WOMEN EMPOWERMENT CENTER

Mentor - PVK RAMESHWAR

Semester - 7

Title -Reimagine existing urban neighbourhood

Area - 6000 sqm

Site - Periyamelaguparai,Trichy

After conducting a thorough site analysis and speaking with local residents, I discovered that many people in the surrounding neighborhood work traditional 9-5 jobs, and women in particular are struggling to earn secondary income and express themselves. Additionally, I noted a large, inaccessible 6m-tall rock mound on the site. Given these observations, I proposed that the rock mound could be repurposed as a public realm and women's empowerment center. By constructing a center around it, we could help the women in the neighborhood earn income and express themselves more freely. As I considered this idea, a painting inspired me to imagine the potential of the mound as a focal point for the community. The painting depicts a mother's love, her calmness, and her focus towards the sun. It also shows birds looking up to the sun, emphasizing the power of this celestial body. I realized that the mound could similarly command the attention of the community and provide a source of inspiration and empowerment.

The focal point of the women’s empowerment center is the main building, which faces the mountain. To create an asymmetrical balance on the site, circular learning-based workshops are situated opposite the main building. The hands-on workshops are arranged in a manner that encloses the mountain and directs the flow of people. A gallery located on the surface of the mound allows people to touch and experience the mound beneath the bustling bazaar street. The street serves as a pathway for people to ascend to the top of the mountain using broad and spacious steps, which also double as platforms for street shopping.

Visitors are welcomed directly into the first floor of the WEC, where they can access semi-public facilities such as the restaurant and library. On the ground floor, there are additional semi-private functions for convenient access. Private functions are located on the second floor, ensuring privacy for those using these facilities.

Hostel

Shower

Courtyard

View point

Outdoor reading

Outdoor dinning

Library

Restaurent

Restroom

Computer lab

Tutorial center

Courtyard

Tutorial center

Restroom

The workshops are categorized based on the type of instruction offered: learning-based and hands-on. The learning-based workshop has a circular design inspired by the concept of thinnai palli. On the other hand, the hands-on workshops have a more open floor plan, providing ample space to work freely. These workshops have access to outdoor courtyards, which are ideal for wet and muddy work.

Seaters

Thinnai palli

The roof is skillfully designed to blend with the undulating curves of the mound and merge with the surrounding landscape. To support the roof, mushroom columns are utilized.

Workshop 1

Workshop 2