Portfolio

URBANISM PORTFOLIO

E’Lina Liza

+49 1773293140 | elina.jdf@gmail.com

CONTENTS

PROJECTS

Masters

Smart Apolda [Apolda, Germnay]

Unleashing the power of sub-centres with digitalization

Uitwaaien [Heerlen, Netherlands]

Development as ecosystems - Internship

Bachelors

Ernakulam Market [Kochi, Kerala]

Catalytic Redevelopment - Thesis

Vadi Harbour [Thangassery Fishing Harbour, Kollam]

Induced Symbiosis - Group Studio Project

Werk 14 [Munich, Germany]

Development as ecosystems - Internship

Buniyaad [Bhopal, MP]

Neighborhood Resilience - Competition

Urban Trails [Munich, Germany]

Urban Appreciation - Competition

Based on our study, we have discerned that Thuringia is trapped in a cycle of decline, with the most significant impact felt by the subcenters and villages within the landscape continuum. To break this cyc;e it is important that not just major cities like Ehrfurt, Jena and Weimar grow, but also smaller centers like Apolda, Nordhausen and Eisenach.

Our objective entails establishing a novel network of virtual development corridors alongside the existing mobility-driven spatial development corridor. This endeavor yields a series of interconnected sub-centers, characterized by tailor-made integrated planning. Through a fusion of spatial and digital strategies, we seek to disrupt the cycle of decline and guide Thuringia into its next phase of existance.

To actualize this goal, our initial focus centers on Apolda, designated as our Proto-lab. Functioning akin to an urban laboratory, Apolda will serve as a crucible for experiments and initiatives. Much like a prototype, the outcomes will be shared and analyzed within the local context, extending to other prospective zones. This process culminates in a network of laboratories united by shared aims and objectives.

#Conceptualization #Rendering

De-registrations

Registrations 2015 2000

Business cancellations per 100 registrations <100 >110 2021

<370 >430 Employees per 1000 inhabitants 2021

Un-employment Rate

Employees 2015 2000

Gotha Eisenach

+ <5 + <5 - <3 Migration gain per 1000 inhabitants 2021

>1000 <700 Tax collecting power in EUR per inhabitant

Old/New Federal

Nordhausen Heilbad Heiligenstadt Sommerda Ilmenos

Arnstadt

+ >3% - <10% - <22% Change in population 2021

Born alive

Deaths 2015 2000

Tax Revenue 2015 2000

Abroad 2015 2000 2021

Smart Apolda MOVING

LIVING WORKING Ehrfurt

Apolda Altenburg Rudolstadt Saalfield Schleiz

Inclusive housing for refugees and immigrants promote indirect social integration.

A ordable accomodation for students is encouraged to manage vacancy in the city.

Existing cultural heritage of Bell Foundry and Textiles is made accessible digitally for updates and bookings.

Educational institutes are repurposed temporally to t in community centers and youth recreation facilities.

Recognizing the limitations of digitization and its inability to address all challenges, we have developed a comprehensive toolkit that combines inclusive spatial strategies with cutting-edge technologies. The European Union and Germany has established numerous policies to facilitate this transition. Notably, we have drawn inspiration from the Recovery and Resilience Plan as a cornerstone of our project.

Local Action Groups (LAGs)

Old houses are renovated to speci cations

Commuity spaces are rented for youth initiatives Student Refugee O ce

Property is enlisted under one of the 3 categories. Individual choose property based on requirements

Enter a waiting list for the property

Smarti cation brings a revolution in Buisness allowing greating reach and more e cient collaboration.

Collaborations with local SMEs and retired experts creates an ecosystem for growth.

A new department of the Bauhaus University is extended in Apolda for Casting/Material Sciences and Textile.

These centers allow start-ups, especially by students of Weimar, Jena and Salle to grow with guidance,

This integrated toolkit focuses on three distinct themes: Housing, Mobility and Employment. These themes revolve around community needs and are underpinned by a framework of progressive governance and digitalization support.

Enrolled students will be able to use these spaces at subsidised rates

Occupancy and demad

It includes a public portal with list vacant properties that are subsidised by the government.

PLAN(RRP) E-bikes and Shared Cars can be rented based on current availability.

Workstations can be booked during speci c times

real-time

of Apolda Live updates on public transport along with real-time vacancy can be accessed

The expansion of the three central hubs—living, working, and moving—is bolstered by strategic land use guidelines. These specifications streamline and prioritize growth in the optimal direction. Facilitating the integration of the new population and fostering digital proficiency among the broader community form integral components of our master plan. To realize these goals, we have devised a strategy wherein educational facilities, often underutilized outside their regular hours of operation, are repurposed. These spaces are transformed into youth recreation facilities and community centers, effectively maximizing their utility and contributing to social engagement. This innovative approach exemplifies our commitment to holistic development and efficient resource utilization.

Our project envisions a decade-long journey ahead. Acknowledging that Apolda’s transformation requires time and gradual progress, we adopt an incremental approach. We commence by enhancing existing facilities, a strategic move aimed at facilitating the town’s evolution. The initial phase will witness a surge in infrastructure and mobility initiatives, laying the foundation for immediate digitalization efforts. buildings. This phase coincides with the launch of our start-up hub extablished in repurposed vacant. As the population stabilizes, we progressively introduce new facilities. Our timeline strategically incorporates stakeholder engagement every 3-4 years, fostering ongoing collaboration and adaptation.

Uitwaaein

Heerlen 2.0 | Academic Project

The district of Heerlen North is suffering from de-urbanization since the closure of the mines in 1960s. There is an increased level of drug abuse and lower economic and social standards. The brief of the economic project required us to create a new vision plan for Heerlen to make it more sustainable and ready for the future.

The site analysis revealed that Heerlen had an existing strong connection to nature and therefore the project tried to enhance this connection and build the community around it. The project Uitwaaien, which means “to take a walk in the wind” - to go outside - connects the different green patches in the district and culminates intro the Brunssummerheide, which is a natural reserve.

The water canal that is currently under water is brought to the surface and a walking and cycling path is created along it. This separates that cycling path from the main automobile network creating a movement that is more comprehensible in the human scale.

Activities like Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is introduced in the district through collaborations between R&D institutes and farmers in the vicinity. The idea is to create a clientele outside the district of Heerlen, who will now recognize the district for its urban farms rather than the existing negative image.

Several landmarks and transport hubs are also created to increase connectivity. Through these various interventions we have tried to invert the face of the city of Heerlen and made it turn towards nature literally and figuratively.

#Conceptualization

CONCEPTUAL VIEW FOR HEERLEN 2.0

The idea is to create a Heerlen that is wraped in nature and rejuvinates through it.

#Rendering

YEAR: 2022 | LOCATION: HEERLEN, NETHERLANDS | SEMESTER: 1TH | TYPE: ACADEMIC (M.SC - TCR)

What does a successful dutch city look like?

HEERLEN ON AMSTERDAM WEST AMSTERDAM WEST ON HEERLEN

NEW NETWORKS

To solve the issue of it being a dispersed and disconnected city, several connected networks of nature, mobility were created.

Landuse: Built

Mixed land use, commercial areas spread out and present in strips along streets

Landuse: Built

Largely Residential and no anchor points

Landuse: Green

Strong water network. Designated green spaces

Landuse: Green

More green spaces but unutilised. Very few green spaces used for recreation

Transportation:

Public Transport Transportation: Public Transport

Grid-like and clear network. More permeable Organised spaces

Transport network looks unplanned and labyrinthic

Transportation:

Vehicular Traffic

Smaller blocks provide more options and alternate routes for navigation and are safer.

Transportation: Vehicular Traffic

Large and random blocks. Difficult to navigate

Brunssummerheide Green Forefront Koumenberg Green-Blue Corridor

Zilverzond Groeve Repurposing mining Area

Kamperheideweg Mobility Hubs

Vrieheide Orientation Points

KOUMENBERG

ZwembadHoensbroek

RESTRUCTURING MOBILITY

All the roads that run parallel to the Green corridor will be either be replaced or redirected so that they don’t form a boundry along the green corridor and divide it.

EXISTING CONDITION REROUTING RELOCATION

PLAN - KOUMENBERG

Streets like Koumenweg, that cut through the green corridor are redirected so as to not create a boundry in the corridor.

Koumenberg

Allotment plots are ceated in the green corridor and given on rent to public to carry out urban farming.

MOBILITY LAYER ECOLOGY LAYER INTEGRATED LAYER

Throughout Heerlen Nord the mobility layer is restructured to accomodate the green corridor. While the existing cycling lanes will still be in function, new major cycling routes are introduced in along the green corridor. Having people using this route will make the green the face of the city.

All green patches in the region are connected to create one continuous ecosystem. This ecosystem not only acts as a natural corridor, but also includes interactive spaces for recreaton. The canals that are currently located without a recognition are made more accessible to the public.

Together with mobility and nature we have tried to change the direction in which the city of Heerlen’sfuture lies. This is meant to not only improve the natural-tourism in the nation but also build a positive identity for the city.

Cycle Network Automobile Network

Gravin van Schönbornlaan

Burgemeester Slanghenstraat

Koumenweg

Demstraat

To Brunssummerheide

Canal Bioswale Intersecting Major Road Walking & Cycling Track Urban Farming Plot

YEAR: 2020 | LOCATION: BERLIN, GERMANY | SEMESTER: 8TH | TYPE: INTERNSHIP (LP-3 & 5)

Werk 14 [Munich, Germany]

Development as ecosystems | Internship

Affordability and agglomeration are issues that plague cities today. Improper planning framework and lack of coordination between the government and the public has propelled this issue further, deepening the economic divide spatially. The city of Munich, through its dedication for socio-spacial equality and belief in technology has moved farthest towards a better balanced spatial development through ‘innovative districts’. This makes Werksviertel district development located to the East of the Ostbahnof metro station, the most important innovative locations in the city. Over the past one and a half decades the district has created a collaboration between the family owned landownerinvestors through ‘catalytic investments’. The city government has used a special policy called SoBon (Sozialgerechte Bodennutzung) - the ‘social and fair use of plots’ that collects 30% of the profit gained in the property and utilizes it to develop social infrastructure in the district, in exchange for development rights. Thus, promoting an equitable way of life.

The project Werk 14 is located at the center of the district, at the junction between the cultural and residential zones. Owned by Otec GmbH, the largest stakeholder in the Werksviertel district, Werk 14 is a pet project of the owner and has been designed as a model of placemaking that aims to attract a mix of larger and smaller tenants, retain the heritage value of the place such that it creates a continuity from the past and maintain the standards of a high performing green environment. worked on the project during my internship at Hild und K, Berlin under the guidance of Mr. Volker Goerz. The project was in the LP3 stage of development which includes the development of construction drawings. I was also involved in implementing revisions based on the comments from the planning authority.

#Modelling, #LP3 #Drafting

FRONT EXTERIOR VIEW

The front facade is designed to create a seamless flow from the built into the unbuilt

Vadi Harbour [Thangassery Fishing

Induced symbiosis | Group Studio Project

Kollam or Quilon is one of the first port towns in the Malabar coast, sandwiched between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, to the South of India. Previously when the economy of the district depended on fishing, the identity of the place was formed by the fishermen community. The shores were always bustling with the melodies of the fishermen’s songs rising in tune with the waves. But in the recent years, urbanization and a move away from the primary sector, has left this community vulnerable to socio and economic variations. The once dominating community adorns a heterotopian identity today and is looked down as ‘other’ in its own neighborhood. The aim for the project was to re-brand this identity of the fishermen by inducing a symbiotic relationship between different neighborhoods in an attempt to uplift the community socially and economically. The former is achieved by elevating the existing identity and the latter by providing economic opportunities.

The studio gave us flexibility in choosing the site and the context we would like to address. This gave us an opportunity to identify the most vulnerable community in Kollam and work on rebranding it as a model for future rejuvenation attempts. My time at HuK, Berlin strongly influenced my ideology to focused my study towards developing socio-spatial equality through strategic placemaking and catalytic investment. The design of the project was done after an intensive study of the site involving place definition and stakeholder identification, urban analysis and issue identification, and finally, vision definition and design framework. The project connects the identified tourism district and commercial district by the introduction of a cultural district creating an economy mutually dependent on and beneficial to the communities.

A time of 5 members worked on this project. Our prior knowledge of the town help us communicate with the members of the community better and understand their dilemmas. I lead the team during the various discussions especially the urban analysis and the development of the design framework.

#Urban Analysis #Design framework development #Design strategy

The front facade is designed to create a seamless flow from the built into the unbuilt

Kollam or Quilon is one of the ancient civilizations in India. Sandwiched between the Western Ghats and the Arabian sea, it offers unique natural features. It is one of the oldest port cities in the Malabar coast and was the capital city of historic Venad Kingdom and the Travancore Kingdom in Southern India. A few kilometers away from the center of the city lies Thangassery, a heavily populated beach area, with the famous St. Thomas fort ruins which was built by the Portuguese. The coast is protected by a breakwater (constructed in 1988) ,and the Fort and the Lighthouse are located at the end of it. The name Thangassery comes from the middle to high income community living adjacent to the lighthouse, even though majority of the beach is occupied by the fishing community.

Most of the precinct was built in the last 40 years and reflects the problems of socio-spatial inequality brought about by rapid unplanned urbanization. The neighborhoods can be classified into zones that correspond to the economic status of the residents, with the Thangassery residents being socially dominant. This calls for a re-imagination of the precinct to achieve better socio spatial equity.

TRANSITION OVER THE YEARS

The land, once owned by the Anglo-Indian community, was sold off to different buyers, dividing the plot into smaller parcels.

The temporary structures of the market was replaced by more permanent buildings made on a concrete plinth. Several amenities were built for the smooth functioning of the market.

Some parts of the fishers’ residence were renovated by the government under subsidized schemes. The most notable among them is the Laurie Baker’s Colony that was built using the low-cost design principles of the famous Architect Laurie Baker

Development of Thangassery Residence

Development of Vadi Market

Development of Fishermen Colonies

Vadi Market

Built to Unbuilt Ratio: More open spaces than built

Grain: Coarse Grained

Texture: Uneven texture

Building Height: Single - Double storied

Building Typology:

-Modern house, compound wall, front yard/backyard with landscape/ gardening

-Unauthorized dwellings with brick, laterite and concrete blocks, with sheet roofing

Built to Unbuilt Ratio: Built as much as unbuilt

Grain: Fine Grained

Texture: Even texture

Building Height: Double storied

Building Typology:

-Permanent structures made with concrete blocks, having flat roofs

Built to Unbuilt ratio: Mostly built

Grain: Medium Grained

Texture: Even texture

Building Height: Single - Double storied

Building Typology:

-Permanent structure. Some have temporary extensions on the roof.

-Few houses with sloped roof made of GI sheets.

The difference in the pattern of development correlates to the change in the morphology of the precinct. Four classes of grain and texture were identified and the needs of these communities were individually assessed . This helped incorporate design tailored to the needs of the different communities.

Built to Unbuilt Ratio: Mostly unbuilt

Grain: Fine Grained

Texture: Slightly uneven texture

Building Height: Single storied

Building Typology:

-Temporary structures made of pitched sheets

-Some structures made of concrete with plinth and flat roof made of either Tin sheet or concrete

THANGASSERY RESIDENCE TSUNAMI HOUSING FISHERMEN’S COLONY

MORPHOLOGY STUDY

THANGASSERY FISHING HARBOUR

LIGHTHOUSE FORTRUINS

STUDY OF EXISTING NODES

Following the discussions with the stakeholders, a zone of intervention (Thangassery Beach) was selected and an urban analysis that focused on understanding the spatial differentiation and organization of demographic, social and economic chains were studied for that particular area.

NETWORKS CREATED

NODES IDENTIFIED

FISHING RESIDENTS

NIGHT | 10PM - 4AM

EVENING | 4PM - 7PM

MORNING | 10AM 3PM

Identified tourism node

Identified commercial node

Proposed cultural node

The study of activities based on the time helped generate nodes that were retained in the design intervention parallel to the cultural nodes established at the intersection of the existing tourism and commercial nodes.

PROPOSAL FOR NEW NODES AND NETWORKS

The design draws on the advantage brought upon by the presence of the tourism district in the site. The two major stakeholders, the fishermen and the tourists, are divided through circulation. On one hand, the fishermen are linked to the beach and the sea, while the tourists are restricted to the tourism district, which includes the Lighthouse, Fort ruins and the breakwaters and the city. Joining the two districts, through the creation of a cultural districts between the two can help make up for the connection that each of the two districts lack. This is done by the introduction of a pathway that loops in and out of the beach, integrating the two user groups at places where interaction is required, and dividing them at heavy density spaces where privacy and isolation is desired.

The sections of the beach where the fishermen rest during non-working hours had to be blocked to give them privacy. In these spaces commercial activities facing the street are introduced, to maintain the interaction with the beach without causing hindrance to the existing function. Existing abandoned buildings are re-purposed as shops for this.

Along spaces like the kindergarten, where privacy is required only during some times of the day, rotating panels are placed to give flexibility of usage. When the kindergarten is functioning, the panels are closed off for privacy and other times they are opened off to allow a continuous flow into the beach.

In some spaces the pathway is looped into the beach. Anchor points are located at the tip of such loops to encourage movement. Although there are no barriers, the change in materiality defines the pathway for the people, ensuring that the flow of people does not become too disruptive, especially when the market is busy.

For the project I proposed changing the name of the beach, from Thangassery Beach to Vadi Fishing harbor, drawing inspiration from Lakme, that was originally supposed to be called Laxmi, the Hindu Goddess of beauty. Giving the name a foreign feel, the company was able to create a luxurious identity. Similarly, the name of the place can create a sense of identity and belongingness for the fishermen.

The churches along the beach annually celebrate the coming of St. Thomas into Kollam. This is an important festival celebrated by the Christians in the fisherman community, and is extended into the open ground in front of the church allowing other people of the community to participate. This allows interaction between different communities of people.

The fort was previously disconnected from the Lighthouse and the Breakwater, due to the marshy land in between. We have connected the three tourism spots by laying elevated pathways that wind around the vegetation there. People now have a tangible link to the water because it is accessible where the tides are low and have the fishing experience firsthand with the standardized boat expeditions. The viewing deck allows people to see the three districts together in unison

The cultural center is designed to smoothen the transition between the tourist and the commercial zone. It holds activities like food stores and boat making shops. This will help the people connect with the boating community. It also has a picture frame that has the history of the place embedded into it. This will encourage more youngsters into the place, as the frames make for a good selfie-spot. Some of the abandoned structures are converted into covered dining spaces, whereas the shacks in this zone are converted into Tattu kadas (Informal kiosks that sell tea and other cooked items, freshly caught from the sea) . Thus the cultural district acts as a midpoint to these two districts and provides an alternate income for the members of the fishing community

The commercial district is designed such that the fishermen and the outsiders interact at non-dense spaces. The path winds into the beach at places and at places it is completely cut off to allow the fishermen privacy. The retail fish market is pushed towards the Beach road, while the wholesale market is retained closer to the coastline. This makes it easier for fishermen to carry their catch to the market for auctioning. Vehicular and pedestrian movements are clearly distinguished, to encourage safety. The abandoned structures are re-purposed as storage spaces for the nets.

The project therefore dissolves the heterotopian identity of the fishermen and establish a culturally adept public place for the city of Kollam. The project sustains on the development of mutually beneficial loops encouraged by economic instinctive and guided by social values.

Ernakulam Market [Kochi, Kerala]

Catalytic Redevelopment | Undergraduate Thesis

Kochi is one of the fastest growing economies in Kerala thanks to the upcoming IT sector in the perurban areas of the city. It invites thousands of migrants annually through attractive employment opportunities and incentives. This has lead to spatial congestion and a lack of public spaces in the city core. Despite the availability of space, the lack of innovation and maintenance has let many of the potential public space to remain in ruins. The project focuses on improving the condition of the public spaces in Kochi through the redevelopment of the Ernakulam Wholesale Market.

The 100 year old vegetable and meat market located in the center of the city was proposed to be designed into a ‘structured, highly accessible, and best-in-class shopping destination’ in order to resuscitate the high economic value of the decaying historic marketplace. The thesis conceptualized the redevelopment as a catalyst to propel the rejuvenation of the urban voids identified in the vicinity of the site. It is a part of the Area Based Development designed by the Cochin Smart Mission with an aim to ‘create a heritage rich, vibrant people friendly market are and public space, where diverse activities co-exist and help revive the market’s failing economy.’

The open spaces are developed as an extension to the marketplace and follow the model of a ‘Kavala’, an already existing, but diminishing typology of public space introduced in Kerala during the transition to a communist ideology. The model was successful and was able to gather positive results within a couple of decades. Irrespective of the political agenda behind it, the ‘Kavala’ was very successful in generating interactions and initiating conversations. The project imitates this success with an equitable approach to make it accessible across all demographies.

#Site Study and Analysis #Concept development #Design strategy

FRONT EXTERIOR VIEW

The central courtyard of the market functions as an ground for auctions in the morning and a sitting space when the market is open. The ‘Kavala’ in the center becomes an anchor point, encouraging people to rest and spend time interacting.

YEAR: 2021 | LOCATION: KOCHI, KERALA, INDIA | SEMESTER: 10TH | TYPE: UNDERGRAD THESIS

CONTEXT

The grid planning without adequate framework for the central open spaces has created several voids in the urban fabric of the city. The project identifies these voids and attempts to connect some of them together in a continuous network system with the help of catalytic redevelopments.

CONCEPT

DEFINITION OF ORIGIN

Selecting a space that can become a starting point for the rejuvenation of the network

VOID NETWORKING

Forming a joint network with the identified voids

COMMERCIAL TYPOLOGY STUDY

VOID PATTERN

Defining void pattern in the fabric of the existing urban core

BUILT USE

Understanding the current usage of space and the existing network in the region

The Ernakulam market area occupies 1.6 acres of land near the ancient Market Canal and is sandwiched between the recreational zone, Marine Drive, and MG Road. It serves as the city’s commercial and wholesale hub; a rectangular track wedged between Broadway Market and the Market Road with rows of single story shops. It is a secondary wholesale market that gets goods from brokers or through a new model called the Dynamic Information Model (DIM) that connects the members of the market directly to the farmers. The DIM eliminates the necessity of an intermediary, significantly reducing the rates. The products in the market are either sold to retailers through auction (like in the case of Banana) or are shopped off periodically under a contractual agreement signed by both parties. The functionality of the Secondary Wholesale Market, by its contract model, reduces the number of people actually visiting the market and significantly increases the number of loading/ unloading vehicles in the neighborhood.

To identify building level interventions, a detailed study on the existing typology of commercial spaces were made in the city of Kochi. The research resulted in the identification of three typologies based on the layout and orientation of the shops.

The first typology has shops arranged along a linear path. This allows every shop to have equal access to the road, therefore increasing the commercial value.

This often leads to spillover into the street adding to the imageability of the commercial spine. But, with the increasing gentrification, this model has become increasingly unsustainable economically.

EX: Broadway Market, Mattanchery Spice Market

This is the typology developed during the colonial rule for vegetable and fruit markets in the city. They are low density buildings, generally designed with an intrinsic planning. Market area pressures have pushed the development and accumulation of unauthorized hawkers at the entrance, increasing the congestion there.

EX: Ernakulam Market, Kaloor Market

This typology has shops arranges on multiple levels in a C-shaped layout. In most cases access is provided from the street to lower and upper ground floors. The floors have been converted into godowns due to the lack of footfall on these levels. This reduces the market’s potential to become culture producers

Ex: Koluthara Bazaar, GDCA Complex

Commission Agent Kochi Fishing Harbor

BUILDING LEVEL INTERVENTION

The Site and Literature study led to the identification of two districts adjacent to the site. Namely Cultural District – This includes the open space in the center of the block, the Central Juma Masjid and the Thekkumbagom Synagogue. The USP of this district is the rich religious heritage that it provides. Public District – It includes the Market Canal, the proposed Market Square and the Elevated Walkway. The projects proposed under the Area Based Development Plan for Ernakulam Market Area, under the Cochin Smartcity Mission Limited has tried to create a public friendly area around the Market Square and this idea has been respected for the purpose of the project.

These along with the commercial node are stitched together through the open spaces.

For the design of these open spaces a set of hexagonal modules were chosen and placed in accordance with the site context. These modules cater to aspects like continuity, resting spots, shade, circulation, etc.

MARKET COURTYARD

Owing to the need for a new commercial typology, an approach that goes beyond the context of an individual building is applied. Based on Gestalt’s principle of continuation, the site and its surroundings are tied together through the common fate of the public spaces they cover. The inspiration for the design of this open space is taken from an age old typology of public space that became common during the early 20th century, a Kavala.

A Kavala is a waiting room, library or a tea stall (Thattukada) – typically located at a junction – that is frequented by the locals. Frequently one can see one man with a newspaper, reading the headlines aloud, as others listen to him carefully. This demonstration is often followed by a full-blooded discussion that have at times turned heated.

The Kavala was first introduced into the urban fabric of Kerala in the early 1900’s in an attempt to spread communist ideologies to the masses. The approach sat well with the people of Kerala and a state with strong Marxist ideologies was set up in just two decades.

Politics aside, the Kavala was able to provide a platform for the initiation of a dialogue between people, both strangers and acquaintances. The project uses an abstract interpretation of this model to create a space that can induce public interaction in an otherwise deficit space, like a wholesale market. The resultant effect is a continuously flowing open public space that joins the neighborhood into one entity.

Transition Tile

Allows smooth transition from the street to the public space

Break Tile

Rest spots for the people moving about

Cooling Tile

Provides cover from the harsh climate of Kochi

Symbolic Tile

These represent the ‘Kavala’ that are generally located next to a tree

Movement Tile

Tiles can be modified to accommodate other activities like vertical movement etc.

FACADE DESIGN

Being a public building, it was important that the building be merged with the neighboring context and not stand out. Therefore an intensive study of the existing facades and the building heights was done to understand the character and imageability it possessed. The designed facade would also have to be in sync the climatological needs of the building and reduce the cooling load on the structure.

Monsoon ( June – September)

Based on the imageability study, it was necessary to break the bulky mass of the facade- both horizontally and vertically. As most of the radiation comes from the top and the West, the alternating concave and concave profile of the facade increases the thermal mass of the cover and provides mutual shading, thus reducing the overall temperature. This also breaks the facade of the building vertically. An introverted planning on the first floor breaks the mass horizontally while providing eyes on street.

Winter (October – December)

A SECTION OF THE NORTH-WEST FACADE

A SECTION OF THE NORTH-WEST FACADE

Inferences

BUILDING LEVEL INTERVENTION

Radiation Analysis

Located 9.9 degrees North of the equator, Kochi receives a lot of radiation from the top. In the past, the attic formed a buffer between the top and the rooms below.

High amount of radiation is received from the Roof and therefore necessary steps must be taken in order to reduce radiation from the above.

A double cover of corrugated sheets is a common sight in Kochi. This was initially put in place as a protection from the high precipitation that the city receives.

A similar element is designed to top the market structure, as a means to protect the terrace floor from constant rains and also provide a buffer against the harsh radiation.

The ground floor has an extroverted planning with the retail shops facing the exterior, allowing direct interaction with the street. The second and third floor have corridors and balconies facing towards the exterior, promoting eyes on street. Thus the front elevation is designed to have maximum interaction with the street, actively or passively.

In this way the open spaces in the vicinity are rejuvenated through the development of the marketplace. My aim is to develop a toolkit for the activation of other such urban voids in Kochi. The Cochin Smart Mission has announced the redevelopment of the canals in Kochi, and I believe that this project can help interconnect the urban voids network into a culturally adept public space network in Kochi. Connecting the urban void network to the water-scape can allow both these spaces to mutually develop into a network of decentralized open space.

would like to gain the necessary technological and environmental knowledge required to make this happen. The attention and technical advancement in terms of Ecosustainability in the Netherlands will give me the required technological and environmental knowledge needed to achieve this goal of connecting the whole of Kochi through a network of public open spaces. . This has the potential to become a model for other delta cities in the global south.

Buniyaad [Bhopal, MP]

Neighborhood Resilience| Competition

Team People, Nature, Network, Buildings, Data, Infrastructure, Power A city’s identity is manifold, and its parts considered explicitly are always at contest with one another. These contests maintain a delicate balance and flow amongst the parts - any disruption between which leads to stress in the city. Buniyaad identifies said parts in Bhopal, a city at the heart of India and further investigates a scenario where a disruption in one has led to a fracture in the city’s flow through the disjunction of the part itself. The Aalmi Tableeghi Ijtema, a four day festivity involving preaching of Islamic teachings, leads to a temporal 40% increase in the population. The resultant stress was deemed overbearing on its historic location surrounding Taj-Ul Masajid in the old city - owing to which the Ijtema is currently hosted in the outskirts at Islamnagar. This shift demands a greater networked infrastructure, pollutes the existing ecological system, and deprives greenfield of a sustainable crop. After expanding 30 times in area in less than two decades, the event faces a space crunch and seeks yet another location.

The Ijtema is an ephemeral part flowing in limbo, one that seeks resolution. Buniyaad identifies resilience as the ability to restore balance between the city’s parts by reinstating the Ijtema to its original location, one that continues to live in memory. Architecture is mobilized against its conventional rigid framework to form a flexible, adaptive, and polyvalent body, such that it caters to disruption through tactical and decentralized ephemeral urbanism.

My multi-lingual strength allowed me create a more comfortable environment for the people during our several discussions. I also contributed to the development of this unique vision and the strategy that can materialize this vision.

#Interviews #Conceptual development #Design strategy

A VIEW OF THE TERRACE

Following the path untraversed, the ephemeral population is displaced vertically onto the under utilized terraces, once again intergrating the event back into the city

Old Bhopal is a cultural hub with the food, the people and the way of living adding to the urban landscape indicating the magnitude of its history’s impact on the current settings. One such activity carried on for generations is the Ijtema, a four day congregation where the teachings of Islam are revived; a platform for mass marriages, sermons, and supplications.

Preparations begin two months prior to the event. Initially conducted in the core of the old city, the Ijtema moved in 2005 to Al Hafeez in Islamnagar - a village approximately 20 km away from the city center - to accommodate the growing population of participants each year. Although this reduces the strain of space on the city, it still doesn’t ease the strain added in terms of services. Moreover, it also adds an ecological and spatial strain on Islamnagar, where the greenfield operations have to be stopped for major part of the year to accommodate the devotees.

CLUSTERS

Underlying the typology of buildings and choosing target solution for each cluster.

SECTORS

Identifying looped networks for movement of services during the time of the festivities

78% Percentage of people allowing accommodation during the event

To avoid the disruptions faced by other communities, the state’s CM changed the five day proceeding to a three day event. It is a good deed to help others and would lend my terrace for allowing the community groups to stay.

~Sayed

Sadik Ali

“There is a shortage of space in Old Bhopal to accommodate the groups coming in. Using the terraces to create spaces for the groups is a unique idea and would create balance in an otherwise congested area. will happily lend my terrace for the accommodation of the groups”

~Shah Jahan Begum

Identifying precinct capable of managing the strain is identified

The proposal develops the re-rooted Ijtema as an ephemeral city existing vertically above on the old city’s underutilized terraces, an approach that 78% of the demographic appreciated based on a conducted survey. The ephemeral city relies on the old city for space and services, giving back an economic and infrastructural return. For a better understanding of the flow between moving parts, the proposal suggests parts be identified as interlaced parameters - Sociocultural, Ecological, and Economic, not as explicit and isolated entities.

01. Socio-Cultural: Mosques, a recurring typology in the area are identified as nodes to be woven together in a network of reliance and interdependence. A conscious understanding also establishes a network of non-Muslim community nodes for minority communities, as relief points for urban acupuncture.

02. Ecological: The deteriorating historically significant system of three terraced lakes; Motia Talab, Noor Mahal Talab, & Munshi Hussain Talab, are brought to attention through the engagement of identified stakeholders.

03. Economic: As an effective resource management strategy to empower the old city through its own resources, an existing system of material and craftsmen is catalysed. This system facilitates the circular flow of energy, waste and other resources such that it creates a zerowaste metabolism. The resultant is a framework of existing systems that effectively dissipate temporal stress, a multistability.

Informal irregularhousing

Set to make the city independent, the proposal also aims to bring together the diverse community within the city by forming a unique bond of mutual trust and sharing. It aims to make Bhopal resilient in the truest sense.

TYPOLOGY OF HOUSEHOLDS AND THEIR CORRESPONDING PROPOSITIONS

EPHEMERAL PLATFORM ON A CLUSTER OF REGULARLY COURSED HOUSEHOLD.

Terraces are connected to form a platform which are accessible from a temporary staircase

A double layered prefab structure is built, with private and public levels.

Flexible structure on each terrace with separate entrance from semi-private stairs.

Verticle transportation

INCREMENTAL DESIGN

Tarpaulin

Steel Box Type supports

Aluminum Platform

Aluminum Shores and Bracing Module

Horizontal

Based on the three typologies of houses identified a different combination of these modes are designed to best suit the desired functionality.

The modular and flexible approach towards the project creates a potential for it to be reused as public infrastructure around the city even after the conclusion of the four-day long Ijtema. This would generated a cyclic construction and demolition where parts of the materials can be reabsorbed into the urban fabric and parts can be stored, to be utilized in the next gathering.

Urban Trails [DesTech]

Permutations and combinations allow unlimited options as per the user’s preference.

Reached your spot?

Click pictures, create notes and see what others feel about this spot.

Rapid urbanization and a fast-paced lifestyle has caused us all to be alienated from our own surroundings. The application, Urban Trails (UT), attempts to reinstate a sense of appreciation for the urban neighborhood through exploration and documentation.

Based on crowdsourcing and Global Positioning System, UT encourages people to step out, explore their neighborhoods, recognize quirky spaces in one’s neighborhood and share them with the community. This creates a dialogue between different users about their perception of the place and how they would have liked to experience it. Thus, it caters to the needs of both its users - a documenter, someone who wishes to find new places; and an explorer, someone who wishes to experience these documented spots.

The application allows communication through different mediums like comments, images and sketches. It is designed to promote collaboration with the development authorities in various districts, allowing them to be aware of the sentiments and wishes of the people living in the community.

It will be the best platform for users to find places that particularly suit their needs, as the spots are tagged based on the mood they may evoke, typology, and functionality during their documentation, therefore allowing people to travel based on an idea of the holistic experience rather than more limited kinds of typical physical information.

#vernacular #religious 1237 XP

From: Lalghati To: Taj-Ul-Masjid

Radius:

Bumped into a new place?

Create a spot, but be certain before you do it. Others rely on your inputs.

Got an idea?

Save/Share it by sketching or writing as per your convenience.