Architecture Undergraduate Portfolio

PORTFOLIO

Taher Mufaddal Udaipurwala Selected Works 2016-2022 taher53.ar@gmail.com

My name is Taher Mufaddal Udaipurwala. I have completed my undergraduate (Bachelors) degree in architecture from Rizvi College Of Architecture, University of Mumbai. I have been interested in the built environment since school and pursuing architecture as a career felt like the next logical step. I was born in Mumbai and since then have been residing in the city.

One of the things I enjoy the most of architecture is the relationship between scientific and humanistic themes. What affects me is that the design of a building should be harmonious between theoretical, social, functional and technical characteristics and at the same time relate respectfully to the context.

In addition, I think it is very relevant to notice how architecture matters at many scales, from territory to city, from spatial issues to structural details: this underlines the link between architecture, urbanism and building scene, and their mutual implementation.

My experiences so far include not only university academics, but I also tried to relate with the professional world and with some extra activities: in all of these experiences I noticed how important was, and in fact it is to be capable to go through many themes and requirements that a project needs, from team work and theoretical issues to dealing with clients, engineers and building regulations.

To conclude, it is not only the purely architectural design part which fascinates me, but also all the other knowledge that an architect needs to acquire in order to perform as one.

experience & emplyment

Janaury 2021 - May 2021

A+i design - architect + interior design + planners | Mumbai architectural intern research, space planning, working drawings, 3d modelling

involvements & programs

Louis kahn trophy 2016-17 | Himachal Pradesh, India Nari gandhi trophy 2017-18 | Pondicherry, India

Laurie baker center (workshops) | building with natural materials 2017 | Kochi ICHH international conference for humane habitat 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | Mumbai

education

Burhani college of arts and commerce | 2015 | Mumbai Rizvi College Of Architecture | 2022 | Mumbai Skills Research analytical thinking logical reasoning Model Making

Softwares

Autocad Architecture - Advanced Sketchup - Advanced Rhinoceros 3d - Advance Revit Architecture - Intermedate Adobe Photoshop - Intermediate Adobe Indesign - Intermediate

1

Symbiotic Synergies

Cotton Green, Mumbai, India Design Dissertation 1 2

A+I Designs Mumbai, India Professional Practice 13 3

Rural Housing Mandangad, Ratnagiri Architectural Design Studio 4 24 4 Cultural Hub Fontainhas, Panjim Architectural Design Studio 5 28 5

Working Drawings

Architectural Design and Representation Studio 5 and 6 30 6 Nari Gandhi Pondicherry, India Competition Entry 2017-18 34 ` 7

Research and Documentation Book Publication 207-18 Studio 4 36 8

Architectural Research 38

SYMBIOTIC SYNERGIES to co-exist and co-create

Cotton Green, Mumbai, India Design Dissertation Semester 10 | November 2022 Studio Mentor : Ar. Samir Bagdadi

Humans are blessed with the ability to dream and change their dreams into reality. Adapting to the complexities of the technologies that exists in the contemporary age to acquire knowledge as much as possible to keep ourselves updated is the new version of normal. The existence of numerous digital mediums has taken the act of exchanging knowledge beyond the confinements of the walls of a physical classroom. The traditional techniques of imparting knowledge are not able to cater to the nature of the flexibility that is been adopted by the stakeholders in the realm of academia. It has come to realization, through research and practical observations, that the traditional classroom method of imparting knowledge which is also known as “one size fits all” ignores the true potential of a tutee and the tutor to some extent. The Indian educational system aims to steadily embrace the required change through the national education policy 2020. Multi-tasking and inclusivity with digital medium are the two mandatory qualities which has given shape to flexible learning in the age of 21st century. The new generation (Next-gen) learners strive for learning methods and spaces that allow them to have the control of both as well. In the new generation the mentor and the apprentice, both are the facilitators for exchange of information and knowledge.

Technology has made us realize the difference between the understanding of education and academics.Progress in formal education in western world has been considered as successful form of education, which is not true. A campus is a place for learner to get an education from a college or university. The lecture and laboratory spaces are the two places where students get their knowledge formally from their lecturers. In general, formal learning is a closed space within the buildings on campus. The concept of educational training in the future will move from the emphasis of place to give instruction to the place to produce learning. The academic schemes are designed as a production of identical functional classrooms for the non-identical learners, learners of diverse culture and backgrounds come together in one space which scantily acknowledges their potential and innate talent. Establishing rules and regulations inside the classroom can help guide them into being a part of a group. Under these circumstances, such programs fail to cater to the particular requirements of the learners and educators. This creates a difference in the understanding and the working of two different worlds. The reel and the real.

They have a preference for learning informally or independently or in groups in the public spaces like Libraries, cafeterias, terraces, parks and other open spaces are some of the informal learning places in public spaces provided and can be selected by learners to study informally. Interaction with vegetation or active connectedness to nature is beneficial for human stress reduction, tasks which need attention, emotional states, and improved cognitive function. One’s preference for a place is determined by the circumstances and characteristics of the place. Making learners feel like they belong to a community, regardless of how different they are from each other is crucial in creating a conducive learning environment. As architectural designers, it is our responsibility to craft an environment that encourages any learner to learn at their own pace, style, and despite differences. The research study focuses on the relationship of humans with their knowledge sharing spaces and the natural environment. The study further examines the relationship between the educator learner and indoor and outdoor informal learning spaces. The research aims at devising a framework for an informal outdoor learning space in the public parks for learners and educators of all ages and background. The study contributes to the literature about the educators, learners and the choice of informal learning space.

The findings can help teachers, parents, and designers to understand more about students of New Gen and their choice of learning spaces. The wide adoption of mobile technologies in education has made it possible to turn every common space in a higher education campus into a learning place. The age of digitalization in the world of education has also disconnected the humans from nature andhas made humans destroy nature to fulfill the materialistic needs of life which leads to indirect mental and physical problems. The concept of building a university by providing a formal space in the form of a closed lecture hall has been studied for its success by educators and spatial designers. Barr and Tagg (1995) and Ibrahim et al. (2013) states that the study space has changed from conventional form to contemporary form. The lecture hall is not the only place for learners to learn to gain knowledge on campus. Currently, learners can learn to acquire and deepen their knowledge outside the classroom. Attention to the mental health of the students in the most appropriate way is mandatory. To solve these issues, educational spaces need to be redefined at different levels with flexibilities. An element which would allow any learner or educator to personalize, that lets one grow at its own pace with its own methods, which would give them an opportunity to under-go transformation according to its own methods and financial and cultural backgrounds.

The complex presents the learners with varying means of self-expression and motivates them to explore, play, create and meet the pending on school activities and according to their individual calibre, mood and curiosity. It has been recognized that there could be no one program with one size fits all philosophy. The project seeks to attain a program which would be a combination of varying intelligence profiles in the best possible way and provide spaces that would be cross-functional. There is no limit to the combination and number of spaces as it may change according to the requirements of the city and site. The classification models acts as a principle or a guiding tool to re-define the imag e and character of the project to serve the changing contemporary needs.

CONSTRUCTION MACHINE LEARNING BUSINESS/FINANCE/ LAW FOOD SCIENCE/ AGRICULTURE/ ANIMAL SCIENCE

Workshop/ warehouse spaces

Workshops spaces (electrical, mechanical, industrial)

Conference rooms/ Meeting rooms/ Seminar rooms Kitchen

Digital fabrication lab Computer lab Webinar & recording room Pantry

Material innovation studio Server room Brainstorming rooms Indoor hydroponic farm

Store room Washrooms Video-conferencing rooms/ Outdoor hydroponic farm washrooms Storage space Common area Greenhouse for farms Shop Media production Fitness area Demonstration area

Demonstration area Training room IT room Animal indoor play Training room Multipurpose studios Locker rooms and shower Animal outdoor play

Multipurpose studios Kitchen Cage rooms

Greeting area Veterinary clinic Outdoor space Washrooms Media production

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY ARTS LIBRARY (HYBRID) PERSONAL/ HEALTHCARE

3 Science labs (physics, chemistry, biology)

Demonstration area Study carrels Central supply/Storage Research laboratory/ Open class laboratory Multipurpose studios Commons Washrooms (patients)

Conference rooms Exhibition spaces Processing room Nurse station/ First -Aid room

Study space/ Stack Auditorium Computer lab Patient rooms

Open – stack study room Radio/Recording studio Traditional library/reading room Washrooms (general)

Athletic and PE Educational studio Chrome tablets Treatment/ examination/ clinic

Media production Art/Comic/Pottery studio

Clinic Acting/Dance studio

Assembly Post-production studio

Exhibition spaces Fitness/yoga/martial arts/gymnasium

Canteen/dining hall

Lounge Meeting room

Central computer and telecommunications

Central storage

Built Unbuilt Mass Plan

The project is not restricted to any one city. Thus, the implementation mechanism for this project is a pilot study, a flexible framework that can take its form as and when required based on the needs and the requirements of the city.

SITE AREA : 12320 SQ.M BUILT AREA : 4964 SQ.M

Site

Existing condition of the site

The site has been categorized under commercial plot according to the proposed land use plan of the Mumbai Port Trust. Currently the land is used as an informal parking lot for heavy weight transport vehicles.

Classification of spaces

Specialized Spaces – types of spaces that have a specific designated purpose or use for specific users are specialized spaces.

Common Spaces – these are spaces that are available for common/single purpose or use by all the users at any time.

Private (Shared) Spaces – a group of spaces used by/available for all users for their own specific use and purpose are private-but-shared spaces.

CLASSIFICATION ACCORDING TO FLEXIBILITY

SPECIALIZED

COMMON PRIVATE/SHARED

Animal indoor area Public Library Exhibition

Digital fabrication lab Restaurant/canteen/Dining Multipurpose Studio

Building Technology Lab Washrooms Workshops

Greenhouse for hydroponics

Waiting rooms

Central supply/Storage

Meeting rooms/huddle room/brainstroming rooms/video-conferencing rooms.

Commercial kitchen/pantry Nurse Station Post-Production Studio/recording Studio.

Indoor Hydroponic Farm Animal outdoor area Acting/Dance Studio 3 science labs

Outdoor Green Space Seminar/auditorium/Conference Research Labs Outdoor Recreational Art/Comic/Pottery Studio

Open class labs Commons Stacks/Reading Area/Carrels Computer Lab Shops Educational Studio

Cleanroom Conference rooms Clinic

IT/server room

Processing room Patients beds/toilets

Central Supply/Storage (Healthcare)

Veterinary clinic central Computer and telecommunication

Ward map

Existing land use plan by the Mumbai Port Trust

Proposed land use plan by the Mumbai Port Trust

A : COLUMN TO COLUMN CONNECTION : 25mm thick splice plate (Full penetration butt weld and bolted connection, usually 2.5d - d = diameter)

B : SECONDARY TRUSS CONNECTION: 16nos M20mmBOLTS, Grade 8.8 Truss members to plate to be welded with full penetration butt weld.

C. PRIMARY TRUSS CONNECTION : 20nos M20mmBOLTS, Grade 8.8 Truss members to plate to be welded with full penetration butt weld.

FLOOR BEAM TO PRIMARY TRUSS CONNECTION: 16nos M20mmBOLTS, Grade 8.8 Truss members to plate to be welded with full penetration butt weld.

1. Primary Truss : 300X550 IPE Beam (2)

1a. Vertical truss member : 300X200X10 1420mm c/c box section

1b. Diagonal truss member : 300X200X10 @ 45 angle box section with fire resistance sheathing.

2. Secondary Truss : 250X350 IPE Beam (2)

2a. Vertical Truss memeber : 250X125X10 1240mm c/c box section with fire resistance sheathing.

3. Column to Column : 300X800 Castellated IPE Beam with fire resistance sheathing.

4. Floor Beams : 300X700 Castellated IPE Beam 2840mm c/c with fire resistance sheathing.

5. Brackets : IPE Haunched Beams 300X700-300X500 2840mm c/c

6. Columns : 1000X1000X50mm composite column

7. Slab : 900X3300 1.2mm Thick 2Hr fire resistance TATA comflor46 steel deck

8. Flooring : 40mm screed with 1000X1000X20mm Kotah stone 9. 300X2000X16mm Endplate 10. 250X2000X16mm Endplate 11. 300X2000X25mm Endplate

25mm Base plate

Skylight

24mm Double Low - E glass

1. photovoltaic Panles connected to L-equal angle framework using screws

2. 75X150X10MM box section framework attached to the sandwich panel.

3. 125mm sandwich roof panel 12.5mm aluminium corrugated sheet 100mm polyisocyanurate foam 12.5mm aluminium corrugated sheet.

4. 250X250mm Solid steel member 14250mm long, 3000mm center-to-center welded using L-angle to main rafters.

5. 250X100mm Solid steel member Rafters

6. 250X100mm Solid steel member bolted to Column on Both Sides.

7. 1000X1000X50mm Composite

STRUCTURAL PLAN

LOW-E GLASS CURTAIN WALL

The curtain wall has been installed on the norhtern and the western side of the north/right structure to provide views as the heat gain would be less and to bring in maximum sunlight.

The curtain wall is an assembly of suspended square hollow section framework on whih the low-e glass has been supported using L-equal angles and rubber support.

outer curtainwall

Location of the curtain wall

TERRACOTTA FINS CURTAIN WALL

The curtain wall has been installed on the southern and the eastern side of the south/left structure to mitigate the heat in the summers mainly.

The fins have been installed by suspended them 50cm on the outer side from the structure and the 50cm gap is for the heat to rise up and escape. The fins have been spaced at 30cm center-to-center to let in the winter sun as well.

Location of the curtain wall

RODS CURTAIN WALL

The curtain wall has been installed on the western side of the south/left structure and on the eastern side of the north/right structure to provide views on both sides and mitigate harsh morning and evening sun.

The ceramic rods have been susended 50cm on the outer side of the facade and are fixed at 10cm center-to-center.

Location of the curtain wall

outer curtainwall

outer curtainwall

inner curtainwall inner curtainwall inner curtainwall

CERAMIC

Acotech panels.

Acotec partition wall panels are a well-suited solution to residential, commercial, institutional and industrial projects with strict requirements of sound insulation (RW 38 – 48 dB), moisture, fire, and earthquake resistance (EI30 to EI120). They also result in an increased floor area, because the panels are thinner compared to traditional walls. Furthermore, high rooms can also be constructed with Acotec panels by installing them on top of each other. Moreover, The panels can be installed as boundary or compound walls or for use as an anti-noise screen.

Low - E glass

Low-Emmisivity glass is an energy efficiency glass that is treated with a transparent coating. The coating allows heat inside a house while keeping ultraviolet and infrared rays outside. It avoids heat loss during the winter months and cools the house during the summer months. Low-E glass reduces greenhouse gas emissions of the house and thus makes a building environmentally friendly. Low-E glass is an essential element for structures with a high proportion of windows and glass doors, like offices and commercial buildings. Low-E glass is produced by treating its surface with an invisible and thin metallic oxide coating that reflects heat into the living space. As a result, it prevents heat loss and maintains a consistent temperature inside the room.

It is found that 70% of energy loss in a home is through windows and doors, and 90% of heat loss in windows is through glasses. However, the low-E glass considerably decreases energy loss which is why it is employed to improve the performance of a passive solar heating building. The coating on the glass keeps the inside of a house warm and blocks radiant heat and ultraviolet rays. As a result, it makes the indoor temperature more comfortable while saving energy and lowering bills.

Low-E 366 is known in circles as one of the premier performance types of Low-E glasses. Low-E 366 glass provides some of the highest levels of comfort all yearround while simultaneously delivering some of the biggest energy savings. Low-E 366 glass also: Offers solar control and high visibility.

Kotah stone

Kota stone is a natural and sustainable flooring material that is cost-effective, very durable and looks beautiful when laid. Kota Stone is a naturally available, finegrained variety of limestone originated from Kota, Rajasthan. Its alluring natural look, durability and low cost makes it the most extensively used material in both the interiors and exteriors of houses and commercial areas.

Terracotta

Frost-resistant. Terracotta is breathable and porous, and offers particular advantages to plants. The fired clay is what makes terracotta breathable, and it absorbs water and releases it again for nice strong growth. Equally, terracotta pleases with its natural look and feel. Terra Cotta is a naturally sustainable material that can lessen a building’s environmental impact. terra cotta manufacturing process consumes less energy with virtually no CO2 emissions when compared to other commonly used construction materials like concrete, glass, and aluminum.

Ceramic

Hollow ceramic tube has the advantages of high melting point and boiling point, high hardness, insulation at normal temperature, and electrical conductivity at high temperature. The rods also act as an energy-efficient sunscreen, capable of blocking up to 50% of the sun’s rays. This allows the inner facade to be made of highly transparent glass, flooding the interior with incredible amounts of natural light, and maximizing views.

Professional Practice

A+I designs

Architects + interior designers + Planners

Ar. Abbas Vohra

A + I design is a Mumbai based architecture practice, established in 2002 by Abbas Vohra. We are architects and designers whose work covers a range of building types including residential projects, retail shops, office buildings and other structures.

Rational, responsible & sustainable is the core approach of a + i design. We inspire each project regardless of size with the same enthusiasm and philosophy, to provide clients with value for money and create the best possible contemporary architecture. Minimalistic is our prime aesthetic and functional objective.

We explore how to achieve more with less, how to optimize visual and technical lightness, how to minimize our use of materials, and how to make buildings ‘touch the earth lightly’.

We seek to build delicate frameworks that house spaces for imagination and interpretation, filled with light, places which inspire, where volume and nature can be viewed, where people can live, work, and communicate. Our clients include private individuals, institutions, and companies, commercial and residential developers.

05 04 03 02

01-01-2018 19/04/2021 SECTION-CC'

06 05 04 03 02

FACES OF BUILDING. 07

09 08

M SECTION-CC' SECTION B-B’ SECTION C-C’ 16

· LIFT LOBBY STAIRCASE ARE CONNECTED 01 10 09 08 07 06

(BY WEIGHT )WATERPROOFING ADDITIVE 01 10

· ALL SWITCH BOARD HEIGHT SHOULD A2

SMB KARURA VIEW. AR.ABBAS DRAWING TITLE.

DRAWING NO. DRAWINGS FOR CONSTRUCTION PROPOSED HOUSING ON PLOT NO 3397 NAIROBI PRINT PAPER

FLOOR LEVEL. TELE-FAX +91-22-28879718 SIZE

· EARLIER VERSION OR REVISED DRAWINGS

· PLEASE SEE CIVIL PLANS FOR GRADES

· ANY DISCREPANCY OR OMISSION IS TO M A

· PROVIDE 18MM THICK SURFACE CEMENT D E S I G N

AND LOCATIONS AND BE RESPONSIBLE

11/ 1, SHUBH BLDG,AKRULI SKV-11

TO EXECUTION. A C C O D G N E

101 EMAIL: info@aplusidesign.com OPP.THAKUR HOUSE, KANDIVALI

TOP LEVEL +74.87 M LVL

MACHINE ROOM LVL +71.95 M LVL

5.07

TERRACE FLOOR +68.05 M LVL

RECREATIONAL FLOOR +64.40 M LVL

18TH FLOOR +61.05 M LVL

17TH FLOOR +57.70 M LVL

16TH FLOOR +54.35 M LVL

15TH FLOOR +51.00 M LVL

14TH FLOOR +47.65 MLVL

13TH FLOOR +44.30 M LVL

12TH FLOOR +40.95 M LVL

11TH FLOOR +37.60 M LVL

10TH FLOOR +34.25 M LVL

9TH FLOOR +30.90 M LVL

8TH FLOOR +27.55 M LVL

7TH FLOOR +24.20 M LVL

6TH FLOOR +20.85 M LVL

5TH FLOOR +17.50 M LVL

4TH FLOOR +14.15M LVL

3RD PODIUM +9.65 M LVL

2ND PODIUM +6.65 M LVL

1ST PODIUM +3.65M LVL

GROUND FLOOR +0.30 M LVL

1.00

MOSQUE

AT

NOTES: OTHER NOTES:

DATE NO

1'-8" [512] 2'-10" [862]

13' [3900]

10" [256] 2" [50]

2'-10" [862]

7" [170]

3" [74] 3" [74]

3'-9" [1133]

4" [100] 6" [156] 1'-5" [437] 2" [50]

WOODEN CORNICE FINISH WITH APPROVED VARNISH BY ARHCITECT 2'-10" [862]

4" [100] 6" [156] 3" [74]

DESIGN MADE FROM 12MM THK. MDF. AND FINISH WITH WHITE COLOR DUCO PAINT AS APPROVED BY ARCHITECT

2'-10" [862]

COLUMN CLADDED WITH 18MM THK PLYWOOD

R1"[R19]

7" [170]

10" [256] 3" [74] 4'-5" [1332]

1" [15] KEY 1) EACH 2) ALL FIRE · · · · · · · M/S. DRAWING PROPOSED CLADDIND MASJID-E-FAIZ,

1'-9" [537] 10" [256]

3' [906]

WOODEN CORNICE FINISH WITH APPROVED VARNISH BY ARHCITECT

R1" [R16] R1" [R27]

R0"[R6] R0" [R7] R0" [R7]

R0"[R6]

0" [6] 1" [13] 2" [51] 1" [13] 0" [6] 2" [38] 0" [6] 0" [11]

1" [13] 1" [15] 1" [18] 1" [34] 1" [18]

1" [15]

0" [11] 0" [6] 2" [38] 0" [6] 1" [13] 2" [51] 0" [6] 1" [13] 1" [13]

4" [100]

6" [156] 4" [100]

DETAIL

DETAIL

REVISION NOTES: OTHER NOTES: TITLE AUTHORIZED DATE CLIENT QIBLA DATE NO DATE NO KEY PLAN: 1) PROVIDE EACH FLOOR 2) PROVIDE ALL LEVEL. FIRE FIGHTING CONSTRUCTION REGULATIONS SHALL ALL DIMENSIONS CONSTRUCTION SUB-CONTRACTOR. SHALL SURVEYORS THE CONSTRUCTION IMMEDIATELY DOCUMENTS. CONTRACTOR SIZE PLEASE EARLIER DISCARDED. ANY PRIOR PROVIDE (BY WEIGHT FACES LIFT ROOM. · ALL SWITCH FLOOR 05 04 03 02 01 10 09 08 07 06 05 04 03 02 01 10 09 08 07 06 M/S. AR.ABBAS DRAWING PRINT A3 PAPER CONSULTANT REVISED FALSE CEILING DRAWINGS AS PER SITE CONDITION 12/02/2021 23/04/2021 CLM-DTL PROPOSED CLADDIND MASJID-E-FAIZ,

Rural Housing

Second Year

Studio 4 | 2017-18

To study the archietctural fabric of rural communities and to develop an understanding of the relation between their way of life, the context and the built form.

To design an ECO-VILLAGE within the context of rural village

An eco-village is an intentional, traditional or urban community that is conscioulsy designed through locally owned participatory processes in all four dimensions of sustainability (social, cultural, ecology and economy) to regenate natural and social environments.

To study and understand the existing context in and around CHHATRI FARMS - an orchid situated in Sade village in Mandangad, Maharashtra, India and propose an eco-village consisting of : 10 housing units, Dormitory, Kitchen area, Dining-cum-multipurpose area and common toilets and bathrooms.

DESIGN : SKETCHES

OBJECTIVE

Delayering the urban identity to derive design language The complexity of the urban context and its core heritage architecture can be analysed in form of different layers. These layers can be broadly classified as visual, spatial, network, social and sensory. Delayering as well as understanding the interdependence of these layers will help in abstracting the spatial and formal expression which results into arriving at contemporary solutions in urban context.

The design initiated with documentation and analysis of the Indo-Portuguese architecture of the old setttlement, Fontainhas on the west of the the Rua De Ourem Creek and the industrial and commercial development abutting on the east side of the site. The site sits between very two distinct architecture styles : indo-portuguese architecture on the west with a waterbody and the new urban commercial and institutional development.

FONTAINHAS PANJIM, GOA

Fontainhas is the oldest Latin quarter of Panjim, Goa. Located at the foot of the Altinho Hills, it is bounded on the west by the hills with springs from which its name derives. (Fontainhas is Portuguese for “little fountain”.) On the east side, it is bounded by an ancient creek known as the Ourem Creek. It was built on reclaimed land. Opposite the creek the area observes new urban fabric with important institutional and commercial buildings. The stark contrast between the urban fabric on either side of the creek invites a sensitive approach towards the contemporary development. Waterfront rejuvenation and redesigning the existinng bridge connection will be a part of allied design.

Working Drawings (Residential Villa)

Third year Studio 5 & 6 | 2018-19

Nari Gandhi Trophy

NASA (National Association of Students of Architecture) Competition Entry | 2017-18

Shortlisted Entry

INTENTIONS OF THE THEME:

As we hear the word cost, the immediate thoughts that come to mind are low cost buildings by Laurie Baker; affordable housing by Government at HUDCO, housing boards, Nirmithi Kendra (building centres) and slum resettlements; cheap private constructions; many non-descript urban commercial buildings; rural architecture and such others. Despite all these being varied in context and typology, cost can still be a common criteria to compare between them.

However, is cost merely a reflection of money spent on construction or does it connote deeper meanings? As a determinant of design, what diverse roles does cost play? The theme intends to explore cost related matters, which incidentally finds an expression in the architecture of Nari Gandhi also, befitting the name of the trophy. Though costing is among the most decisive factors in architectural profession, it is among the least studied during the course work. It is hoped that the theme would highlight the importance of the subject among students of architecture.

OVERVIEW OF THE THEME:

Even on a quick glance, we can connect cost to specific building styles, visual attributes and design types. A five star hotel will cost more than a hill resort done with local materials, though both cater to visitors. The budget is dependent upon many local and regional parameters, hence replica designs in Mumbai and Manipur cannot cost same figure. Many buildings get their distinction by owner aspirations and promoters images, as they get expressed in the buildings. Cost also enables labelling of the buildings as Low Income Group (LIG) house, family bungalow or an iconic public structure. The trophy will begin with such wider and theoretical interpretation of cost in the beginning, later moving on to specific projects where monetary cost directly influenced the design, either in lowering the cost of construction or in ensuring that the project stayed cost effective. However, there can be ambiguities even within this specific note. To elaborate the above, we cannot assume that local approach is always low cost or high cost would always mean better aesthetics. Outcome of building research institutions might have led to cheaper solutions, along with costlier and better products. Some people may choose costly materials, justifying the price by the benefits; while others may argue for cheaper options approving their adequacy. A building may get green building rating despite high budget by proving how the increased budget pays back over the years. So, matters of cost in architecture can be hazy, yet we cannot push it under the carpet. Most often, we do not realize that the cost at which architecture happens, also happens at a cost to nature. Cost of architecture may focus at style, function, comforts, materials, structures, overheads, profits and such others. Cost to nature may impact on resource consumption, energy demands, environmental degradation, waste generation, greenhouse gas emissions and such others.

It is difficult to favour one over the other blindly, so the ideal decision towards costing appears to lie between the two costs. If so, we may even argue that the idea of cost is a major bridge and decisive criteria between personal wellbeing, ecological balance and economic affordability. If all these criteria are met with, hopefully, there will be a ‘COST CONSCIOUS ARCHITECTURE’.

Book Publication

Second year

Studio 4 | 2017-18

The book is a compilation of a detailed documentation of a SADE village located in the Mandangad tehsil of Ratnagiri district in Maharashtra, India.

The intent of the rigorous documentaion was to understand how an architectural site study can be done.

The documenation of the village was carried out via various group activities such as : Hand drafting, Photodocumentation, interviews with the locals, surveys, undestanding building materials, levels, understanding socio-cultural and socio-economic aspects of the village, a day in life of a local etc.

.

ARCHITECTURAL RESEARCH

Selected works

Architectural documentation : model-making, drawings and photographs as a means of understanding.

The documentation is a compilation of studies with research intent and part of self-learning by way of seeing and understanding.

Architect : Ryue Nishizawa

The site width being 4 metres, the Garden + house is a pragmatic example of urban context understanding and discovering solutions to minimise issues. The 4-floor residential is a home to 2 writer-editors where stack of greens with curtains and glass form the means of privacy from the immediate context. The use of glass dematerializes the structure and creates transparency which helps for sunlight and air to move through and along all floors.

The Barcelona Pavilion is religious in its nature and is primarily a spatial experience. We have no accepted way of indicating space. One is drawn by the sequence of space through it.

The circulation from the east leads you up a flight of steps that leads to the platform on which the pavilion stands. The flight of stairs is spatially compressed, and when you reach the top of the platform, the pool causes you to turn 180 degrees. This turn prepares you for the compressed entry with a glass wall on the right and the green. Tinian marble wall on the left, all modified by reflected trees. This squeezed space leads directly into the larger dominating space that contains the major function of the Pavilion. This flow of space continues all the way through the building in a highly disciplined way; nothing is left to chance. In the diagram, the compressed space, the liberated space, the movement of space diagonally, vertically, and curved space modify the rectangular plan in a very clear and surprising fashion. The space is revealed but also hidden. The density of space is greater as it approaches the defining planes that form the Pavilion. The inward pull to the defining planes is offset by the reflective surfaces, so that most of the surfaces vibrate. This highly disciplined flow of space is all-pervasive a natural constriction and release of space that leads you on everything is in motion, and you are carried along almost by unseen felt forces.”

Barcelona pavilon Catalonia, Spain

Architect : Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

Taher Mufaddal Udaipurwala Selected Works 2016-2022 taher53.ar@gmail.com