THE UR FILES

2009-10-20T20:35:00.000-07:00

A new retreat for the elderly designed by architect durganand - and conceived by dr a v arun...

the difference is that this retreat would be ecological, runs on solar energy, is climatically designed, provides for nature walks, treks, library, yoga, and research..... built of locally available materials .....

2009-10-10T08:13:00.000-07:00

Ecology and Architecture - almost everybody today is discussing ecology and climate change. Architect Durganand Balsavar recently presented for the UN Habitat Day seminar. he recognised two key issues / debates

1. The Nature versus development debate

2. the Free markets versus social disparity debate.

the general apathy to nature when we create large infrastructure in our towns and cities. deforestation and the pollution of the rivers. Climate change, sea level rise, growing population and a whole list of bleak issues. How do we address them ?

a. Discover new technologies

b. Change our lifestyles from guzzling energy and resources to a more balanced joy de vivre....

2009-06-27T12:56:00.000-07:00

URBAN MARKETS TODAY

In the third year of architecture school we studied institutions – a school, museum etc. However over the last few years a growing influence on urbanity is the marketplace or the urban “mall”.

To better understand the urban mall, we need to study its history. In ancient times the markets were a street, like in Srirangam, Jaipur or Mylapore in Chennai. During Colonial times, new towns were setup that initially more or less followed the same ancient indian typology. However as the Colonial city expanded, the typology too changed to a new building as in Connaught Place in New Delhi, Spencers in Chennai etc. With independence though, the shopping complex evolved which is fast morphing into a hyper–mall of sorts. One example to study in the indian context is Correa's mall in Kolkota.

Correa in Kolkota

Kolkata got a unique Landmark called City Centre at the Salt Lake in the eastern part of the city on the 5th of June 2004. City centre has emerged as a single preferred destination addressing multifarious needs for the entire family. The City Centre was conceived not only as a shopping mall but also as an office complex, a residential area and a lot more. A confluence as it was, of all needs and also a solution to it.
City Centre Kolkata's first integrated multi–utility facility that is located at Salt Lake has been promoted by Bengal Ambuja Metropolitan Development Authority, a venture between Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority.
Confluence, is the essence of the City Centre a confluence to functionality and aesthetics. Though it looks very compact it houses an 1100 seater multiplex and an assortment of around 250 establishment’s offerings a wide range of products and services attempting to meet all needs of customer of all age groups.
City Center, designed by Charles Correa, is spread over six acre and is built in 22 months at an estimated cost of Rs 120 Crores. City Center represents a unique confluence of shopping malls, cineplexes, entertainment areas, food courts, offices, feet of land and residences amidst open spaces, lush green and contours over a sprawling space of half a million square feet of and much more. City Centre has seven buildings for retail and commercial outlets and structure housing the Inox multiplex each of its seven buildings is inter connected. Elaborate seating arrangements have been made in a large expanse of open space, christened Kund, plus there is a fountain and a 19th century tram in the exhibition area. There is parking space for 800 cars: 14 entry and exit points and large spaces to amble around.
There are several aspects to City Centre. Its inclusiveness for one. With no boundaries to separate it from the street, it is open to everyone all income and age groups. The architecture of the complex embodies the spirit of Kolkata. The central kund and numerous nooks and corners are created to fuel the city’s best know passion – adda. Add to that the Kalighat paintings and the art wall to complement the cities artistic heritage.
There’s a Raj touch in the restored horse drawn tramcar from where the visitors can collect city memorabilia. Apart from outlets of various branded wears, jewellery shops , coffee shops , departmental stores and a multiplex theatre it also has care and compassion, in the store Akriti where NGOs showcase products, made by the less privileged showcase products.
City centre tries to cater to every segment of society. Branded stores rub shoulders with their unbranded cousins, the ubiquitous muri – wala and chayer dokan (Tea Junction) reach out to visitors along with café coffee day, pizza hut and their ilk. Heritage, culture and indomitable kolkata spirit are not trampled over by rampant commercialism as a vintage tram; an innetant art wall and an NGO pavilion stake their claim with gentle persuasiveness.
THE CENTRE
Not knowing what to do can be an empty feeling. The next time it happens, you are more likely to say 'Let me spend some time at the City Centre.'
The City Centre is special because it addresses the needs of those who know what they want and of those who don’t. In doing so it promises to maximize the efficiency of the busy and enrich leisure of the idle.
It will do so through a unique environment that enables both kind of visitors to feel absolutely comfortable. So that, they may spend longer time at the City Centre than at other places.
For instance, a vast multi-stepped plaza has been designed with a ‘Kund’– a water body. This provides place to sit, to idle or just to be there. In doing so the modern contemporary look has been blended with a nostalgia truly Kolkatan.
Ideal for visitors who want to do nothing more adventurous at the City Centre than soak the sun in the open. Or simply chat with each other.
This provision for leisure is expected to extend the City Centre from just an adda for people of all ages to where a casual interest is translated into purchase on impulse. And where casual visitors can evolve into a place-loyal community.
The Mall (Block A )
Shopping of three levels ( ground / first / second)
Anchor departmental store ,Mall in Mall, branded products stores and other shops . Coffee shop and restaurant.
Food court (Third level)
Multi- cuisine, self- service, fast-food outlet. Large air- conditioned space with an adjacent open terrace. Capacity for 500 diners at any time.
Hall
Multi- purpose banquet hall for exhibitions, product launches, private parties , marriages , musical performances and other events. 15,000 square feet of covered area. Separate lobby and entrance.
Entertainment arena
Large air- conditioned, columnless space offering a variety of entertainment options.
The Plaza (Blocks B,C,D,E)
Independent shops on the ground and the first floor .
All shops and pedestrian areas protected from the natural elements by a covered pergola.
Linked with a pedestrian plaza and connecting bridges.
Commercial spaces on the other floors to be used as offices or as a restaurant, beauty parlour, health club, polyclinic, business center or such other facility.
The Cineplex
Four screen multiplexSeating capacity for more than 1000.Independent snacks and beverages outlet.Retail space
The Tower
An exclusive eight – storey office block of plush state-of-the – art office space.
The Fountain Plaza
A kund water body surrounded by stepped plaza where visitors can relax and idle.
(check out website - http://www.citycentrekolkata.com/themall.asp)

write to Elsee
Email: arkhaic@gmail.com

2009-05-03T03:18:00.001-07:00

Based on a challenge, the 700 Palms Residence was born. Addressing the issues surrounding a narrow lot, Steven Ehrlich Architects incorporated light, privacy and space into this modern Venice, California home. The innovative use of raw materials and industrial elements blends seamlessly with the clean-cut contemporary accents that can only be describes as “SoCal” in style. And in true California style, eco-chic is in full force at the 700 Palms Residence. The home’s unique look is achieved through the use of low-maintenance recycled materials. The floor plan floods living spaces with natural light throughout the day. Solar shading reduces heat gain in your home, while radiant concrete flooring regulates temperature, contributing to a more comfortable interior environment, and in the long run, a cleaner and “greener” exterior environment. Steven Ehrlich Architects.

2009-05-01T04:30:00.000-07:00

These are some rare documents of Corbusier..................... new studies on corbusier's work are indicating how he syntheisized history and modernity and his symbols from the ancient past.

dialogue this issue !!!!!!!!!!

2009-04-29T08:47:00.000-07:00

SAP, Department of Architecture, Anna University-Chennai alongwith Alliance Francaise recently held an exhibition on Brasilia and Chandigarh. What was more important to architects is the fact that Architect Oscar Neimeyer continues to design and visit his office at the age of One hundred and two. The works are today considered heritage with Neimeyer infusing the early symbolism of the modernist movement, influenced by Le Corbusier. Recently published books reveal more of this mysterious symbolism- The impact of this can be seen in the works of Steven Holl, Siza, Rem Koolhaas, Gehry and Leibeskind today. A reassessment of the history of Architecture is probably essential at this stage.

2009-01-12T01:58:00.001-08:00

Development of a Core House

- rebuilding coastal settlements after the tsunami

Artes - Human settlements development Center, Chennai

Ar. Durganand Balsavar

organic street - view - insitu growth The core house consisted of two rooms with an extended verandah infront which is multifunctional. Using alternative construction techniques like use of rat trap bond and filler slabs etc. - And materials like locally available wood, mangalore tiles, these self built houses were built to respond to rural way of life that existed prior to the Tsunami. Training was provided to the village community to build their own homes. ( Collaborative project Artes-Ader-Iscos-Ised-Odtf, Fondation France - Project conceived and designed by Ar Durganand - Artes).

Some Issues to consider in coastal resettlement -
1. Way of life
2. Economy
3. Location and services
4. Coastal ecology conservation (See MSSRF Bio-shield concept)
5. Alternative energy - like solar and wind
6. Alternative technologies and locally available materials

Incremental housing- An Affordable answer ?

Aranya housing Indore - Ar. B.V.Doshi (Vastu Shilpa Foundation)

Whats are the possible solutions for a sustainable & affordable growth of low income group settlements.? Aranya housing provides a practical solution. Check the following link for detailed brief of the project : http://www.vastushilpa.org/activities/projects/aranya.htm

2009-01-12T00:27:00.000-08:00

The traditional Vietnamese house that accomodates in its design protection from flooding,heavy rain and response to coastal ecology.Built frm locally available materials and using traditional technologies the house is a good example of evolution of a typology with understanding of coastal atmosphere over centuries.

2009-01-12T00:14:00.000-08:00

2009-01-11T08:54:00.001-08:00

"medusa and the sun" - sketch by charles jennerette from la chaux de fonds - Do we believe that dualities guide the design of architecture ?

2009-01-11T08:37:00.000-08:00

Quite a few coastal communities near cities or towns have mixed vocations - besdies fishing community there are various other professions too - carpenters, masons, school teachers, engineering and economics college students, - so the character of these settlements is changing - architects now have to look at the broader picture rather than planning homogenous communities - The ecological dimension is also crucial - rain water harvesting, green buildings and solar energy. The way in which the fishing community uses the open space also depends on the kind of boats they own , which in turn depends on the nature of the sea (rough sea, calm sea, deep sea etc).

MODULAR AND MORE

2009-01-11T07:58:00.001-08:00

Einstein commenting on Corbusier's modular said " it could make the good look better and the bad look more ugly". New research indicates ther could be more to this than a proportioning system. Colin Rowe in "The Mathematics of the Ideal Villa" excavates the link between the Palladian and Modular proportions. Ancient civilizations have also evolved highly enriched and complex proportioning systems - in search of the principles of nature -

2009-01-11T07:00:00.000-08:00

Refer - The Hindu Newspaper , July 22, 2006
Tsunami recovery and rebuilding coastal areas
A regional coastal intervention process with the restoration of ecologyneeds to complement the tsunami-rebuilding effort, writes DURGANAND BALSAVAR

The liberalisation of the national economy has fuelled the growth of Chennai and other coastal towns. The sprawl of these urban settlements is gradually affecting the character of the east coast road between Chennai and Pondicherry. Alongside this phenomenon, are traditional fishing communities, depending on the sea for livelihood. The growth notwithstanding, the tsunami of December 2004 has also raised several complex issues. The coastal ecology appears to be absorbing the impact of all these developments.
At this critical reconstruction phase, exists an opportunity to evolve humane guidelines that relate environmental sustainability tothe needs of traditional communities. The process would require a paradigm shift to integrate restoration of the ecology with reconstruction plans. This would imply regulating the nature of development with the participation of community and experienced teams of professionals - policy makers, planners, environmental scientists, sociologists, architects and economists.
Need for bio-shields
Coastal development in the past has often resulted in indiscriminate clearing of vegetation and erosion of sand dunes. It has also led to depletion of ground water and the ingress of saline water into urban areas of Chennai. Coastal regulations have invariably been generalised despite the fact that different regions require regulations based on their varied and unique geographical character. A regional coastal intervention process with the creation of appropriate vegetation-belts and mangroves needs to complement the tsunami-rebuilding effort, as suggested by environmental scientists. Conserving natural sand dunes, minimising plastic and other wastes that destroy marine life, are non-negotiable aspects of the re-construction process. Studies by M.S.Swaminathan Research Foundation have indicated the need for such bio-shields, which while regenerating ecology could considerably protect coastal settlements against cyclones and tsunamis.
Along with the devastation of certain natural features, entire villages were destroyed by the tsunami. The habitats and the ecology could take a few years to be restored. Availability of land for rebuilding has been a critical issue. While for occupational needs, the fishing community requires land in close proximity to the sea, aspects of safety in the event of cyclones need to be considered. Besides, given the nature of the coastal regulations and the increasing value of land along the Chennai coast, relocating affected villages could transform the nature of development. Settlement patterns designed for low-density growth are seldom possible due to limited availability of land especially near urban centre like Chennai, Pondicherry or Nagapattinam. These villages are thus experiencing vertical growth and appear as extensions to the city suburbs.
`Core' house
Re-building settlements and homes at a regional scale require a considered approach. In this context, the concept of a basic `core' house is appropriate. The design of the rural core house has the capacity to grow and respond to differing needs of families. The rural core house, like its historic antecedents, would be built of locally available materials, be climatically appropriate, respect the way of life of the community and have the potential to adapt and change. The rural core house, to begin with, has an area of about 350 square feet, containing basically two rooms and a thinnai (verandah) in front with a semi-open kitchen. Adequate space around the house allows for addition of rooms to meet the family's growing needs. Appropriate alternative technologies and innovative technological experiments can enrich the rebuilding process, as experienced in projects supported by non-governmental organisations like Costford and ADER, working in Nagapattinam. The technologies of rattrap brick bonds and terracotta filler roof slabs could be one of the approaches to reconstruction.
Solar lighting
In certain tsunami-rebuilding projects at Nagapattinam, undertaken by the Tata Relief Committee, solar lighting for the streets and wastewater recycling to recharge the groundwater has been envisaged. Such intervention would considerably ensure the protection of natural ecology. Consolidated efforts at rainwater harvesting could check the ingress of seawater into the water aquifers in the region.
Understanding community needs enables an empathetic approach to coastal development wherein government and non-governmental organisations could become responsible catalysts for change. They provide the needed support to the community in shaping and rebuilding their own environments. Community participation in the construction of their own homes and settlements would instil a greater sense of belonging and pride. While considerable effort has been invested in the region, the task ahead, to remain sustainable in the long term, requires providing opportunities to ensure the livelihood of coastal communities as well. NGO's like Dhan Foundation have integrated livelihood resource development with the coastal reconstruction process.
The Tata Relief Committee is also constructing community centres, which facilitate vocational training for women's self-help groups and educating children of less privileged and marginalised coastal communities. In the event of natural calamities, these centres are equipped to provide relief and refuge. Institutions such as schools, vocational centres and health centres are also being constructed to facilitatecommunity development. Projects by the Confederation of Indian Industry and their corporate members focus on building infrastructure to facilitate health-care and education in remote rural areas. Creating coastal infrastructure, though in the specific context of the tsunami, would enable the long-term development of the region as a whole. A community-centric process has also ensured that the infrastructure created meets their specific requirements. Rebuilding in response to large-scale natural calamities, like the tsunami, thus requires a coordinated effort from the affected communities, government, non-governmental organisations, environmentalists, educational institutions, corporates, architects, planners and other professionals.
Based on experience of various stakeholders working in the region, a humane community-based approach can sustain and enrich the balance between the built environment and the natural landscape. A holistic process can enable and inspire the arduous challenge of rebuilding an eco-system and its lost settlements.
The author is a architect and is involved in the reconstruction of coastal settlements.

2008-12-09T09:09:00.000-08:00

Late Architect Laurie Baker was inspired by the simplicity of rural dwellings in their natural environs.

2008-11-14T10:25:00.000-08:00

Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal - by Anant D Raje - checkout website http://www.iifm.ac.in

2008-11-14T09:10:00.001-08:00

"This book is long overdue. The absence of a comprehensive collection of Scully's work has left the field unfortunately--even suspiciously--unbalanced. His writings are important for their immediate impact and for their enduring lessons. The book will appeal to practicing architects and architectural historians, but it is also a major contribution to general cultural history that should attract audiences far outside architecture."--Michael Hays, Harvard University

2008-11-12T09:29:00.000-08:00

Auroville Charter (www.auroville.org)
Auroville belongs to nobody in particular. Auroville belongs to humanity as a whole. But to live in Auroville, one must be the willing servitor of the Divine Consciousness.
Auroville will be the place of an unending education, of constant progress, and a youth that never ages.
Auroville wants to be the bridge between the past and the future. Taking advantage of all discoveries from without and from within, Auroville will boldly spring towards future realisations.
Auroville will be a site of material and spiritual researches for a living embodiment of an actual Human Unity.

2008-11-11T09:12:00.000-08:00

2008-11-11T07:39:00.000-08:00

PSP- "Pradhaan Sethi Philiip" is a design and consultancy firm that provides total design solutions. The firm, based in Chennai, is doing a range of projects from interiors, resorts, a township and graphic design. - A brief profile may be accessed on their website www.pspdesign.in

Books

2008-11-08T09:25:00.000-08:00

A Global History of Architecture by Francis D K Ching, Mark M Jarzombek, Vikramaditya Prakash - Organised along a global timeline, this book presents an innovative approach to the study of architectural history -

the urban scape

2008-11-08T08:08:00.000-08:00

Share your ideas on how the Indian street, its pavements, trees, and its life can be enriched to make the street a transformed lively space. From the most basic aspects that make a street to the most complex metaphorical meanings - the mystical streets of Venice and Benares. The winding street markets of Isfahan, the clinical streets of Hongkong, each has its unique character !

the urban scape

Architect Frank O Gehry

2008-11-01T03:26:00.002-07:00

The sculptural forms and flowing special compositions of the building is experienced as convincingly homogeneous and perfect architecture,bearing a true masterpiece in homage to brick.

Architect Balakrishna Doshi,Amdavad,INDIA

2008-11-01T02:43:00.000-07:00

Balakrishna Doshi,is one of the pioneer architects of independent India started his practice from Paris in 1954.Apart from running his practice from the very famous Sangath,Ahmedabad,his contribution to architectural education in this country is unparalleled.CEPT,Ahmedabad,created and founded by him has been synonymous with architecture not only in India but all around the world. His many faceted personality and interests; such as architecture, planning, urban design, education, visual art, technology, low cost housing with holistic perceptions has earned him international reputation.

Architect Pramod Balakrishnan,Chennai,INDIA

2008-11-01T02:24:00.000-07:00

Edifice commenced practice in 1987 in Chennai. Their work is spread through various typologies, scales and locations ranging from schools, garment factories, Workers health centre, offices and residences .The concern has always been to build within the context, to create places not objects.

Architect Charles Correa,Bombay,INDIA

2008-10-31T05:23:00.000-07:00

Architect, planner, activist and theoretician, Correa has emerged as a major figure in contemporary architecture world wide. He studied architecture at the University of Michigan and at MIT. In private practice in Bombay since 1958, his work covers a wide range, from the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial at the Sabarmati Ashram, to the Jawahar Kala Kendra in Jaipur, and the State Assembly for madhya Pradesh - as well as townships and public housing project in Delhi, Bombay, Ahmedabad, Bangalore an other cities in India

URBAN DESIGN in architecture schools -

2008-10-22T21:17:00.000-07:00

URBAN DESIGN in architecture schools -

In the architectural education curriculum, urban design probably needs to be evovled keeping the design aspect as the focus. Most often the tendency is to take up large scale projects that end up being planning exercises - without the architectural exploration.

Suggested process -

1. Mapping of the sector/neighbourhood for study - involves measured drawing. google images, land use patterns, population densities, road networks, built form analysis, nodes and key institutions.

2. Study of history and its tranforming significance over time

3. Analysis and evolution of broad guidelines of intervention - that could evolve to refining the building regulations.

4. Creating framework for intervention

5. The project - is an intervention that fulfills the above exploration. - involves program of the institution, literature studies, design - from schematic to detailed drawings.

travelling

2008-10-16T11:54:00.000-07:00

travelling is all about one to one experience with places.Their visual documentation thus becomes essential to capture the essence of spaces.IF u have any albums to add on to , some compulsive memory that keeps coming back to you,do share it with us.

The following link has the snaps of the Biggest temple and a well known heritage site of South India-The brideshwara temple of Tanjore.The temple has the myth that the shadow of the Gopuram never falls within the boundaries of the temple complex.The temple complex is vast with multiple axes,...The huge Nandi bull statue,the first node of the temple path is a treat to watch,this temple complex is a world in its own that absorbs in itself the experience of thousands that come to visit this sacred site everyday.http://picasaweb.google.co.in/urr.files/Trichy#

thesis documents

2008-10-16T11:46:00.000-07:00

explore this link to open a thesis program.
the thesis is on the design of an art and design institute exploring the concept of kinesthetics

done by Sumedha Jain,hindustan college of Engineering,Chennai
http://picasaweb.google.co.in/urr.files/ThesisCd#

documentation

2008-10-16T08:43:00.000-07:00

documentation helps recording various aspects of a project/building to absolute detail.
this can help prepare architectural analysis and learn a great deal of the building and its evolution.

following is a detailed documentation done of the mahaballipuram city famous for its rare rock cut shore temple.
http://picasaweb.google.com/urr.files/MahabPresentation#

Done by.
Rajani-Anna university
Rini Rafi-SRM University
Siva Shankari-Hindustan college of Engineering
Tharini-Hindustan college of Engineering
Nikunj-CEPT
trainig semster,ARTES

this documentation captures the various moods of chennai
http://picasaweb.google.com/urr.files/madras#
done by rajini,Anna University

other documentations include documentations on
auroville
fatehpur sikri
follies
fatehpur sikri
historic buildings of chennai

2008-10-16T08:22:00.000-07:00

architecture is a medium of expression.And to express the idea to someone else one must posess architectural skills..the methods of communication.
sketching,photography,model making,painting..different mediums have been continuosly used by the archtects to expore the depths of architecture..
these skills not only help to communicate but also help to capture the true essence of a space. .interms of measurements,vistas,connections,ideas,details ,the list culd go n on..

this category explores the above skills of how one can incorporate them during the formative period when a student is exploring the fundamentals . . .

sketching
documentation
photography
model making

Architect Dean D Cruz, Goa INDIA

2008-10-10T04:25:00.003-07:00

Mozaic's architectural vocabulary stems from an approach to promote cost effective design which uses local materials, traditional methods of construction and aims at being ecologically sound. Architecture today requires flexibility in it's use, responding to changing needs through the day and over the years. The focus is to explore alternative materials and technologies, yet maintain a strong link with the past. Our experience encompasses the design of over a hundred residences, twenty small hotels, and a fair number of housing complexes, institutions, factories and other commercial projects.

Contact email: architecture@mozaic-design.com

Architect Ravi niilakantan,Chennai,INDIA

2008-10-10T04:25:00.002-07:00

Some words about my work,

Light and shadow, space, landscape, people, natural materials are my
inspirations' and influence. Indian architecture is going through a transition!
Architecture, is driven today by the industrialists! Architects are pressured to fall in line. This phase will pass.Indian architecture is full of colors, local flavours, sustainable and rich with tradition.Modern education has forgotten to sensitise the essence of tradition andenvironment.Efforts should be made to make up this lost ground.

My philosophy "Hold high goals and do not get diverted."

"Build a community worthy for mankind".

All the Best!
Ravi niilakantan

sketching-documentation

2008-10-10T04:25:00.000-07:00

As students we have always cherished visits to historic buildings or a stroll through the space created by our favorite architect..The experience counts,but there is loads to learn through them too.loads of secrets can be unveiled,and so much can be uncoded.

Sketch books are as essential for students of architectue..Readings and observations of buildings like plans,elements,measurements,relationships when recorded time to time through the medium of hand sketching can definitely open up the doors of exploration in architecture.Quick small sketches are hardly time consuming and can remain as life long memory,the process this way transforms into a more engaging interaction with the buildings .

measuring,drawing up the plans,sketching different aspects,detailed documentation of typologies and finally an architectural analysis..comes next.

can be very useful in learning the fundamental concepts.

following are two examples..one traditional chettinad house and another of gandhi ashram

The typical Chettinad house,Tamil Nadu
Front elevation

Sections

Plan

spaces-courtyards , thinaai , rooms-measurements,arrangement,hierarchy,purpose (for eg thinnai are interaction with street-public,outward..courtyard-bringing outside inside etc )

language-types of cols and meanings,materials,symmetry,roofetc

response of house to climate,and flexibility of spaces .

these are the few of the many factors on which the typology of a house can be analysed..

Measured drawings of a typical Chettinad house. Done by Sneha Tamhane,Sumedha jain

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The gandhi ashram,Charles correa,Ahmedabad

searching direction

2008-10-10T03:57:00.000-07:00

What are the various explorations in design for final year and thesis design?

1. The fragment and the fracture

Over the last few years, the practice of architecture is undergoing dramatic transformation. The urge to fragment, fracture form and space as we see in the recent works of Gehry or Leibeskind, Alvaro Siza,Zaha Hadid, Richard Meier, Rem or Steven Holl. The question is - Are there other relevant contemporary explorations ??? Or do these experiments in fragmentizing architecture render other experiments as outdated (not avant garde). Are there other discourses besides these?

2. The derailment of history!

What is the role of memory and history!The nature of practice undoubtedly impacts architectural education.One dimension that modern architecture endeavored to explore – but which was abandoned or derailed by the so-called "post-modernists" –was the "idea of history". In the eighties of the twentieth century,vested interests misrepresented the idea of history – Two fallacies were resurrected. Firstly that modern architecture emerged from a tabula rasa approach of severing itself from history. Secondly bringing back in its most crass and literal form – elements of the past as professed by the post-modernists.

3. The large-scale commercial and IT boom today!

Surreal virtual realities built in concrete forms! OR pure rational efficiencies On the other hand, large-scale projects, software parks, shoppingmalls transform the city landscape. Projects in shining metal and glass constructed at a frenetic pace – standardized details and added interiors – engage mass cultures and new forms of urban recreationwith the multiplex. Large scale townships, SEZ's, airport terminals,Olympic stadia, and structures at new scales – Unique and anonymous.History and architectural memory stands frozen in the wake of such commercial ventures.

4. The organic natural and structural

Few transformed to a new organic in the lineage of Antonio Gaudi andSantiago Calatrava and Ar. B V Doshi's recent work. Uneasy, awkward and emotional against the purist modern.

5. The ecology of the architectural search

It is in this contentious and challenging space that both the practice of architecture today and its education stand today. The dialogue anddiscourse however returns to the most basic relationship of humanity and the object – its scale and experience – often over-shadowed by the questions of ecology and sustainability.

6. The continuity and an unfinished modernist exploration

The fact that modernism and its tools of abstraction of language never really negotiated a comfortable engagement with place and location –in its pre-occupation with the universal - opens up new opportunities for exploration. The abstract language of Corbusier and Kahn continue to pervade the works of several architects. Few modernist architectshave been able to imbue new meaning into this process - through a morehumane and democratic engagement with materials and techne, local cultural practices of construction and technology and layered meanings with their contradictions - that transcend geographical boundaries! AD Raje, Correa, B V Doshi, Ando, GianCarlo, Van Eyke, – Whose works need to be reassessed. Frampton's critical regionalism may have momentarily filled the void though in a sympathetic manner rather than a self-referential anchored generation from the locus of place. For now, the architecture of expectation probably does not exist and may be a hypothetical precept!
Posted by Durganand B

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MATERIALS IN THE REAL WORLD - some links

check out http://www.taiyomc.com/ for tensile structures

check out : kvvoltex for textured stone surfaces

checkout - COSTFORD for alternative technologies

checkout Auroville - holistic experiments

its all about finding solutions

2008-10-08T08:28:00.000-07:00

Ur – a blog to explore the practice of architecture –

Ur is a forum for such discussions – ancient architecture, modernity,?
In a fast changing environment, the role of architecture is beingredefined. New materials, technologies, concerns of depleting naturalresources, clichés of ecological and sustainability and architecturaltheory at the cross roads.

Questions on the nature of architectural education, to respond to theneeds of our times are being raised. A wide range of arcarchitectural theory, education, concepts, materials and appropriatetechnologies, debates and discourses.
What is the paradigm shift/transformation in the nature of the architectural searchhitecturalexploration happens in the many practices.

Thesis FAQ

The thesis design semester is unique and different. Students from NITTrichy this year seem to be exploring new topics, which arechallenging, and different. Some students in Chennai are also debatingnew topics.

The basic questions that the students raised are significant:

1. How do we choose a thesis topic? What are the various topics wecould explore?
Guess there are no rules in choosing a topic/project. Thoughidentifying what interests can be essential criteria.
a. Exploring color in architecture, orb. Structure and technology in architecturec. Proportions and concepts of rhythmd. Heritage and conservation with creative adaptive re-usee. Hospital design (the program becomes important)f. Museum – what is the transformed design for a museum in the presentcentury? How is it different from the twentieth century museum?g. Art University – Dance, drama, visual arts, architectureh. Institute of fashion technologyi. Urban design – with a broad policy formulation and then designing abuilding/insert to demonstrate principlesj. Ecology and sustainabilityk. Campus designl. Townshipm. Airport terminusn. Cultural center
Add more projects- to liven and broaden the scope of the discussion

2. How do we decide the scale?
A project, which is too large, may notallow us to get down to design resolution and detailing! A smallproject may not have sufficient complexity to explore design.

Scale of project should be decided considering the essential fact thatthesis design is about exploring the aspects of design. Large-scaleprojects have the risk of becoming planning operations with verylittle architectural exploration. Issues of themes, elements,organization, campus planning, notions of arrival, sense of center,axis, ordering and connections need to be explored. Projects, whichare small in scale most often, do not provide the programmaticchallenges of design. Though these are general observations.

3. Why do we need literature studies – do we need to study otherbuildings are a reference? How do we analyze the building and learnfrom them? What are the parameters?
The study and observation of good buildings provides essential lessonsin evolving a program with a detailed area statement (along with arelationship between the areas etc.)

4. How do we structure our semester?
Thesis semester is also about exploring the unfolding of the design process.
Stages:

1. Choosing project and deciding the site, scale of project
2. Literature studies – references
3. Study of building regulations and services
4. Deriving lessons from travel and observation of good buildings
5. Evolving a framework to study buildings
6. Creating the project program and area statement
7. Exploring the generative concept through design
8. Study of spatial relationships, nodes, structure connectionsthrough drawing and models
9. Refinement of design
10. Detailing. Sections, sense of space, materials and technology
11. Ideas on growth of building over time
12. Final design presentation

check out for links on actual thesis programs as a model for he above.

thesis-a broad framework

2008-10-07T10:37:00.000-07:00

This blog is an attempt to clarify the various generic doubts existant in students about the architecctural concepts and issues.What exactly is the clarity all masters talk about,how does one look at buildings and learn from them,the basics of architectural language,skills and fundas of this subject,...do buildings really talk.students at various levels are always full of questions . .
is architecture really so complicated.?

CHAOS.. evryone around is so full of it. .
philosophy,Ecology,modernism,order,function,program,priority,design,climate,
datum,materials,technology...

Architecture can embrace all this all at once.
But the question is where do we begin.

LEts begin here....

1.Architecture
- " nature " is the context
- " shelter is man-made
architecture embodies the relationship between nature and the manmade

2.Basic function of architecture is to "shelter"from harsh forces of nature.

3.The notion of 'concept' or the idea that motivates design

Concepts of traditional houses

4.Understanding context of site
-site boundary
- contours,trees
-climate
-surroundin/buildings/river etc
- roads/nature of roads
- location
- materials / technology -locally available

understanding materials

- colors
- character of region
- recognizing the "needs " -functional equirements and creating a building program
For this purpose it is important to study plans of existing buildings and their functioning-and how they are used.This helps to create area statement,modify it or add nw functions-This is the relavance of references and literature studies.

5. relationship between needs-hierarchy,privacy,public space requirement,any other specific functional neds.Louis Khan-"Served spaces and servant spaces "-main spaces,core spaces and services.

6.basic aspects in design process
- nature of boundary
- sense of arrival
- structuring the path-orientation/path/node
- The core o heart of building
- The skin/periphery-study of sectons
- forms-aspect of forms
- quality of space
- quality of light
- directions - north south east west
- ordering - deciding the structure,grid,bay widths,module,geometry
-theme and variations - (basic module,geometry and variations )
- the plan/sections and elevations

7. understanding the potential of architectural elements ( form and spaces )
- plinths/level differences
- wall
- columns / collonades
- pergola
- path
- types of windows ( various categories )
- skylights silhoutte
- courtyard ( with changing scales )
- water body
- pavillion
- basements
- north lights
- types of steps / stairs
- materials/ technologies

8. Analysis of plan / sections
-what the architectural elements establish
- understanding forms
-meanings elements covey
-ecology sustainaibility-through architectural responses-with solar/water etc.

This blog is totally dedicated to architectural education
to help students open up and respond to their projects at college.
Watch out for links and reference data here..
Incase u do have any doubts of any kinds please post it as a response to this blog.

Regards
Elsee.

links : http://www.esnips.com/web/excavating-mahaballipuram