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AN URBAN SANCTUARY VECTOR DESIGNS, PUNE Vector Designs is an architectural consultancy and landscape design firm that has partaken in several landscape projects by carefully studying the site conditions and context to generate sustainable solutions for specific situations. Text: Ayishwariya Balagopal | Images & Drawings: courtesy Vector Designs
Vector Designs has developed a vacant land along the storm water channels of Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune into a thriving ecological lung for the urban neighbourhood, benefitting both man and his macrocosm.
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rom once being a wasteland, a two-hectare strip along storm water channels in Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune is transformed by Vector Designs into a micro-ecosystem with flora and fauna. It is a conscious attempt at ecological development keeping in mind its social impact to stimulate change beginning from its immediate vicinity. It captures the interest of the people with the help of promenades, fountains and healing gardens. The site consists of two lakes that serve as natural catchment basins; one of which is connected to a stream. For the purpose of recreation various amenities are provided within a built-up area of 197sqm. A project of this scale aids in improving the micro-climate of the place and is a refreshing change from the monotonous concrete blocks of a city. The site, initially found to be non-arable perhaps due to intensive cultivation in the past and boulder excavations for construction purpose, is restored back to fertility. The project involves a socially conscious effort to resolve all of these issues through methodical ecological planning. Since the re-development is along the storm water channels, water as surface run-off from the adjoining roads and footpaths could be directed into the site, thus preventing floods, especially during a heavy downpour. The lakes and the stream are re-developed entirely so that they not only contain the flow of water and surface run-off but are also visually appealing. The stream bed and its embankment built along the periphery are restored like that of a natural stream using boulders extracted from the site, specifically for the purpose. Indian Architect & Builder - Feb 2013
The landscape delivers a vast contrast of surfaces from paver-block walkways, to soft green lawns, the rugged boulders of various shapes and sizes, the glistening lakes, the stream; all moulding into the sinews of the site. Promenades that swell into cross-over bridges transport the visitor across undulating surfaces, over streams and uneven landscapes. They follow the organic path of the water bodies meandering their way through the site. An interesting assemblage of boulders at the mouth of a storm water channel that opens into one of the lakes creates a remarkable cascading waterfall feature. The flow of the stream is restricted by the vegetation planted along its path. It is also directed into a well downstream that is used to irrigate the gardens and re-circulate the water to avoid stagnation. The complex is also supplemented by car-parks, public toilets, food plazas and water fountains to make it more user-friendly. Metal perforated sheet benches have been provided at certain junctions of the site for resting after a long walk. Night lights for safety fringe the periphery of the promenade and lakes. To prevent polluting of the stream during festivals involving immersion of idols, a separate immersion tank for the purpose is provided so as not to hinder any of the local cultural activities. Besides recreation, the centre also possesses a healing garden for the purpose of educating and spreading the ancient knowledge