Academic Year
Final Year - Architecture Thesis
Duration
Jan - May 2021
Abstract
To change, to grow
Human life is shaped by two surroundings: the man-made, ever-evolving, and the natural, a timeless system sustaining us. As cities become dynamic backdrops, we increasingly yearn for nature’s tranquility. While efforts like green building and sustainability address ecological concerns, they often neglect daily life.
This thesis envisions homes that integrate nature, fostering a harmonious bond between humans and their environment to create sustainable, symbiotic spaces for the future.
Research
Understanding the human nature relationship
The research was guided by understanding relationship between human, nature and architecture through Environmental Psychology, Eco Psychology, Biophilic Architecture, Neuro Architecture and Sustainable Architecture.
Micro Climate and Context
Similar to landmark projects done since decades, this will set a new example to be taken up by developed and developing cities.
The program and design might change according to social, economical and ecological norms but the idea will be adapted by many to bring a change in future urban lifestyle.
Design Concept
Design Criteria
“We shape our buildings and afterwards our buildings shape us”, mused Winston Churchill in 1943 while considering the repair of the bomb-ravaged House of Commons.
Form Evolution
A play of layers
The design integrates a combination of horizontal layers: units, green spaces, and connections & vertical layers: green community spaces and gardens.
In each residential unit there are common areas like living rooms and kitchens facing the community green layers, fostering interaction with nature and neighbors. Verandas act as buffers between inside and outside, while private spaces face the building’s exterior, ensuring privacy and access to intimate green balconies.
Floor Layout
Floor Plans
The project is a high rise 16f residential tower with 65 living units and various functions, along with waste management, water recycling and solar energy generation systems. The structural system is steel frame (cladded with eco-board), pre-cast concrete floors and brick walls.
Unit Plans
Experiments with Space
Experiment with Time
Building orientation and zoning makes sure that every green layer gets required sunlight throughout the day. With time as the residents and environment interact with the building all three will change and grow.
Learnings
What would I do differently?
This thesis was developed during the COVID outbreak, which brought unique challenges and limitations. Given the opportunity to revisit it, I would approach it with the following considerations:
Expanding Accessibility:
The current design focuses on high-rise urban apartments, often accessible only to the wealthy. Moving forward, I would explore extending this concept to existing residential blocks by designing adaptable plug-ins that enhance connection with nature without requiring extensive redesign.
Optimizing Space Usage:
Feedback highlighted the importance of a conscious balance between private and public spaces per dweller. Future research would delve deeper into optimizing this ratio to ensure efficient and sustainable use of living areas.
Strengthening User Research:
Rooted in Environmental Psychology, this thesis relies on a field that, while significant, remains underexplored. Further research into this domain could yield more impactful and refined design outcomes.