Ishita Parmar- MS Thesis capstone project

SHIFTING PATTERNS A catalog of speculative patterns derived from the Mangrove in Mumbai

by Ishita Narendra Parmar

Masters of Science in Architecture: Design | Energy | Futures

KEYWORDS patterns // landscape urbanism // interface // ecological design principles // topological // behavioral // ornamental // performance // digital tools // ecological processes // cultural processes // systemic integration

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CONTENTS

I.

RESEARCH FIELD the domains within which this research and speculative design project occurs

II.

METHODOLOGY the investigative processes and explorations

III.

ADAPTATIONS the possible array of scenarios created through the pattern explorations done in section II.

IV.

CONCLUSION the possible impact the research aims to create.

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THESIS STATEMENT

The importance of patterns in landscape design is not anything new, but digital techniques and media have witnessed an unprecedented boom in recent years therefore the role of patterns can be revisited for reinvention. In a general sense, patterns may always be perceived as a decorative element of design, visually pleasing to the eye but what we often miss is a closer look at them for the performative and structural impact they create within our surroundings in the world. It is my core argument that patterns in their many and diverse forms have the capacity to reveal information, frameworks, relationships, and processes that influence our ways of seeing the world (1). I emphasize on pattern finding and pattern forming to be that communicative link for two primary reasons firstly they exhibit relational value, allowing people to relate to their environment, and secondly, patterns have an inherent way to describe natural and artificial behaviors within our surroundings.(2)

Imagining the world from a bird’s eye perspective, looking down upon the patterns on the earth’s surface which include the streams and rivers joining larger water bodies, the different gradients of the land responding to the settlement patterns and land-use, the textures, gridlines, road and highway networks, all so divergent yet collectively contributing to the larger frameworks and processes that are not only linking them to each other but are also used to inform one and another. Patterns seem to be always in motion, they work towards connecting, distributing, disrupting, formulating, and so on explaining their generative and dynamic evolution. Patterns can influence and shape our affiliations with nature at a given point in time. They are linked to the environment and ecology as much as they are to physical representation and human innovation. (3) My interest in pattern design and its recognition is to develop a framework that is performative and aesthetically driven to understand the centrality of patterns within the broader, complex, and systemic urban conditions.

Furthermore, I am focused on Mumbai as an urban region to understand pattern finding and pattern forming under the theme of the green networks of the Mangroves systems in the city. With the urban context of Mumbai where infrastructural projects are exponentially rising the need to create awareness, stimulate and maintain ecological systems in congruence with infrastructural development is the need of the hour. I aim to construct a documented catalog of patterns under three types namely topological, behavioral, and ornamental based on the learning from the book called Dynamic Patterns: Visualizing Landscape Architecture in the Digital Age written by Karen M’Closkey and Keith Van der Sys to understand and critique the working of patterns derived from mangroves systems within the larger urban systems of Mumbai.

Our urban environments are rapidly evolving through patterns that are facilitating processes and frameworks at every scale. Here my purpose is not only to study existing patterns but also to derive repetitive patterns and exhibit a stronger interrelationship across the theme of the Mangrove system and the urban context of Mumbai.

(1). Foreword by James Corner in M’Closkey Karen and Vandersys Keith. Dynamic Patterns: Visualizing Landscapes in a Digital Age. London & New York, Routledge, 2017 (2). M’Closkey Karen and Vandersys Keith. Dynamic Patterns: Visualizing Landscapes in a Digital Age. London & New York, Routledge, 2017 (3). Ibid.

I.

RESEARCH FIELD the domains within which this research and speculative design project occurs

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Landscape urbanism: A general theory

The interest in the theory of Landscape urbanism can be considered as the starting point for this investigation to explore the research themes that provided a renewed interpretation of the built environment through the lens of ecology, “Landscape Urbanism: A General Theory” by Charles Waldheim, explains the two approaches to understand Landscape through the lens of Urbanism. Thus, this research occurs at the intersection of Architecture, Landscape and Urbanism. This diagram alongside (Refer to Fig 1), explains the key learning through the books and investigation of ten research topics within the larger context of Landscape Urbanism as a design theory. A common thread of thought through all the ten topics that came to my attention is their connectivity to the urban systems through patterns. The word ‘patterns’ is used as a communicative element in the domains of Landscape Architecture and Design.

The inquiry in “patterns” within Landscape Architecture and Design is further explored through a book called “Dynamic Patterns: Visualizing Landscape Architecture in the Digital Age” by Karen M’Closkey and Keith VanDerSys, where one may understand the role of digital techniques and media to understand the role of patterns in our interpretation of the built environment. Purpose: methodology to understand this interrelationship between humans & the natural environment, essentially through patterns.

I. Research Field

Fig 1. Shifting threads of thoughts: landscape through the lens of urbanism 5

Literature summary of Dynamic patterns: Visulaizing Landscape Architecture in the Digital Age by Karen M’Closkey and Keith VanDerSys Book Organization: Chapter 1: Topological Patterns: that explores how processes that influence form and organization in the designed landscape are geometrically and parametrically measured and modeled.(Fig. 3) Chapter 2: Behavioral Patterns speak about patterns being temporal and relative in nature rather than static ground elements. With the digital tools and techniques, humans have the immense capacity to manipulate the environment and it becomes difficult to maintain the distinctions between organic & synthetic, natural and artificial, or animal and human, thus providing a framework that is devoid of these dichotomies.(Fig 4.)

Chapter 3: Ornamental Patterns highlights the ongoing discussion of the utilitarian & symbolic functions of “patterns” and promotes an idea of patterns behaving as a conjoining medium for ornamental and functional aspects and offers renewed interpretations of landscape processes that are relevant in the current urban contexts, by material palettes, sustainability mandates, and functional criteria.(Fig.5)

I. Research Field

Fig 2. Correlating themes surrounding which the discussion of pattern finding and pattern forming occurs in the book.

Fig 3. Category I: Topological Patterns that is further subcategorized into Divisble Patterns and Accretive Patterns

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Fig 4. Category II: Behavioral Patterns

I. Research Field

Fig 5. Category III: Ornamental Patterns

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Topological Patterns: The visible and invisible characteristics are cataloged and translated into points, pixels, and lines. The study and creation of patterns involve the transfer of organized information from one medium to another.

I. Research Field

Ornamental Patterns: Ornamental Patterns have been associated with pleasure, allure, and the ability to ignite the imagination. How may one reinterpret the idea of ornament in today’s environmental context?

Behavioral Patterns: Behavioral patterns are relevant for thinking about relationships among entities separated by space and time. These patterns bridge the scales by linking the behavior of physical systems such as energy, or animals to abstract systems such as information.

Fig 6. Literature Summary Diagram

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II.

II. Methdology

METHODOLOGY the investigative processes and explorations

General Introduction to Mumbai City Mumbai is located on the western coast of India, orinally made of seven islands that were joined together under the British colonial rule and that came to be known as the island city.

WHile a large area of Mumbai Suburbs is reclaimed land from the Arabian Sea. Thus, today most of Mumbai is low-lying regions and being surrounded by sea on 3 sides, the coastal zones are essentially Mangrove habitats. With the attempts to increase N-S connectivity of the linear city, the Government is investing huge amounts of time and money in the Coastal Roads, infrastructural project that is a project of bridges and sea-link connections as shown in the map to reduce traffic on the interior arterial roads and save time in transit. Against this, the local citizens and NGOs have combined forces and began a campaign called “Save the Coast” that is further elaborated in part III. of this booklet.

Fig 7. Location of Mumbai city

Mumbai Suburbs

Island City

1700

1890

1925

1969

2000

Fig 8. Growth boundary of Mumbai city

Fig 9a. Railway+Road+ Urban Settlement Fig.9b. Topography: mostly flat low-lying region Fig 9c. Coastal Road Infrastructural Projects 13

Visual documentation of the current conditions of mangroves in Mumbai.

This documentation captures see the dried up condition of the coast, the informal settlements built by the economically marginalized communities and the dumping ground they become.

Dried up managrove roots

Dry coastal conditions

Being near free water, the inland regions near the mangrove have informal settlements

The pneumatophores- Mangrove roots above th

II. Methdology

he ground

Dry bed rock conditions

Plastic and garbage accumulation- serving as a informal dumping ground

Fig 10. Visual documentation of existing conditions of mangroves Image source: Mongabay Series

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Digital modelling of the mangrove roots at different conditions

Horizontal expansion In this condition, we see the highly dense connection that generates from one unit module of the roots. The roots are in the process of spreading over horizontally creating the marshy swamps of the greens when viewed by a satellite in a plan view.

Vertical growth In this condition, we see the shoots growing vertically – Pneumatophores, a special structure that help the underground roots access air even when submerged by the tide. The roots are in the process of spreading over horizontally creating the marshy swamps of the greens when viewed by a satellite in a plan view.

Initial branching In this condition, we see the branching in 3 directions as represented in the plan. Their matured growth is further influenced by the coast and tidal waves.

II. Methdology

Plan

Sectional Elevation

Plan

Sectional Elevation

Plan

Sectional Elevation

Fig 11. Digital modelling of mangrove roots in 3 unique conditions

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Extrapolation Extrapolating a unit root module, I imagined them at different scales from a unit to a collective system. And this formed bases for exploring patterns under the 3 categories mentioned earlier.

Unit

II. Methdology

Module

Collective system

Collective system

Fig 12. Extrapolation of root module

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Pattern finding & pattern forming Category I. Topological Patterns Divisble Patterns

Anchor Points

Connecting Lines

Core line

Diagnol connections Fig 13. Base diagram to derive Divisible patterns

Fig 14. 6-point unit module that is transformed into hexagonal pattern

Fig 15. 5-point unit module that is transformed into pentagonal pattern II. Methdology

Fig 16. 4-point unit module that is transformed into rectangular pattern

Fig 17. 3-point unit module that is transformed into triangular pattern

Fig 18. All divisble patterns

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Pattern finding & pattern forming Category I. Topological Patterns Accretive Patterns

Mangrove unit module

Anchor Points

Connecting Lines Fig 19. Base diagram to derive accretive patterns

Fig 20. Accretive pattern variation 1

Fig 21. Accretive pattern variation 2

Fig 22. Accretive pattern variation 3

II. Methdology

Fig 22. Accretive pattern variation 3

Fig 23. Accretive pattern variation 5

Fig 24. Accretive pattern variation 6

Fig 25. Accretive pattern all variation

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Pattern finding & pattern forming Category I. Topological Patterns Divisble and Accretive Patterns

Fig 26. base diagram for pattern derivation

Fig 27. Divisble Patterns

II. Methdology

Fig 28. Accretive Patterns

Pattern finding & pattern forming Category II. Behavioral Patterns

Waterbody+sandy surface+mangroves

Waterbody+mangroves

Waterbody+mangroves+concrete land

1997

2005 Fig 29a. Illustrating 3 typical conditions of mangroves found around the coastline Fig 29b. Mapping the loss of mangrove cover on the coastline of Mumbai

Fig 30. Relationship between the consequences of Mangrove deforestation, their unique ecological attributes and potential of the economic benefits if encouraged to be preserved and enhanced.

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Pattern finding & pattern forming Category III. Ornamental Patterns

Fig 31. Attracted away from the module

Fig 32. Attracted towards the module

II. Methdology

Fig 33. Attracted away from the module-all layers

Fig 34. Attracted towards the module- all layers

Pattern finding & pattern forming overview all categories TOPOLOGICAL PATTERNS

DIVISIBLE PATTERNS

BEHAVIORAL PATTERNS

ACCRETIVE PATTERNS ORNAMENTAL PATTERNS

This drawing is an overview of the pattern finding and pattern forming iterations in the three categories that formed the basis for dvance explorations as shown in Fig.36.

Fig 35. Overview of the pattern finding and patten forming in all 3 categories

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Advanced pattern iterations Deformation of grid

Grid based pattern iterations

II. Methdology

Grid based pattern iterations

Fig 36. Advanced pattern iterations

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III.

III. Adaptations

ADAPTATIONS the possible array of scenarios created through the pattern explorations done in section II.

Adaptation logic This diagram encapsulates the self-derived intentions in relation to the intentions suggested in the dynamic patterns book. Topological patterns are interpreted as a means of ground organization, Behavioural Patterns respond to the save the coast campaign mentioned earlier through a series of diagrams and participate in the socio-political discussion created through the campaign, and lastly Ornamental patterns are intended to be embedded in popular culture that would create that connection and awareness among the general public.

Fig 37. Satellite image of test site

Under Topological Patterns: to understand the operability of patterns under this category, I have selected a test site that is a promenade in the western suburb district of Mumbai, located on the western side of the city. Under Behavioral patterns the patterns to engage in the sociopolitical discussion of the “Save the coast” campaign and there is a change of scale while understanding patterns at the ornamental scale.

Mangrove

Promenade

Road

All layers

Mumbai ward map

Fig 38. Different layers

Fig 39. Pattern adaptation logic diagram

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TOPOLOGICAL PATTERNS Projective scenarios

Selected test site along the linear stretch of the 1.2 km long promenade

Edges along the 1.2 km long linear stretch of the promenade Fig 40. Selected region on the test site

Condition 1: test region overlapping with mangroves III. Adaptations

Condition 2: test region being the periphery of mangroves

Key plan Fig 41. Imagined coniditons

Condition 1

Condition 2

Fig 42. Geometric progressions for both conditions

Fig 43. Module generated out of the curves from geometric progressions that serve as foundation for the pattern variations produced

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TOPOLOGICAL PATTERNS Projective scenarios

Fig 44. Pattern variations to be projected on the two conditions explained earlier

Fig 45. Typical pattern projection

Fig 46. Existing condition of promenade III. Adaptations

TOPOLOGICAL PATTERNS Projective scenarios

PRODUCTIVE & MULTIFUNCTIONAL Landscapes are programmed with the ability to adapt and change to different conditions, so they can require different types and lower intensities of maintenance regimes to sustain them to tend them in different ways so that community gardeners, and urban foresters alike are rendered as stewards and caretakers of space

Fig 47. Projective scenarios under one category in condition 1 and 2

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TOPOLOGICAL PATTERNS Projective scenarios ECOLOGICAL Creating floral and faunal habitat and pattern geometry allow for sediment accretion and slow surface run-off.

The uneven surfaces promotes the trapping and binding of decayed matter enriching the soil of the mangrove.

ECOLOGICAL+ARTS+EVENTS Creating floral and faunal habitat and pattern geometry allow for sediment accretion and slow surface run-off.

The transformation and alignment of the pattern allow for hosting a variety of arts and interactive events within the mangrove ecosystem.

CULTIVATED Creating a lush green and rich image and develop an identity of the city.

Secondly, they may behave as green infrastructure reducing the number of resources spent on active systems such as filtration/purification plants instead allow the landscape to flourish at large scales.

PRODUCTIVE & MULTIFUNCTIONAL Landscapes are programmed with the ability to adapt and change to different conditions, so they can require different types and lower intensities of maintenance regimes to sustain them to tend them in different ways so that community gardeners, and urban foresters alike are rendered as stewards and caretakers of space

ACTIVITY AND PROGRAM Generating healthier urban environments, cultivate new kind of urban landscapes, new kinds of urban experiences and support a wide range of social interactions and relationships. They have positive cognitive impacts and visual impacts on the actors using them.

CIRCULATION Navigation or circulation derived from the green infrastructure and not the other way around as the organizing grid of the patterns catalyze the ecological processes and setting them as a priority over human interactions.

Fig 48. Projective scenarios in condition 1 III. Adaptations

TOPOLOGICAL PATTERNS Projective scenarios ECOLOGICAL Creating floral and faunal habitat and pattern geometry allow for sediment accretion and slow surface run-off.

The uneven surfaces promotes the trapping and binding of decayed matter enriching the soil of the mangrove.

ECOLOGICAL+ARTS+EVENTS Creating floral and faunal habitat and pattern geometry allow for sediment accretion and slow surface run-off.

The transformation and alignment of the pattern allow for hosting a variety of arts and interactive events within the mangrove ecosystem.

CULTIVATED Creating a lush green and rich image and develop an identity of the city.

Secondly, they may behave as green infrastructure reducing the number of resources spent on active systems such as filtration/purification plants instead allow the landscape to flourish at large scales.

PRODUCTIVE & MULTIFUNCTIONAL Landscapes are programmed with the ability to adapt and change to different conditions, so they can require different types and lower intensities of maintenance regimes to sustain them to tend them in different ways so that community gardeners, and urban foresters alike are rendered as stewards and caretakers of space

ACTIVITY AND PROGRAM Generating healthier urban environments, cultivate new kind of urban landscapes, new kinds of urban experiences and support a wide range of social interactions and relationships. They have positive cognitive impacts and visual impacts on the actors using them.

CIRCULATION Navigation or circulation derived from the green infrastructure and not the other way around as the organizing grid of the patterns catalyze the ecological processes and setting them as a priority over human interactions.

Fig 49. Projective scenarios in condition 2 37

BEHAVIORAL PATTERNS Projective scenarios

Fig 50. Save the Coast campaign-Instagram page- social media used as a medium of advocacy and propaganda Image source: official Instagram page

III. Adaptations

Fig 51. Growth and Reproduction- Mangroves as an ecosystem

BEHAVIORAL PATTERNS Projective scenarios

Fig 52. Creating a living habitat- Mangroves as an ecosystem

Fig 53. Creating a living habitat- Mangroves as an ecosystem

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ORNAMENTAL PATTERNS Projective scenarios We shift our focus towards ornamental patterns, where I completely shift gears and understand how might these patterns be embedded in popular culture and in everyday phenomenon’s and products to create that connection and awareness about the mangroves that is beyond the scientific knowledge.

These patterns are morphed at two scales products one being generic products used on a daily basis.

While the second scale is envisioned at a furniture scale that involve an aspect of functionality and utility.

Within this category the patterns perform the role of identity creation and integrating relevance of ecological systems in sociology-cultural dimensions.

Fig 54. Generic products- cloth bags, coffee mugs, t-shirts

Fig 55. Furniture design-vases, tables, lamp shades

III. Adaptations

IV.

CONCLUSION the possible impact the research aims to create.

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TOPOLOGICAL

As surface expressions for ground organization

IV. Conclusion

BEHAVIOR

Cross-over between

RAL

natural and artificial systems

ORNAMENTAL

Embed the patterns in everyday popular culture at product and furniture design

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SHIFTING PATTERNS A catalog of speculative patterns derived from the Mangrove in Mumbai

by Ishita Narendra Parmar

Masters of Science in Architecture: Design | Energy | Futures