EXPLORATIONS ARCHITECTURAL JOURNALISM
CONTENT 01
VULNERABILITY - A REAL DEFINITION
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BOOK SUMMARY - INVISIBLE CITIES
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ARCHITECTURE FOR SPACE EXPLORATION ON EARTH ?
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A PEEK INTO CREATING AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR PROFESSIONALS – A CASE STUDY OF ‘THE YOUTH BOULEVARD’
EXPLORATIONS 2022
: @shahaan_._ Dear readers, As an architecture student and design enthusiast, I am constantly amazed by the power of architecture to shape and enhance the world around us. From the grandest of buildings to the smallest of details, the spaces we inhabit have the ability to inspire, uplift, and bring people together. In this journal, I have had the privilege of showcasing the innovative and creative approaches that architects and designers take to create meaningful spaces for the people who use them. From the practical solutions that enhance functionality, to the artistic touches that bring joy and beauty, we have explored the many ways in which architecture can enrich our lives. "There are 360 degrees, so why stick to one?" - Zaha Hadid I love this quote by Zaha Hadid, as it perfectly captures the endless possibilities and potential of architecture. In this journal, we have had the opportunity to showcase the vision and expertise of architects and designers who are not afraid to push boundaries and explore new ideas. I hope that this journal has provided you with insight, inspiration, and a renewed appreciation for the art and science of architecture. Thank you for joining us on this journey, and we look forward to continuing to share our knowledge and passion with you in the future.
VULNERABILITY- A TRUE DEFINITION
Mohammed Shahaan Although, one might pursue the word ‘Vulnerability’ to be negative and sense the feelings of helplessness and invoke the acts of sympathy and forceful attention; We all are subjected to our own thought’s and believes. Where one might invoke the sense of weakness, I see it in a different perspective. I strongly affirm that being vulnerable is not displaying weakness for useless sympathy, I believe its an act of courage and self acceptance that leads to a journey of self exploration and discovery. How long can one be strong and not breakdown? We all are humans of different kinds belonging to the same species. Being vulnerable with each other is an act of trust and comfortness that we as co-living being should understand and support. We all have our breakdowns, our achievments; our strengths and weakness; our highs and lows. We all experience and express varied kinds of emotions from minute to minute. Why keep all of these to ourselves? The world we all live in is much beautiful than we think it is. Lets burst that bubble of going through everything alone and share it. In conclusion, Vulnerability maybe seen as a negative asset but for me, the act of accepting who you are is the trait of a strong person. Hence, “Vulnerability is Strength”
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BOOK SUMMARY
INVISIBLE CITIES M o h a m m e d S h a h aMa o nhammed Shahaan
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he following summary is based on Italo Calvino’s writings from the book Invisible cities considering his ideologies framed under the title ‘Cities and Dead 1’.
The author narrates a very descriptive conversation between the very two great men in history – Marco Polo, The venetian traveller and Kublai Khan, The Chinese Emperor. Well, did he witness this talk in person or not? Let’s leave that a mystery as the author wishes to. This magical realism explains the visit of Melania – A city where time repeats itself, by Marco polo twice. The traveller in a very metaphorical tune wants the readers to understand different roles played by humans and change in ideologies which are very beautifully narrated by taking examples and illustrations. The traveller draws parallels between times and mentions that someone who was a bragging soldier once upon a time dies and takes a rebirth as a Hypocrite, An amorous daughter seen as not religious and disobedient changes into the role of a confident women of choice.
A foolish servant of one time has adopted the role of an astrologer. The conversation between the two men is a lavish description of imagination and historical fiction between the two men. Marco Polo just wants to convey that as time passes our human bodies may perish but our roles played in surroundings remain and are continued forward. Maybe in the same format we left or a change in ideology impacts the youth’s contemplation in future. But the values, thoughts, teachings, and practice do continue to exist in one form or the other. The author Italo Calvino acts as a messenger here between the ideology of Marco polo and the readers, sending us a message that we notice reflections of the thoughts and ideas instilled in us through time to time. SOA-DSATM DIGEST | 02
Mohammed Shahaan
The Space Needle is a towering observation tower located in Seattle, Washington. Conceived by architect John Graham Jr., the Space Needle was completed in 1962 for the World's Fair, which was held in Seattle that year. The theme of the World's Fair was "The Age of Space," and the Space Needle was intended to be a symbol of the future and the possibilities of space exploration. From an architectural standpoint, the Space Needle is a noteworthy example of mid-century modern design. Its sleek, futuristic appearance and unique shape differentiate it from other buildings of the era and have contributed to its enduring popularity. The Space Needle is predominantly composed of steel, with a concrete foundation and some glass and aluminum elements. It is supported by four legs, which are connected to each other via diagonal braces, and a central support column, which accommodates the elevators and other mechanical systems. The observation deck and rotating restaurant are encased in a glass-enclosed enclosure, which affords 360-degree views of the surrounding area.
The Space Needle in Seattle, Washington is a 605-foot-tall tower with a observation deck and rotating restaurant at the top. The planning and design process for the Space Needle involved close collaboration between Graham and his design team, as well as engineers and other professionals. Graham's design for the Space Needle was inspired by the futuristic themes of the World's Fair and the possibility of space exploration.
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Construction of the Space Needle began in 1961 and was completed in 1962, in time for the World's Fair. The construction process involved assembling the various steel and concrete elements on-site and attaching them to the concrete footings. The glass-enclosed enclosure and mechanical systems, such as the elevators, were also installed during the construction process. One critique of the Space Needle is that it may not be as functional as some other tall buildings in terms of its use of space. The observation deck and rotating restaurant take up a significant portion of the structure, leaving little-no room for other uses. Additionally, the Space Needle has relatively small floor plates, which limits the amount of space available for the observation deck and restaurant. Another potential critique of the Space Needle is that it may not be as energy efficient as some newer buildings. The glassenclosed enclosure that surrounds the observation deck and restaurant can make the interior spaces more difficult to heat and cool, and the structure may not have been designed with energy efficiency in mind Despite these potential critiques, the Space Needle remains a popular tourist attraction and a beloved architectural landmark in Seattle. Its unique design and panoramic views have made it a memorable and enjoyable experience for visitors for over 50 years. In terms of its architectural significance, the Space Needle represents an important example of mid-century modern design and its enduring influence to the built environment .
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A PEEK INTO CREATING AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR PROFESSIONALS – A CASE STUDY OF ‘THE YOUTH BOULEVARD’ By Mohammed Shahaan
Puzzle Pieces Fit Together ? : A Close Examination of the Design After carefully studying the circulation patterns of the site and dividing it into puzzle pieces, Apoorva began filling in the canvas with blocks to create a peaceful and harmonious design. The end result is a serene and well-organized layout. Examining the site plan, we can see that this site of 60M x 36M is divided into two segments by a central spine of street. Upon closer inspection, we can also see that the site is divided both longitudinally and latitudinally, with community spaces on one side and accommodation on the other. The entrance and exit to the site are located close to each other, separated by a parking area, which allows for easy monitoring and conserves space for other essential features of the design. The units in the complex are arranged in two rows, totalling 13 units across three floors of the G+2 structure. The second row has a unique arrangement, with the units on the first and second floors sitting diagonally above the units on the ground floor, creating a zig-zag pattern. This arrangement further supports the puzzle-making concept in the design.
In this article, we will examine how the built environment of Apoorva Rai's housing project for students of architecture fosters a healthy, competitive, and comfortable environment. We will also explore how the designer's experiences as a student, inform the design and how these experiences are put into action in the project.
Behind the Name: The Story of Youth Boulevard The designer, Apoorva Rai, believes that the name of this housing complex 'The Youth Boulevard' - is appropriate, given that the complex is designed for young people, the end-users of the project. When asked about the inclusion of the word 'Boulevard' in the name, Apoorva explained that the design includes a central driveway through the site with vegetation on either side, creating a boulevard-like feature. Therefore, the name 'The Youth Boulevard' reflects both the intended residents and the design of the complex.
Game On! Exploring the Playful Nature of Architecture IN THE SPOTLIGHT
The designer has formulated a puzzle-making concept for the design of the project. This concept is derived from the idea of reminding budding architects of their childhood roots and is well-suited for this purpose.
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Inside Out: A Detailed Analysis of the Interior Arrangement Upon further examination of the interior plan of the units, we find that each unit covers an area of 75sqm and is intended to house two students. The layout is carefully designed to meet the basic needs and requirements of students, with attention to detail and practicality-which is a quality of the design to be appreciated. Both unit types 'A' and 'B' prioritize the living room, workspace, and bedroom as the main areas of the unit. Spaces such as the kitchen, utility room, and dining room have been replaced by a kitchenette, a washing machine platform, and a breakfast counter. The main difference between the two-unit types is that type 'A' has a balcony that can be accessed from the workspace and bedroom, while type 'B' does not have a balcony.
The Common Wealth: An Exploration of the Amenity Zones As you enter the campus, you are greeted by lush greenery and the lively presence of students making this housing complex their home. One of the standout features of the complex is the Zen Garden, which was created by strategically using the sloping site to create platforms among a water body where students can relax and rejuvenate after finding ways to survive in the course they have landed themselves into. In addition to the Zen Garden, the complex also has a gymnasium for students to stay active and healthy.
The Final Piece: Did Apoorva Rai Solve the Puzzle? By considering the needs and social habits of bachelors, and drawing on the designer's own experiences as a student, the design of the units includes practical amenities while minimizing less essential spaces such as the kitchen and dining room. This allows for more necessary areas to be incorporated into the design. SOA-DSATM DIGEST | 06
In addition, the Zen Garden is a standout feature of the design, enhancing both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of the complex. While traditional Zen gardens are dry rock gardens, Apoorva incorporates water into the design to add to the beauty of the garden. The block and spatial arrangement of the design, which creates a zig-zag pattern, also adds interest and curiosity to the overall design. The central spine ensures efficient circulation through the site and helps guide users through the complex. While this project has several strengths, there are some potential critiques that could be made. One critique could be the limited number of amenity areas provided for students. The separation of spaces into distinct areas may limit the inclusion of additional amenities such as a club house, sports courts, or food franchises. Additionally, given the needs of students of architecture to have ample workspace, a shared workspace area not inclusive in their accommodation could be suggested as a potential improvement. Another potential critique could be the lack of physical connectivity between the lake view and the site, as utilizing the lake view as a surrounding feature could enhance the comfort and relaxation of the students. Despite these critiques, the Youth Boulevard aims to provide a suitable living environment for students, with the concept of puzzle making reflecting the designer's skills in creativity, problem-solving, and attention to detail. By creating a memorable and comfortable home for students who have left their families to pursue their studies, the design successfully achieves its goal of fulfilling the purpose of architecture.
Wrapping Up the Game Did Apoorva Rai successfully complete the game and fit all the pieces in place? Ultimately, the users and students of architecture who will reside in the complex will be the ones to determine the success of the design. However, in my opinion, the design does strive to create a healthy, comfortable, and competitive atmosphere in the complex.
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"The role of the architect is to create a new future that is responsive to the present." - Rem Koolhaas
"The role of the architect is not to mimic the past, but to create a new future that is responsive to the present." - Zaha Hadid
"The art of architecture is the art of planning and constructing form, space, and ambiance to reflect functional, technical, social, and aesthetic considerations." - Peter Zumthor
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