtrooms are identically expressed on the main facade and are separated from the high court by the great entrance portico.

4 1

Legend 1 Entrance

3 Library 4 1

4 Court 5 High Court

A dramatic colour scheme has been evolved to enhance the visual delight of this building across the plaza. The three pylons of portico rise 18.3m from the ground and express the majesty of the law. They are rendered in cement and painted green, yellow and red respectively.

A double roof has been provided to protect the entire structure from the sun. The upper projecting roof in the form of a row of arches gives a protective feeling of the law. This roof, which slopes towards the centre, provides a trough from which the rainwater rushes out to heavy sprouts at either end of the building.

The space between the two roofs is open to allow free movement of air, cooling down the interiors considerably.

2 1

2 Lobby

Each courtroom is individually accessible by the public from the outside. On the southeastern side is a public entrance and a car park at a lower level.

The working areas of the building are shielded by brise-soleil on the north-west and the south-east facades.

3 1

4 1

5 1

3 1

Clockwise: 1. Ground Floor plan 2. Short Section through High Court & Library 3. Facade detail facing the plaza 4.North-west facade Sources: Le Corbusier & Peter Jeanneret, Wikipedia

Capitol Complex, Punjab

Secretariat

The ten storeyed Secretariat building houses the administrative offices of ministers and all their agencies. It is a reinforced concrete framed structure, separated by five expansion joints into six distinct bays.

of the sun but also to provide an excellent recreational space.

Five of the bays are almost identical, whereas the one containing the doubleheight offices of the ministers has been designed with special consideration.

For quick vertical circulation, the building is equipped with nine lifts and six staircases.

Two ramps protrude out of the building at an oblique angle, with small opening in the side walls for ventilation & light.

Clockwise: 1. South-east facade 2 & 3. Sections 4.Ground Floor Plan 5.Typical Floor Plan

The offices are arranged on either side of a central corridor on each floor. With keeping the ever changing requirements of the spaces, the floor area is arranged into required space units by removable partitions which define the space demarcation.

The building is oriented to obtain max. benefit of the wind direction for effective cross ventilation and to provide an unobstructed view of the hills as well as the city.

The secretariat is topped by a roof garden which has been designed not only to insulate the building against the direct rays

4

Sources: Le Corbusier & Peter Jeanneret, Wikipedia

4

5

6

2

1

Legend 1 Parking 2 Entrance Hall 3 Garages 5

3

4 Service Core 5 Offices 6 Bridge

4

4

59

Case Study

Other Monuments

Le Corbusier conceived certain symbols that are installed in the Capitol Complex as monuments. These monuments include the Martyrs’ Memorial, the Monument of Solaris Hours, the Tower of Shadows, the Modular Sculpture, the Harmonic Spiral, the Trench of Consideration, and the Open Hand.

The Martyrs’ Memorial is placed between the Assembly Hall and the High Court. Dedicated to the Martyrs of Punja, it consists of a square enclosure with one side elongated into a ramp creating a rising & descending pathway.

The Monument of Solaris Hours comprises of an artificial hill that is geometric in form.

The Tower of Shadows consists of a series of luvers oriented to the cardinal points and a brise-soleil on the three sides. The angles, vertical louvers are designed to cut off the sun on the eastern and western sides. The southern side has straight vertical louvers. The spacing of the horizontal and vertical louvers is based on a scientific study of the angles of the sun round the year.

The Harmonic Spiral and the Modular Sculpture are placed to the right of the main pedestrian approach.

The most prominent of all the monuments, the Open Hand, measures 12.5m by 9.0m. It defines the northern edge of the Capitol Complex and shows a man-made sculptural form against the backdop of the Shivalik hills.

It crowns an excavated plaza called the Trench of Consideration, which was conceived as a forum of debates on vital public affairs. Rising 27m from a sunken pavilion with seating arrangements around it, the giant hand is designed to rotate on ball bearings fitted on a shaft to indicate the direction of the wind. It is covered with polished steel grey metals.

Top to Bottom: 1. The Martyr’s Memorial 2. The Monument of Solaris Hours 3. The Tower of Shadows 4. The Trench of Consideration and The Open Hand Sources: Le Corbusier & Peter Jeanneret, weitweg.ch 60

Capitol Complex, Punjab

The Legislative Assembly Entrances The entrances are segregated for all principle users (such as speaker, MLA’s, journalists, legislative staff, General public etc) to give them a separate system of lobbies, staircases and ramps.

A separate entrance for the speaker, governor and the ministers can be found on the north-east side of the building

The entrance for the staff and the members can be found at the south-west direction; this entrance is approached from the parking plaza outside on the lower level.

A connecting bridge that further connects the secretariat and the plaza with the assembly building can be used to access the building on the upper level.

A ceremonial entrance contains a pivoted door is placed towards the south-east end of the building. This door can be used to access a columnar lobby from the grand plaza. This door is provided as a ceremonial entry for the Governor when he opens the Assembly session. A rich range of images that convey multiple meaning has been painted on this 25'25' door by Le Corbusier himself. It was built as a gift from Govt of France to India.

VIP Entrance Staff/Member Entrance Ceremonial Entrance

Clockwise: 1. Ground Floor Plan showing various entrances to the building 2. Pedestrian Bridge Entrance 3. Ceremonial Entrance 4. Staff/Member Entrance 5. Detail of Ceremonial Door Sources: Le Corbusier & Peter Jeanneret, weitweg.ch 61

Case Study

Zoning and Layout

The Assembly Hall has a square plan. The Assembly Chamber in the form of a hyperbolic shell, is surrounded by a ceremonial space.

This circulation space which is a triple height columnar hall is dimly lit. It is meant for informal meetings and discussions.

A bank of four storey office spaces protected by brise-soleil is spread on three sides.

The Lower ground floor is accessed from the parking and contains a series of ramps that leads up to the ground floor level, or the outer plaza level.

The upper floor contains similar arrange-

ment, and additionally contains the visitors’ and the journalists’ lounges, which are used to reach the respective galleries in either chambers.

The Governor’s Council (Vidhan Parishad) is accessed at this upper level, but is currently used by the Govt. of Haryana as their assembly chamber.

Legend 1 Ceremonial Entrnace

7 Pool

2 Offices

8 Governor’s Council

3 The Forum

9 Journalists’ Lounge

4 Assembly Chamber

10 Committee Room

5 Bridge Entrance

11 Visitors’ Lounge

6 Service Core

12 Balcony

2

6

6

3

10

4

5

2

10

1

7 62

7

Ground Floor

Capitol Complex, Punjab

Clockwise: 1. Lower Ground Floor Plan 2. Section through Assembly Chamber 3. Section entry ramps 4. First Floor Plan Sources: Le Corbusier & Peter Jeanneret, serial-design.com

6

2 6

10

4

2 11

10

8

9

12

First Floor 63

Case Study

Circulation

Separate circulation means have been designed to segregate the movement of different user groups by allowing them to enter the building from distinct entrances.

The Forum acts as the major horizontal circulation space of the ground floor.

As far as the offices are concerned, they fall beside a singly loaded corridor at all instances in the building.

For vertical circulation, ramps can be accessed from the Forum that leads to lobby areas on the upper floor which further leads to the Assembly Chamber.

Another ramp leads to the Governor’s Council on a higher level.

Other means of vertical circulation include several staircases and lifts at different instances of the building. An identical set of circulation cores can be found at either ends of the office block.

Horizontal Vertical Clockwise: 1. Ground Floor Plan showing horizontal and vertical circulation ares 2. First Floor plan showing horizontal and vertical circulation areas 3. Ramp leading up to the Second Floor 4. Ramp leading up to the Ground Floor Sources: Le Corbusier & Peter Jeanneret, serialdesign.com

64

Capitol Complex, Punjab

Building Components Offices

Offices spaces occupy four floors on three sides of the perfectly square plan and are protected by the harsh sun by Corbusier’s characteristic brise-soleil.

The offices include offices of Ministers, Chief Minister, Speaker, committee rooms, secretaries to the government and the legislative secretariat

These offices are segregated from the main areas of the assembly by virtue of their independent circulation.

The Forum

The Forum is a dimly lit triple height columnar space all around the assembly are which serves as a circulation space as well as a space for informal gathering and discussions.

The office spaces run all around the forum and can be accessed through it at certain points.

Assembly Chamber

The Assembly Hall is a circular hall that is covered by a hyperbolic shell structure which measures 124' in diameter.

The chamber has seating provision for all members in a U-shaped arrangement with the seat of the speaker at the center. Govt officials and speaker’s guests are seated behind him.

The Assembly hall has distinct entrances on the lower floor for different user groups.

Three galleries have been provided on the first floor, one for journalists, one for visitors and one only for ladies

The assembly chamber contains several tapestries hanging on the inward wall of the shell; this has been done to create sound absorbing surfaces and reduce the reverberation time inside the assembly chamber for a desired acoustic effect, and also to enhance the aesthetics.

Top to Bottom: 1. Ground Floor Plan showing horizontal and vertical circulation areas Sources: Le Corbusier & Peter Jeanneret, serialdesign.com

65

Case Study

The seating capacity in the Assembly Hall is as follow:

2 1

Members’ Seats

210

Secretaries Gallery

50

Ministers’ Gallery

27

Ladies’ Gallery

86

D.V. Gallery

26

Ex. MLA Gallery

16

Official Gallery (1)

28

Official Gallery (2)

21

Group Gallery

40

Visitors’ Gallery

40

Press Gallery

23

Governor’s Bar

38 (with one sofa set)

4

3

Assembly Chamber Ground Floor

Legend

5

1 Speaker

6 Journalists’ Gallery

2 Government Officials

7 Ladies’ Gallery

3 MLAs

8 Visitors’ Lounge

4 Secretaries

9 Journalists’ Lounge

5 Visitors’ Gallery

10 MLCs 3

6

8

7 7

9 10 6

Assembly Chamber First Floor 66

Capitol Complex, Punjab

Architectural Characters

On of the main design features of this building is a giant portico facing the high court through the plaza, and rests upon eight thin piers. In abstract analogy, the portico seems like a Bull, symbolising that Indian democracy stands firm footed.

Rain water of the entire building spills out at the either ends of the canopy, falling into the reflecting pools. It functions both as an umbrella and a gutter for the water.

On top of the roof are three interrelated parts: a hyperbolic shell, a pyramid and a lift tower. The hyperbolic shell is designed to provide light to the assembly hall whereas the pyramid lights the governor’s council.

The distinct identity of the hyperbolic shell highlights the importance of the legislative assembly. The shell is designed to be the focal point for the building and a crowning point for its exterior spaces. Le Corbusier remarked that he was inspired by the chimneys of Sabarmati power plants in Ahemdabad for the shape of assembly shell.

Assembly building from South Photo: The Hindu

The upper portion of the assembly chamber and the pryramidal skylight of the governor's council, were allowed to extend beyond the roofline . Thus, breaking the silhoutte of the building and adding sculptural elements to the roofline which th en play against t he jagged forms of the surrounding mountains. Additionally, a small maintance tower with access bridge was added in order to service the skylight atop the assembly chamber.

One single material is employed: naked Reinforced Concrete. Concrete was chosen because it was cost effective, it establishes bold forms sensitive to light and shade , and it gives the building an "ancient quality". Small bas-reliefs of animals, abstract designs, and the modulor figure are found in the concrete columns of the the portico and other wall surfaces.

In the Capitol Complex itself, placement of various buildings is such to avoid a static balance of rigid geometry and at the same time to preserve the alignment along a coss axis to give a visual cohesion.

Aerial view of Assembly Building from West Photo: greatbuilding.com

South-East Elevation

67

Case Study

Inferences

Climatically, the building has not proved to be satisfactory. There is severe lack of natural ventilation inside the building, and triple height spaces mean that it is also difficult to air condition such huge volumes of air.

Le Corbusier’s artistic symbolism gave him widespread acclaim, but the forms and shapes he used in the building bears no context with the culture or arts of Punjab.

68

Le Corbusier had anticipated concrete to be a durable material, which would not degrade for decades. But this has not been the case, as the exterior surface of these buildings is in dire need of conservation and prevention from further damage.

There is also lack of natural light inside the building. Especially the Forum, which has very few sources of natural light and triple height ceiling makes it difficult to illuminate the space using artificial fixtures.

Similar condition can be found with the Assembly chamber; although the roof has a large opening for light but it is obstructed by the sculptural forms on it. The artificial light installed inside the chamber is dis-

tracting and inefficient.

Use of tapestries instead of permanent murals by he architect has led to maintenance issues; at many instances, the tapestries are rotting away and are in need for conservation.

The original design had little consideration for security issues inside the Capitol Complex. The security was beefed up considerably after Punjab’s CM Beant Singh was assassinated in the Secretariat in 1995.

This has led to various alterations in circulation routes and changing entry points, which has degraded the aesthetic appeal of the complex on the whole.

Huge amount of earth excavated to create lower ground levels for vehicular movement have been dumped to create artificial hills along the site of the Capitol Complex.

These hills are intended to cut-off the city from the complex, which is an undemocratic ideology; this adds to the fact that the Capitol Complex is placed at the edge of the city, giving an impression that it wants to keep the people out.

Comparative Analysis Considerations

Maharashtra Assembly Building

Bhopal Legislative Assembly

Punjab Legislative Assembly

Ideal Scenario

Urban Context

High Density Urban

Low Density Urban

Low Density Urban, Secluded

Medium Density, should not be secluded

Approach

Singular entry gate from a high traffic zone

Multiple entry gates from medium traffic road

Multiple entry gates from low/medium traffic road

Multiple entry gates from medium traffic zones

Entry Points

Single Entry and Exit for all users groups

Multiple entry gates for different user groups

Three distinct entry routes

Different entry routes for different user groups

Concept & Form

Modernist style with vertical setup

Contemporary interpretation of traditional Indian concepts

Brutalist, Modernist Architecture with high symbolism

Contemporary, but takes inspiration from local precedents

Zoning

Initially two levels, Assembly and office block, further zoned on vertical levels.

Plan divided into nine identical & interconnected zones based on the Mandala Concept

Plan divided into three zones Offices, Forum and Chambers

Zoning based on function & user activity, connected through seamless spaces on various levels

Circulation

Heavy reliance on means of vertical circulation.

Primary circulation at horizontal level, creates huge distances between regularly commuted points

Compact form, equal reliance on vertical and horizontal circulation

Regularly commuted points should fall under horizontally circulated, form should be compact

Chambers and Offices

Separate & distinct blocks, offices and chambers stacked on top of each other

Both chambers seamlessly connected with office spaces, but some offices are far off

Chamber is centrally located with offices all around and equidistant

Chamber can be placed anywhere within the building but should be easily accessible from the offices

Visual Character

Fails to create much symbolism, but at the same time defines the locale with its recocnisable exterior

Use of natural stone, dome and local art give it a very regional character and easily associated with the state

Use of exposed concrete and abstract symbolism fails to generate any connection with culture of state

Should be seamlessly associated with the regional context and should fit right in

69

Site Analysis

Site Analysis Site Location The site selected for the Capitol Complex is a riverfront site located in the region allocated for the construction of the new capital city in Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh.

Vijayawada

Cimate The climate of the area is generally hot and humid. The summer season in this state generally extends from March to June.

During these months the moisture level is quite high. The coastal areas have higher temperatures than the other parts of the state. In summer, the temperature generally ranges between 20 째C and 40 째C. At certain places the temperature is as high as 45 degrees on a summer day.

The summer is followed by the monsoon season, which starts during July and continues till September. This is the season for heavy tropical rains in Andhra Pradesh.

The major role in determining the climate of t h e s t a t e i s p l a y e d b y S o u t h -W e s t Monsoons. About one third of the total rainfall in Andhra Pradesh is brought by the

Site

Vijayawada

Kr

ish

na

Ri

Hills

ve

70

r

Satellite Imagery demarcating the Capital Region

Site Analysis

Satellite Imagery demarcating the site for the Capitol Complex

North-East Monsoons around the month of October in the state.

The winters in Andhra Pradesh are pleasant. This is the time when the state attracts most of its tourists. October to February are the winter months in Andhra Pradesh. Since the state has quite a long coastline,[1] the winters are comparatively mild. The range of winter temperatures is generally from 13 째C to 30 째C.

Site Photo

Topographic Analysis

71

Site Analysis

Site Characteristics Site is mainly under agricultural use.

There are minor water bodies on the site.

Two HT lines run across the site

Site Photos

72

Site Analysis

Area Programme Description

Area (sqm)

1. Entrances Public Entrance VIP Entrance Staff Entrance

200 150 150

2. Legislative Assembly Hall Seating for 200 members 50 seats for VIPs 10 seats for Reporteers 50 for Government Officials

350 40 15 40

3. Galleries VIP Gallery with 25 seats Press Gallery with 40 seats Men’s Gallery with 40 seats Women’s Gallery with 25 seats

30 35 35 25

4. Legislative Council Hall Seating for 100 members 25 Seats for VIPs Galleries for 30 Visitors Galleries for 30 journalists

150 25 25 25

5. VIP Chambers Speaker’s chamber with retiring room, attached toilet, PA & Conference Room Deputy Speaker’s Chamber with retiring Room, attached toilet. PA & Meeting Room Chief Minister’s Chamber with retiring Room, attached toilet, PA and Meeting Room 6. Additional Chambers Opposition Leader with PA Chairman of Major Committee with PA - 2 Minor Committee Chairman with PA - 4 Ruling Party Office Opposition Party Office Chamber for 20 ministers with PA Deputy Secretary with PA - 2 Additional Secretary with PA - 4 Principal Secretary with PA and Retiring Room Cabinet Meeting Room Secretary to Chief Minister

100 75 100

50 50 50 75 50 40 50 50 75 250 50 73

Area Programme

74

Description

Area (sqm)

5 Conference Rooms Common Hall with 600 seating capacity Chief Whip - 2

175 2000 50

7. Committee Rooms Major Committee Rooms - 4 Minor Committee Rooms - 2

50 30

8. Office Block Accounts Section Member’s Pension Section Budget Section IT Branch Legislative Branch Establishment Branch Employees Branch Reference & Enquiry Branch Petition Department Treasury and Cash Section Reporteer’s Section Record Room Marshal’s Room Security Staff room Pass Office Question Branch Information Branch Store Section Press Wing Stationary Section

75 60 75 50 75 75 60 60 75 75 60 50 50 75 60 90 75 60 100 60

9. Library Book Hall Research Section Manuscripts Legislature Record Section Chief Librarian Assistant Librarian

300 100 60 60 40 30

10. Restaurant For Members For staff & Public

300 400

11. Miscellaneous Booking Hall for Air, Rail Bank/ATM Post Office Public relations office Allopathy Dispensary Homeopathy Dispensary

24 40 40 60 50 50

Area Programme

Description

Area (sqm)

Fire Fighting Equipment Storage Stationary Branch STD/PCO Center Telephone Exchange Typing Xerox Room Sports and Fitness center Toilets, Lifts, Staircases

60 50 30 40 40 75

12. Services Electric Substation AC Plant Room Fire Reserve Tanks Sewage Treatment Plant Dom/Raw store tanks

100 125

75

Design Criteria

Design Criteria a) Form

The form of the Capitol Complex will endorse a contemporary design with taking inspiration from regional culture and history. The Overall impact of the building will not be dominating as other Capitol Complexes of India. Rather than being secluded, it will be an integral part of the city, totally accessible by the general public.

b) Zoning

Since there will be areas that will be accessible to the public, heavy emphasis will be laid on efficient zoning that segregates the VIPs/members from the public so as to take care of the security issues. Separate entry points and circulation routes for all user groups will be laid out so as not to conflict with each other.

c) Urban Public

The Complex will be so designed that it forms an integral public space for the city.

Multifunction spaces shall be developed by carefully considering the needs and activities of user groups; these spaces would act as public parks, event grounds etc. with democratic symbols serving as their backdrop.

d) Interactive Spaces within the Buildings

76

The buildings themselves would be climate responsive and would use natural light to great artistic effect. The Assembly building shall have a series of interconnected spaces that invite interaction by varying levels within the building and by laying out subtle circulation patterns.

Bibliography

Bibliography 1. Books & Articles 1. Vale, Lawrence; Architecture, Power & National Identity (Routledge Publishing Co. 1992) 2.Marcus, Clare Cooper. Francis, Carolin; People Places: Design Guidelines for Urban Open Space (John Wiley & Sons. 1998) 3. Article: Yeang, Kennit; Technical Report on Dhaka Assembly Building (Aga Khan Foundation. 1996) 4. Technical Report on Dhaka Assembly Building by Aga Khan Foundation 5. Khan, Hasan-Uddin; Charles Correa: Architect in India (Butterworth Architecture. 1987) 6. Technical Report on Dhaka Assembly Building by Aga Khan Foundation 7. Bahga, Sarabjit. Bahga, Surinder; Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret (Galgotia Publishing Company. 2000) 8. Nilsson, Sten; The New Capitals of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh (Studentlitteratur, 1975)

2. Internet 1. http://www.archive.india.gov.in/knowindia/proďŹ le.php?id=24 2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palace_of_Assembly_%28Chandigarh%29 3. http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-sundaymagazine/powersymbols-of-a-new-era/article790538.ece

77