underground designing of an urban space

UNDERGROUNDDESIGNING OFAN URBAN SPACE

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Underground Designing of an Urban SpaceInternal Guide: Kaushik PanchalThesis,Bachelor of Architecture Submitted by: Preyan Mehta

21/AR(CT)/10

About the author:

Name: Preyan MehtaAge: 22Sex: MaleD.O.B.: 18.18.92

Permanent 463/1, Sector 6/A,Address: Gandhinagar, Gujarat. PIN: 382006Father's Dr. K. V. Mehta Name: Mother's Kiran K. Mehtaname Contact: email id/[email protected] ll fb/preyan.mehta ll in/preyanmehta ll issuu/preyanmehta ll skype/Preyan Mehta ll pixoto/preyan.mehta ll Bē/Preyan_Mehtall dribble/preyanmehta youtube/coming soon ll website/coming soon ll Phone no.: +91-9638144398 ll

Education: A.I.S.S.C.E.(12th)- Hillwoods School, Gandhinagar- 75% B.Arch(Bachelor of Architecture)- I.O.A., Patan- 76%(B+)Profession: ArchitectureOccupation:Graphic Designing

Softwares: Adobe Photoshop ll Adobe Illustrator ll Adobe InDesign ll AutoCAD ll Sketchup ll Autodesk Sketchbook ll Rhino ll Adobe After Effects ll Adobe Premiere Pro ll Adobe Audtion ll Adobe Flash Pro ll Adobe Muse ll MSOfficellHobbies/ Architecture ll Likes/Skills: Doodling ll Sketching ll Painting ll Pic0graphy ll Cooking ll Travelling ll Reading ll Gizmofreak ll Music Tuned ll Gaming ll Anime ll Logical Analysis ll Communication Skills ll Abstracts/Summary ll Writing/Blogging ll Learning new stuff ll Trying new stuff ll Leadership ll Teamwork llJob Intern at Collage:Architecture Studio, Experience: Bangalore.(Architecture) Worked under Ar. Vibhuti Chaudhary. June 2013- Sept 2013. Skills required: Analytical Study of Issues ll Detailing ll Rendering ll Multiple Project Handling ll Client Handling ll On the Spot Competitions ll email: [email protected]

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Junior Architect under Ar. Harit. March 2015. Skills required: Analytical Study of Issues ll Landscape Desiging ll Multiple Project Handling ll(Graphic Desiging) Self Empoyed/FreelancingWork done: Presentations ll Wallpapers ll Photoediting ll Caricatures ll Visiting Cards ll Logos ll Theme Fonts ll Minimalism ll

©UUS. ©UndergroundDesigningOfAnUrbanSpace. ©PreyanMehta.©InstituteOfArchitecture_Patan. The work can not be reused/copied without the permission of the author. In case of any requirement for the work to be used somewhere, the author must be asked through the contact mediums provided hereby. Rest, just enjoy the work put by the author. The copyrights of this document lies with the Author, Preyan Mehta and with I.O.A.,Patan, only.

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UNDERGROUND DESIGNING OF AN URBAN SPACE- Preyan Mehta

AbstractThe main objective of this thesis paper, is to shatter the paradigm of Human perception for an Underground Space. The Design challenges addresses to the Myths and Problems faced by an Underground Space, Architecturally. The radius of the Thesis enclosures the Architectural Challenges(planning of spaces, space distribution, element placing et al), Human Scale, Building Sustainibility and Contextual Influence of the Project. And on other hand, the Thesis wont be covering the Engineering(Technical) details and internal planning of spaces like shops/cafes. Though an attempt to try and resolve the Engineering fleats will be considered but will be only at a Conceptual Stage and not a Detailed stage. An understanding of Underground Public Spaces shall be attained and should serve a purpose for an awareness towards the most Neglected building typology.

The thesis revolves around the concept of Utilising the land Efficiently by going Underground. The concept evolved with the increase in the demand for the land and the recent trends and solutions to utilising land. After studying the pattern of land use, and building typology it was oberserved that the most efficient way in today's context to utilise land, to increase the green cover on the land is by Going Underground.

Recent typologies evolving for the need of efficient land usage 95% of the time talks about the Super Structures and not the Sub Structures. Especially, the Trending Skyscrapers, whose negative impacts on the environment are many as compared to the positive impacts/advantages. Few of the problems of a Skyscraper are, No Human Scale, No Respect for Mother Earth, false perception of an Iconic building. Trend studying leads to an Inference that in the year 2100, the height achieved by us, the Great Creators would be 3kms(Vertically). This was one factor, other factors leading to the Topic are, Population Increase, Commuting, Solitary Confinement, Sustainibility et al.

The methodology leads from the Understanding of an Underground Space to understanding of it's function i.e. an Urban Space. After this establishment a solid and non-flexible Framework will be made based on the Understanding of the topics. Based on the framework, two major parts of thesis will be done for. First, Case Studies of Underground and Urban Spaces and Secondly, Site Selection from the identified sites. This will lead to the next stage of detailed Site Analysis, and then Program Formulation. Program Formulation is again an Important step towards the next few stages. Program therefore will evolve out of all of the stages above. Finalising tentatively the Program for the Designing, next stage deals with the Concept generation and the Philosophies behind it. Concept generation directly leads to the next stage of Design Solution. After completion of this stage, the Thesis comes to a climax and last stages involves a Vision Statement based on what learned and as an Architect a Future Perception, Conclusion of the Thesis, List of the refered mediums/material, and lastly the Process/ the Appendix.

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Acknowledgement

First and foremost, I would like to thank my internal guide Kaushik Panchal sir. Words can't express how much support and help he has given throughout the thesis. His constant presence, and guidance wasthe main reason the thesis is what it is right now. His precision, and the way he finds order even in chaos is one of the key elements which made this thesis possible. Then, I would like to show my gratitude towards Meera Chetwani ma'am. Even though she wasn't my internal guide, her constant appreciation, guidance and optimistic nature helped sail through some tough turns in thesis. This two faculty's or mentor's if I may say, presence throughout has acted as one of the main column of support. Then I would like to showmy gratitude towards Hemantwala sir, a senior faculty whose crash-course sessions regarding Architecture and it's philosophies, and his way of teaching through constant criticism was indeed veryeye opening. Even though his methods may have been time consuming and new for us, it was factual and straight forward. I would also like to thank all the commitee members Prof. Rajesh Mehta, Umang Goswami sir, Bhavesh Patel sir, Mayank Patel sir, Vikas Patel sir and Tapan Shah sir. Then I would like tothank the whole staff of Institute of Architecture, Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University, Patan.

Coming to thanking people, if I forget thanking friends and collegues how will I be able to submit this thesis? To those memorable times we had, be it while travelling to Patan with Shailee Dave, or critisizing and appreciating her work, be it the times where we argued for hours, or teamed up against someoneelse'e arguement. Thank You. Then, the journey of this 5 years of Graduation and college wouldn't havebeen possible without my idiot roommates and best friends Ragin Shah, Kevin Dalia and Tonoy Sarma. Kevin Dalia thank you for all the discussions we had while travelling to Palanpur when we used to go to discuss with Kaushik sir. Ragin for your honest and unfiltered reviews and Tonoy for your hilarious mimics.And collegues, thank you for constantly critisizing and supporting all the works throughout this 5 years.

Last but not the least, this are the persons who were present not just for this 5 years but since my existence. My parents, thank you for the support throughout, thank you for all the scolding, criticisms, appreciations, hustle and bustles to Patan, and everything which you have done for me up untill now and will do for in the future. And can't forget the idiot brother without whose Engneering skills and knowledge on many technical and non techncial aspects, and brainstorming sessions for hours. Then I would like to thank Er. Pankaj Gandhi, for without whose support, guidance and insight regarding notjust the thesis, but for life as well.

Thank You to everyone who has supported, guided, appreciated, criticized and pushed me throughtthis 5 years Directly or Indirectly.

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Table of Contents

Abstract............................................................................................ 1Acknowledgement...................................................................... 2Table of Contents....................................................................... 3

Chapter 1- Introduction......................................................... 51.1 Thesis Statement1.2 Objectives1.3 Methodology1.4 Scope and Parameters1.5 Expected Results1.6 Use of the Study

Chapter 2- Literature Review.............................................. 82.1 What is Underground Architecture, what are it's types and archtypes?2.2 What is the difference between Underground and AboveGround architecture?2.3 Why Underground Architecture and it's advantages and disadvantages?2.4 What is an Urban Space and why do we need it, Underground?

Chapter 3- Case Studies...................................................... 173.1 Framework for Case Studies for Underground buildings and Urban Spaces.3.2 Primary Casestudies of Underground architecture3.3 Secondary Casestudies of Underground architecture3.4 Primary Casestudies of Urban spaces3.5 Secondary Casestudies of Urban spaces3.6 Inferences

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Chapter 4- Site analysis and Programme.................... 304.1 Site identification4.2 Site Selection4.3 Site Anallysis 4.4 Programme formulation

Chapter 5- Design Solution................................................. 395.1 Concept Formulation5.2 Site specific Design Framework5.3 Drawings- Design Solution5.4 Design Case Study- Plan, Section analysis Landscape Elements Rain Water Harvesting System Lighting Techniques Possible Structural & Engineering Details Activity & Connectivity

Chapter 6- Observations and Conclusions.............. 636.1 Observational Notes/Architectural Narration6.2 Conclusion/ Fulfillment of the Thesis Statement

Chapter 7- Design Appraisal............................................. 747.1 FAQs raised by the Jury Members7.2 Avenues for further Exploration on the topic.

Architect's Vision........................................................................ 79Works Cited................................................................................... 80List of Figures................................................................................ 83Appendix........................................................................................ 84

INTRODUCTION

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1.1 Thesis StatementThere are always two sides of everything, including Architecture. Full/Empty, Light/Dark, God/Demons, Up/Down et al. So, the focus is to make the Design Solution an Examplar Solution and hence shall becomethe Foundation for studying Underground Architecture futher. The focus is to Increase the Natural Open Land, and still give Justice to the precious piece of land by designing an Urban Oasis beneath us. The thesis shall sum up by Extraction of few Guidelines which could be helpful to study other Underground Spaces/Buildings & Make new ones.

1.2 ObjectivesThe Main or Primary Objectives are:1- To keep or maintain the Already existed Natural Land of the Site by minimum of 50% of the Total Area2- To make an Urban Oasis Beneath us.3- Extract Site Specific Guidelines and try and Generalise it.

1.3 Methodology1- Digging down the Roots of Underground Architecture, "Needs Then Needs Now.".2- Understand and Compare Underground Architecture with Aboveground Architecture.3- Understand Urban Spaces and It's need in society.4- Understand the Relationship Between Underground Spaces & Urban Spaces5- Establish a Framework for Case Studies for Underground Space & Urban Spaces6- Study the Cases, and Finally Draw Inferences from it.7- Different Sites will be Identified, Then One Site will be selected and Hence Site Analysis would be done.8- Programme, general Programme for the Project shall be formed9- Conceptual drawings and sketches should be produced10- Site Specific Programme shall be made11- Design options shall be explored based on the Concept and Programme.12- Hence, a Design Solution for the Programme shall be Selected and Drawings of such be produced13- After making Design Solution, Design Analysis shall be done14- Finally, the Thesis Conclusion whereby the Objectives and or Thesis Statement must be fulfilled.15- The Thesis will be Concluded by Showing the Future Vision of the Architect towards the Subject.

1.4 Scope and Parameters

Introduction

Human Scale

DetailedStructuralSystem

DetailedInternal Planning

FormExploration

Guidelines

ConnectionbetweenUnderground &AbovegroundOpen

Quality Land

Light &Ventillation

Mass-VoidRelationship

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1.5 Expected ResultsExpected results include Fulfillment of Atleast 2/3 Primary Thesis Objectives, i.e. it will 1- Maintain the Already existed Natural Land of the SIte by minimum of 50% of the Total Area2- Create an Urban Oasis Beneath us.

1.6 Use of StudyThe Thesis shall be use to General Body of Knowledge by-1- Will act as a Data Collection for Underground Architecture, whereby references can be made to Understand the basics of Underground Architecture2- The Design Solution will act as an Examplar/ or will act as a Foundation for Further Design explorations. and will be useful guide to make a working Underground Urban Space3- Will help see Underground Architecture as the New Future for the Architecture.

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LITERATUREREVIEW

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2.1 What is Underground Architecture? and it's Types and Archtypes?To begin the understanding with, I would like to start with this quote

"You tend to Overestimate things, which you dont fully understand".Truelly said, We have a tendency of Overestimating things we dont see, feel or Understand. Which is usually the case with Underground Architecture. When we say Underground Architecture people relateit to the much obviously seen "Basements". Is it or is it not Underground the Basements are? Yes, they are Under-Ground. But is it Architecture? Is it a designed Space? If not what is a designed space? What is actually Underground Architecture?Quoting,

"How underground must a building be, to be an underground building?"- www.subsurfacebuildings.comRequoting it for the Skyscrapers,

"How aboveground must a building be, to be a Skyscraper?". To answer to this dillema I bring in the expert of Skyscrapers, T.J. Gottesdiener an architect and managing partner of the New York office of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) says

" I dont think how many floors you have, I think it is an attitude".

So, putting a structure Under-ground simply doesnt mean it is Designed Underground Space. It simply means people are fighting for tight corners in a tight Urban fabric. Then, what is Underground Architectureor Underground Designing of a Space?

It is an Attitude.

Designing a space Underground is an Attitude. Attitude of going against all the present norms and montonous life. It is an Escapism, a way of running from the current Urban life, a cool place to be in harsh summers, shelter like caves, an attempt to save the nature land and so on so forth. Defining Underground Architecture is like Defining Nature. Words are not Suffice.

Literature Review

Caves Earth Berrmed Container

Pre-casted Conrete Earth Sheltered Submarines

Dugouts

*Underground Building:More than meets the eye-Loretta Hall*http://www.underground-homes.com

Underground Missile Sillos

Types of Underground Architecture

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"Caves, the earliest habitations of man, contain the origins of human kind. Man used them as temporaryshelters, while they migrated with the seasons. Yet it wasn’t until the discovery of fire that the truepotential of the Cave was fully exploited, as it provided shelter for cooking. The enclosure also offereda feeling of protection, where the strength of the structure and the single point of entry allowed theinhabitant to rest peacefully without fear from attack. It is these primitive inhabitations that are the basisof the rich connotations associated with the cave.Alongside these physical feelings, the Cave and more importantly its enveloped darkness present a metaphor for knowledge. In Plato’s Allegory of the Cave, the Cave is a prison, in which matter and understanding are concealed in shadow. The Cave becomes both the “organiser and constraint of human functions, an active agency in the formation of experience and morality in a goal to reach utopia” (Plummer, 1987, p.24). Utopia is therefore considered to be when one is exposed to the natural light and has the ability to see, “for seeing is linked to knowing and knowing is linked to power” (Plummer, 1987, p.21). "- Ammie Wright, Underground Architecture, Master Thesis.

"Dungeons and Cellars developed in the Middle Ages were often cages constructed within the subterranean portions of fortresses, castles or public buildings. Many of these submerged Dungeonsconnected to a series of passageways that acted as a vast hidden underground network, connecting the main elements of the castle together. Dungeons and Cellars were often crude structures that were not initially built to house criminals (Johnston, A Brief History of Prison Architecture, 1973). Instead theywere used for storage of perishable goods, where the earth’s constant temperature was utilised to create cool rooms. With the advent of many of these storage rooms converted to house prisoners, dungeons often lacked humane living conditions. The conditions within Dungeons and Cellars, along with histories of torture and torment, consequently saw them gain a sinister and disturbing reputation, leaving permanent marks on our memories. It is in these underground spaces that “darkness prevails both day and night” (Bachelard, 1994, p.19), exaggerating the inhabitants fears and letting their imagination run free with terrifying thoughts. The inhabitant experiences “buried madness” (Bachelard, 1994, p.20) knowing that “the walls of the Cellar are buried walls, that they are walls with a single casing, walls that have the entire earth behind them (Bachelard, 1994, p.20), creating a dramatic and volatile situation."- Ammie Wright, Underground Architecture, Master Thesis.

ArchTypes of Underground ArchitectureCaves and Caverns

Caves and Caverns

Dungeons and Cellars

Dungeons and Cellars

*Underground Architecture:Connections Between Ground-Level Public Space and Below-Ground Buildings- Ammie Wright

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"The Bunker, designed to protect its inhabitant’s from incoming bombs, flying shrapnel and other attacks was extensively used in World War I and World War II. Its ‘aerostatic’ form was purely concerned with survival; it provided “shelter for man in a crucial period, the place where he buries himself to subsist” (Virilio, 1994, p.46). Its characteristics, a monolith shell constructed from heavily fortified concrete walls with only a narrow slit for the observer to spot the enemy were all adopted to ensure survival. It was partially submerged into the landscape allowing the earth to conceal the main portion of the structure while offering a sense of stability and assurance. The camouflage potential of the Bunker “nestles in the uninterrupted expanse of the landscape and disappears from our perception” (Virilio, 1994, p.44), the structure becomes linked to the surrounding earth providing the inhabitant with a sense of fortification and concealment. The powerful notions of War, and therefore the Bunker also reversed the associated connotations of light and shadow, for being in the path of light means that you could be seen and exposed to possible attack. It was not until you were concealed in shadow that you were protected and sheltered. However, shadow only protects the inhabitant to a certain degree. It only acts as a partial screen, for you were only screened from what you could not see, yet allowing sounds, feelings and images of the war raging outside to still affect the inhabitant taking refuge inside the Bunker."- Ammie Wright, Underground Architecture, Master Thesis.

"The Romantic Movement emerged during the second half of the 18th century as a reaction to the industrial revolution. It saw a noticeable increase in primitive constructions that were not meant just for living, but for reconnecting the enlightened, wealthy classes to something they had a lost; “a civilisation of nature, or their own bodies” (Betsky, 2002, p.58) . The Grotto was a predominant type within theseconstructions. It was designed to integrate into its natural surroundings, becoming an embellishment inmany parks and public places, where its form was dictated by the natural arrangement of the surrounding earth and rocks. Functionally, the Grotto provided an escape from the harsh rays of the summer sun. Exploiting the earth’s natural insulation to maintain lower temperatures along with the cooling affect from flowing water collected from the surrounding landscape, a shady retreat was created. This constant cool temperature of the Grotto and the subtleness of illumination and shadow entering from above allowed for the inhabitant to partake in “delight, mediation, rest, and relaxation” (Sullivan, Subterranean Rooms, 2002, p.11), as nature provided the backdrop for many sociable activities. "- Ammie Wright, Underground Architecture, Master Thesis.

ArchTypes of Underground ArchitectureBunkers

Bunkers

Grottoes

Grottoes


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"The Cryptoporticus is a long, narrow, subterranean corridor that’s function is to connect and provide access between individual villas on a site. Its depth utilizes the earth’s natural cooling features whileoffering protection from the direct summer sun, providing a comfortable environment for circulation.Developed by the Romans purely for function purposes, it was a completely submerged undergroundspace, often built as a network of corridors, mainly used by the family and their servants to move aroundthe villa (Sullivan, Subterranean Rooms, 2002). However, its full potential was not fully harnessed untilthe Renaissance period, where it became subterranean and high vaulted ceilings, along with clerestoryopenings, were incorporated. These simple features created a microclimate through the stimulation of airmovement (Sullivan, 2002), while also allowing natural light to subtly illuminate the interior, and provideviews to the gardens above. The comfortable environment that was created saw the Cryptoporticus become “more than just a mere passage way, but discrete living places in their own right”. (Sullivan, 2002, p. 34). The original concepts of earth and exposed rock walls and ceiling, were now adorned by marble mosaics and paintings, transforming the Cryptoporticus into a gallery displaying the talents of the wealthy"- Ammie Wright, Underground Architecture, Master Thesis.

ArchTypes of Underground ArchitectureCryptoporticus

Cryptoporticus


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2.2 What is the difference between Aboveground Architecture and Underground Architecture?

ABOVEGROUND ARCHITECTUREThe Aboveground architecture, is the common and taken up 99% of the time by the Architects, Builders or even Clients. The major drawbacks includes, less Open Quality Urban Space, Unused Land Resources like Terraces, monotonous and repetetive architecture, and the most Important of all, Detoriation of the Natural Land.

UNDERGROUND ARCHITECTUREThe Underground Architecture, is the least or last resort people take for designing spaces. The major advantages over aboveground are, Saving Natural Land, Retreat from the above Urban life, Commuting, creating an Open Quality Urban Space on the ground with the uses beneath it, and utilizing the Terrace spaces of the building by connecting them to the public transportation and many more.

*IA&B - May 2015

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2.3 Why Underground Architecture and state it's advantages and disadvantages.

Out of the total space on Earth, 29.2% is land and the rest Water i.e. 70.8%. In that 29.2% of land there are 6.5 million species living on it. But strangely, and factually out of that 6.5 million species, We Humans are just 0.00018%. But this isnt that strange or weird, what is more strange is even though we are just 0.00018% we use 20% of the land. 20% by 0.00018%. Just too hard to digest. But what does 0.00018% mean? nothing. The figures of number of humans is 7 billion. I frankly dont understand millions and billions. It just simplifies and eases the way we say it. Let me write in core number of digits., 7 Billion means- 7,000,000,000. And no, I'm not exxagerating, It is a fact. Last Fact is that, this ridiculous number is supposed to reach as high as 10.8 Billion by 2050. Now, i dont need to write 10.8 billions indigits because that is too big a number and will take "SPACE".

Energy Efficiency Buildings, that is another reason why people opt for Underground Buildings. Thesis by Chris van Dronkelaar- Underground Buildings. His study revolves around how the Energy is consumed less in Underground buildings in comparison with Aboveground buildings. He concludes by comparing the worst example of an Underground Building and Best example of Aboveground building, and what he concluded is The undergound building consumes less energy even in this case by 53kW/h. He studies other factors as well, but it is not to be discussed in this section.

Shelter, this is the most basic of all. Caves and Caverns the Archtype we discussed in the earlier section 2.2- Archtypes of Underground Architecture states the uses and reasoning. It is related to our ancestors. It leads to our conneciton with the advancement and evolution of Humans.

Meditation, because of it's properties of Isolation. This Underground buildings when isolated from the above surface helps people meditate and connect with themselves. It is simply the purpose why many Saints go into the Caves and just meditate there.

Commuting, it is the increased usage for Underground Buildings people have started to take for. More and more subways, metros and public transportation and infrastructure is going underground because of the first reason mentioned above. Land shortage, and pollution and other factors.

Solitary Confinement, or simply putting Jails. This usage of Underground architecture. There are many advantages of doing so, as we are taking the criminals away from the normal public. We are cutting them down. It also has the principle of taking the bad elements down because the downside is considered as hell.

*Census of Marine Life*World Population- www.wikpedia.com

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Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Land Utilization

DisasterResistant

Natural Light

Flooding

Water drainage

Natural Ventillation

Views and Vistas

Temperature Variation

SustainableBuidling

Energy Efficient

Less Maintainence

Less Carbon Footprint

Privacy

*http://www.underground-homes.com

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2.4 What is an Urban Space and why do we need it, Underground?Urban Spaces, Open Quality Urban Space is a space where people gather around to socialise, interact, recreate themselves. It is that voids in Urban fabric which defines the people's lives, their culture, their social life. In the current scenario of High Density, High pollution, dynamic but static life, monotonous life, hectic life people need a Retreat, they need a a gateway and Urban Spaces provide just that. But that is possible aboveground only right? Well, we can but till what time? As the data stated in the section 2.3, land utilisation we cant say that for sure. So, taking the Urban space Underground will actually solve many problems. It will not only solve Urban Problems but also the land problems. Usually, urban spaces are two dimensional or many a times even one dimensional. But actually the real time Urban spaces, the spaces which we require now are three dimensional. They should react not just in one direction but in all the three dimensions making it connect at all the levels. This aspect can truelly be solved when we go Underground. Other aspects revolves around different elements.

RECENT TRENDS:TERRACES AS AN URBAN PUBIC SPACEThe Terrace Alive Competition by Indian Architect & Builder and Dr. Fixit from Pidlite, invited the Architecture fraternity to select an URBAN ROOF

and trasnform it such that the spilling over to the STREETS BELOW is channelised in a VERTICAL fashion... This competition aimed at CREATING a SECOND REALM of PUBLIC SPACES, where the SKY was the ROOF. Terms like “RECLAIMED GROUND PLANES” by Le Corbusier are used.

FACT FILE:SKYSCRAPERS

Height of a Human 1700mm- 0.0017kms, i.e. the

Ratio between Height of the Human : Height of the Skyscraper-- 1 : 1750; i.e.

the Skyscraper is 1750 times the Human.

*www.wikipedia.com* Google Images

1872-2004- i.e. 111 years, Increase in Height for Skyscrapers was 1530ft. 2004-2010- i.e. 6 years, increase in Height for Skyscrapers was 1046ft.Within next 105 years 2115, increase would be by 9500ft since 1872, roughly being 3kms upwards.

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CASESTUDIES

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3.1 Framework for Case Studies for Underground buildings and Urban Spaces

Tangible:- Section- Area- Typology- Function- Lighting- Ventillation- Materials- Land Above Usage

InTangible:- Views & Vistas- Ambience/Experience

- Section- Area- Location- Context- Elements

Case Studies

Framework for Underground Spaces

Framework for Urban Spaces

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3.2 Primary casestudies for Underground Architecture

NAME: Bharat Bhavan, Bhopal.- Ar.Charles Corea

SECTION:

AREA: 11,150 sqmTYPOLOGY: Public BuildingFUNCTION: Art Gallery, Exhibitions, Dance & Music showsLIGHTING: Skylighs- Singular and Edged.VENTILLATION: Courtyards- 20x20m, and AC ducts.MATERIALS: Brick Masonry, RCC frame, Fibre glassLAND ABOVE USAGE: Terrace GardenVIEWS & VISTAS: The Terrace garden showcases nice riverfront, city skylineAMBIENCE/EXPERIENCE: The experience is very varying. Beginning from the start, the entrance doesnt give away what the building has to offer, slowly slowly when you descend into the Human Scaled spaces, and go towards the end, i.e. an amphitheatre where the horizon meets the river where the amphitheatre is the fine Line between them. Mesmerizing experience, where a person doesnt really observe being underground.

*Live Case Study-Preyan Mehta

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NAME: Science City, Ahmedabad- Govt. Initiative

SECTION:

AREA: 1750 sqmTYPOLOGY: Public BuildingFUNCTION: Entrance, lounge to the Imax theatre, and exhibition spaceLIGHTING: Skylighs- SuntubesVENTILLATION: AC ductsMATERIALS: ACP cladding, concrete, steelLAND ABOVE USAGE: NoneVIEWS & VISTAS: NoneAMBIENCE/EXPERIENCE: The experience is like being inside a tight closed basement, where natural light and air is not to be found. It is a suffocative experience with lots of humidity. The kind of spaces where people wont like speding time in.


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3.3 Secondary casestudies for Underground Architecture

NAME: Disco House, London- Ar. Ian Hogarth

SECTION:

AREA: 241 sqmTYPOLOGY: ResidenceFUNCTION: A house for the whole family, underground being a retreatLIGHTING: One 3x3m courtyard cum water body & ArtificialVENTILLATION: AC ductsMATERIALS: Brick Concrete, glass, steelLAND ABOVE USAGE: Garden, bedrooms, kitchen and living roomVIEWS & VISTAS: The neighbourhood, gardenAMBIENCE/EXPERIENCE: The experience is good, but it is because of the fact that the underground space is not architecturally but technologically handled. The artificial lights, and Disco floor takes the breathe away. But nothing which connects it to the above ground.

*Grand Design- Disco House: Series- www.youtube.com

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NAME: Santa fe mall, Mexico- Santa fe Group

SECTION:

AREA: 9232 sqmTYPOLOGY: MallFUNCTION: A shopping retreat for the people in an Urban contextLIGHTING: Glass LightwellsVENTILLATION: AC ductsMATERIALS: Concrete, glass, steelLAND ABOVE USAGE: Garden and LandscapingVIEWS & VISTAS: The tight Urban contextAMBIENCE/EXPERIENCE: The experience is classy, with all the glass and concrete. The shopping experience is really taking with all the natural lighting flushing in. But if the ventilation would have been natural as well then the whole experience would have been different.

*Santa fe Mall- www.youtube.com

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NAME: PATH system Toronto- Urban Planning initiative

SECTION:

AREA: 371,600 sqmTYPOLOGY: Commuting and street shoppingFUNCTION: A shopping retreat for the people in an Urban contextLIGHTING: Entries and ExitsVENTILLATION: AC ductsMATERIALS: LAND ABOVE USAGE: Existing City InfrastructureVIEWS & VISTAS: AMBIENCE/EXPERIENCE: The experience is like walking inside a Mall, no difference. It doesnt feel as if people are walking underground, except that it is much warmer compared to the roads above. It has it's own color coding for navigation.

*PATH system-www.youtube.com

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NAME: Earthscraper, Mexico-Estaban Suarez,BNKR arquitectura

SECTION:

AREA: 775,000 sqmTYPOLOGY: Public buildingFUNCTION: An urban space, offices, museumsLIGHTING: Central Glass SkylightVENTILLATION: AC ductsMATERIALS: LAND ABOVE USAGE: Public squareVIEWS & VISTAS: Public square, skyAMBIENCE/EXPERIENCE: The experience would be something new, as this is a highly hypothetical design where architects have integrated nature with the building in an unique way. It is truelly a futuristic project.

* http://www.archdaily.com/156357/the-earthscraper-bnkr-arquitectura/

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3.4 Primary casestudies for Urban Spaces

NAME: Municipal Market

SECTION:

AREA: 5,500 sqmLOCATION: Between Nehrunagar jn and Dr. Umashankar Joshi Marg Jn, CGRoad, AhmedabadCONTEXT: Mixed Use- Eateries, Parking, Street ShoppingURBAN ELEMENTS: Eateries, Parking, Street Shopping, Toilets, Street Furniture, Public Trasportation Connectivity


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3.5 Secondary casestudies for Urban Spaces

NAME: La Rambla Street

SECTION:

AREA: 34,800 sqmLOCATION: Between Barri Gòtic, to the east, and El Raval, to the west, BarcelonaCONTEXT: Cafe’s, Shops, Museums, Pet Stores, Residential, Restaurants, City ’s Opera HouseURBAN ELEMENTS: Cafe’s, Restaurants, Shops, Museums, Street Paving, Street Furniture, Pedestrian Friendly, Shaded with Trees, Mixed Use, Squares, Strong Connectivity, Equiped with many Services,

*www.barcelonatourisme.com*"Barcelona:harbor city of resistance,paths to the sea"-Tom Bosschaert

27


NAME: Superkilen

SECTION:

AREA: 33,000 sqmLOCATION: Copenhagen, DenmarkCONTEXT: Highly Diverse- 60 different culture’s ResidenciesURBAN ELEMENTS:

*www.big.dk

28


3.6 InferencesUNDERGROUND ARCHITECTURE:

29


URBAN SPACES:

ENCLOSURE

CAFES

LANDMARKS/SILHOUETTE

CONE OF VISION

VIBRANCY FRAMING

SPORTS OPEN WORK ENVIRONMENT

SELFIE GREENERYBACKGROUND

SHOPPING

*Bharat Bhavan-Live Case Study-Preyan Mehta*Urbanized-Documentary

*google images

30


SITE &PROGRAMME

31


Site and Programme4.1SiteIdentification

SITE B:Income tax Bus stop

SITE C:Municipal Market

SITE D:Shiv Theatre

SITE A:Sabarmati Riverfront

*Google maps

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4.2 Site Selection

ASABARMATIRIVERFRONT

BINCOMETAXBUS STOP

CMUNICIPALMARKET

DSHRI THEATRE,OPP. VALLABH SADAN

CONTEXT(30)-linkages/accessibility-landmarks-geographic location-land usage-activity-recreational spaces-utilities/services-nearest open space-open vs built-quality open vs built

SHAPE(8)

SIZE(7)

POSSIBILITIES(15)-activity-design

POTENTIAL(20)

LIMITATIONS(-20)

TOTAL

1

34

1100.20.6

0.810.80.5

6.9/10(207)

7/10(56)

4/10(24)

7/10(105)

7/10(140)

5/10(100)

31.9/50536/800

1

54

10.90.810.2

0.10.50.50.3

6.3/10(189)

8/10(64)

8/10(56)

9/10(135)

7/10(140)

6.5/10(130)

31.8/50454/800

1

54

0.9110.80.6

0.910.50.3

8/10(240)

7.5/10(60)

8.5/10(59.5)

9/10(135)

6/10(120)

5.5/10(110)

33.5/50504.5/800

1

45

0.510.80.50.5

00.70.60.3

5.9/10(177)

8/10(64)

8/10(56)

9/10(135)

8/10(160)

3/10(60)

35.9/50532/800

The aspects, Context, Shape, Size, Possibilties, Potential, Limitations were given weightage out of 100 total. Then they were further divided into subcategories and each had marks respectively. The next weightages were given to the sites, and they had been given 10 for each aspect. Hence for sites aspects carry 10-10 marks each. Then whatever marks shall be awarded out of 10 will be multiplied by the weightage carried by the individual Aspect ouf ot 100. For example, Context carries 30/100, and in Site A it gets 6.9/10, hence the total would be 6.9 x 30= 207/300. After this all the aspects had to be totalled, out of 800.(1000-200(limitations)).Calculating the datum, Site A and D had the most marks out of 800. Hence,Personally selectingSite D

SELECTION MATRIX::

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4.3 Site Analysis

Site location and Linkages with the CityThis Plan helps in studying the exact location of the site, and it's connections with the city and it's various

This Plan helps in understanding the nearby landmarks and context. This helps in understanding the urban

places. It also shows the accessibility of the site from various points as well as pedestrian connectivity.

context present around the Site. And also the fact that the site has 3 side roads.

Site Plan/Contextual Plan

*google maps

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This pentagon, helps understanding that the site lies in between 5 major activity producing structuresand hence also shows potential. But it also shows that the Site right now is introvert.

Activity pentagon

Sun Path Diagram- LocationalThe Site plan and this Sunpath diagram helps in understanding that because of the fact that we havethree sides open i.e. roads, we can utilize Sunlight from East, South and West without any hindrance.

*google maps

35


This sections, which shows the contextual building and the site cut through Ashram road, studies the activity patterns. It suggests at what time the activity is maximum and what type of activity. Also showsthe neglectance of the site from the road throughout the day.

Activity Mapping/ Detailed Activity analysis

5-10amSCALE: 1UNIT=1MSH : SV : DH : DV0.5 : 0.5 : 1 : 2

10-3pmSCALE: 1UNIT=1MTSH : SV : DH : DV1 : 1 : 2 : 3

3-5pmSCALE: 1UNIT=1MSH : SV : DH : DV2 : 3 : 3.5 : 4

5-8pmSCALE: 1UNIT=1MSH : SV : DH : DV3 : 3 : 4.5 : 5

8-10pmSCALE: 1UNIT=1MSH : SV : DH : DV2 : 2.5 : 3 : 4

10-12amSCALE: 1UNIT=1MSH : SV : DH : DV0.5 : 1 : 0.5 : 2

DYNAMICSTATIC

DYNAMICSTATIC

DYNAMICSTATIC

DYNAMICSTATIC

DYNAMICSTATIC

DYNAMICSTATIC

36


This data or table shows whichareas of Ahmedabad are thecostliest and by how much. Asvisible, Ashram Road comes amongst the costliest lands.

Price Analysis

This section shows how the soil has been distributed as we go down the area. It will help in furthersurveying of the soil, when the actual construction will begin.

Soil Distribution

*ISR data*ICICI property services

37


Key Plan

View A

View D View E

View B

View G

View C

A

B

C

DE

F

G

VIEWS & VISTAS

38


4.4 Programme Formulation

U NDERGROUND

- tilization of- ot so- eveloped- cological- egions by - etting a- oof- f- rban &- ature’s - ynamics

U RBAN

- tilitarean &- recreationally- inded- rcological- est

- An Underground Space- The Roof should be an Urban& Natural Space of Dynamic nature - Equal or a proper ratio of Utities& Recreational spaces- An Arcological design Approach

UTILITIES:EscalatorsElevatorsLadies ToiletGents ToiletP.D. ToiletParkingShopsStairsWifi ServerDuctsSolar Heating SystemRain Water Harvesting SystemGrey water purifierTOTAL

QUANTITY:8x36X44X24X22X21X125X22X32X1

111

AREA:300sqm200sqm400sqm400sqm300sqm8000sqm3000sqm100sqm100sqm2000sqm6000sqm100sqmx4=400m^3100sqm20,000sqm

CAPACITY:600-800persons240-360persons160-180persons160-180persons40-60persons500cars

300-400persons

0.75MW4,00,000L

RECREATIONAL:Garden/OpenSpaceSculpturesOpen Work EnvironmentOpen GymChildren’s Play AreaVendorsCafesIndoor GamingBasketball CourtTennis CourtCycling TrackTOTAL

25

111

800sqm100sqm500sqm500sqm1000sqm500sqm1250sqm500sqm500sqm300sqm1000sqm15,000sqm

39


DESIGNSOLUTION

40


Design Solution5.1 Concept Formulation

The first section shows what already is the existing seciton. It shows the disrespect of the City for the River.And also that the land we have is a tremendous resource. The second section then Physically connectsthe City or The Urban Fabric with the River by getting a slope throughout from the Ashram Road to theSabarmati River. But, just connecting the RIver with the Urban Fabric Physically isnt enough, hence the lastsection comes up with a solution of how the Place has to act as a Transition rather than a Destination.It also show the way, that by introducing Portals(Doors which helps connect two different spaces in aninstant). This Portals shall help not just for the framing of the whole space, and dividing it in to segments but how the place becomes a transition because of that is important. The Portals are: Public, Semi-Public, Isolation, Ultimate Islolation, Relief and last but not the least Nature. This completes the transition from the Current Urban Fabric till the Natural Fabric of the City.

Connectivity of the City with the River

41


The part "Connectivity of the City with the RIver" above talks about how the Urban Fabric can be connected with the River through a Sloping path Towards River and Portals. Now, the portals shall bePublic, Semi Public, Isolation, Ultimate Isolaiton, Relief and Nature. Public Spaces are the spaces wherePeople are informally together in a tight space where the individual zones of their's are neglected. The next Portal, Semi Public spaces describes the spaces where People are amongst the Crowd but stilltheir own individual/group's zones are preserved. A hint of Formality has been Introduced. The next portal, Isolation talks about people's individualness being very strong and are contemplating throughactivities. Here the formality has become Rigid. The next portal, Ultimate Isolation is where it is just the People and their ownself with the Rigidity and Formality at it's maximum level. It is just a space and the person. The next portal, Relief is a space where after such indulging spaces people got to just relax,they will just take breathe in with other people but now are connected with themselves, they are blank now. The last Portal, Nature comes after the Voidness of relief. Now people can actually grasp what isnature and what it is made up of. It feels how Majestic it is, how mesmerzing it can be and how freshningcan it be. Because now they have seen the smallest spaces, the biggest spaces with people and nowthey will realise the Retreat and Importance of nature.

Portals/Modules

42


The two parts above this part talks about the whole space in words and sketches. But how this will transorm into a space, or in Architectural Drawings can be understood by this Section and Plan.Where, in the section it shows that how the sloping path will be connected with the Portals/modulesi.e. Z axis and Plan shows how the modules and path will be in X-Y axis..

Conceptual Section & Plan

43


5.2SiteSpecificDesignFramework

Informal Market- G-1 & G-2: walking market, street shopping, small eatries

Open Library- G-1 & G-2

Art Display- G-1 & G-2

Meditation Chambers- G-1, G-2, G-3 & G-4

Tunnel- G-4

Dense Mountain- GroundFLoorWater Reservoir- G-4Valley- G-4

Semi Open Yoga Spaces- GroundFloor

Informal Market- G-3 & G-4: small shops, cafes, sitoutsSwimming Pool- G-4Children's Play Area- GroundFloor

Art Galleries- G-3 & G-4Open Work Environment- GroundFloor

Workshops- G-3 & G-4Tennis/Badminton Open Court- GroundFloor

Public Spaces: 24 x 38m

Semi-Public Spaces: 24 x 21m

Isolation: 24 x 38m

Ultimate Isolation: 24 x 21m

Relief:

Nature:

GROUNDWORK:ACTIVITES AND URBAN SPACES ANALYSIS AHMEDABAD

ACTIVITY- TIME WISE

OUT OF 26 NATIONAL HOLIDAYS, 18 ARE THE MOST ACTIVE IN AHMEDABAD..

ACTIVITIES PEAK:: MAY-JUNE; FRIDAY; 6-9PM :: MAY-JUNE; SATURDAY; 6-2AM; EATING, FORMAL SHOPPING, MOVIES, SPORTS, WALKING, GARDEN SITOUTS.

ACTIVITIES LOWEST:: DECEMBER-JANUARY; TUESDAY-THURSDAY; 8PM-6AM; WALKING, EATING, SHOPPING, WORKING.

ACTIVITIES AT FESTIVALS/HOLIDAY:: GATHERED CROWDS, COMMON SCREEN GAZING, EATING, SHOPPING, TRAVELLING

SPACE REQUIREMENTS:MULTIFUNCTIONAL/REUSABLE SPACES; PUBLIC SERVICES; TECHNOLOGICALLY APT SPACES, COMFORTABLE SPACES; NATURE RESPONSIVE ARCHITECTURE; BIGGER AGE GROUP; BALANCED INERLOCKING OF DIFFERENT SPACES.

ACTIVITY- DAY WISE ACTIVITY- MONTH WISE

44


5.3 DrawingsDesign Solution Design Exploration before the final Design is given in Appendix A: Design Explorations

Contextual PlanScale: NTS

City Gold Shiv Theatre

Vallabh Sadan

Jaldarshan flats

Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industry

R3S Mall

Sabarmati Riverfrontupper pavilion

Sabarmati Riverfrontupper pavilion

Sabarmati River

AshramRd

SP Rd

SP Rd

AshramRd Sa

ba

rma

ti

Rd

Sab

arm

ati

Rd

Sab

arm

ati

Rd

Sabarmati Riverfrontlower pavilion

View A

View D

View B

View C

View G

A

B

C

DE

F

G

Key PLan

45


1 10

SITE DEVELOPMENT PLAN

3

46


3

1 10

G-1 PLAN

47


3

1 10

G-2 PLAN

48


3

1 10

G-3 PLAN

49


3

1 10

G-4 PLAN

50


SECTIONS

Section (Ashram Rd-Entrance of the Site)

Section (Public Spaces)

Section (Semi-Public Spaces)

Section (Nature)

Section (Ultimate Isolation)

51


5.4 Design Case StudyPlan, Section Analysis

SECTION- PHYSICAL FORM

SECTION- SPATIAL IMAGE: GROTTOES & CRYPTOPORTICUS

SECTION- LIGHT LINES: LIGHT ENTRIES

SECTION- SIGHT LINES: HUMAN VISIBILITY

SECTION- ACCESSIBILITY: VERTICAL & HORIZONTAL CIRCULATION

SECTION- CONCEALED AND EXPOSED: VISIBLE FROM THE GROUND & NOT VISIBLE

SECTION- EXTERIOR OF THE SPACE: ELEMENTS CONNECTING BOTH THE SPACES, NEEM TREE, GULMOHAR TREE, ASHOKA TREES, STREET LIGHTS, LIFTS; ABOVEGROUND UTILIZATION; ASHOKA TREES DEFINE THE EDGES OF THE SITE

GROTTOE

CRYPOPORTICUS

EXPOSED

CONCEALED

*Underground Architecture- Ammie Wright

52


SECTION- SPACE ENTRANCES: HORIZONTAL AND SLOPED ENTRANCES

SECTION- INTERIOR CONFIGURATION: ATRIUM AND CENTRAL MEETING SPACES

SECTION- SCALE: HEIGHT VS WIDTH

SECTION- SCALE: MASS VS VOID

SECTION- VERTICAL LAYERS: NATURE>DYNAMIC HUMANS>STATIC HUMANS

SECTION- SPATIAL HIERARCHY: SMALLER SPACES>BIGGER SPACES

SECTION- Z AXIS RELATIONSHIP: SITE RESPONDING WITH THE CONTEXT IN Z AXIS

SECTION- THERMO-SCOPY: TEMPERATURE VARIATIONS, CONTEXT AND WITHIN SITE

MASS

VOID

NATURE

DYNAMIC

STATIC

*Underground Architecture- Ammie Wright

53


PLAN- EXTERIOR OF THE SPACE

PLAN- SPACE ENTRANCES

PLAN- SCALE

54


PLAN- X & Y AXIS RELATIONSHIP

PLAN- SPACE DISTRIBUTION: SEGREGATION OF SPACE TYPES

PLAN- SPATIAL ORIENTATION: ORANGE LINES SIDES ON WHICH ACTIVITIES ARE PLACED

55


Landscape Elements

Function: Noise Reduction, Shade,

Function: Space Identification due to it's colors,

Function: Solar charged tables with a shaded

Function: Act as a landmark, depicts the ConceptUnderground Architecture and about the space.

umbrella, the table incorporates latest chargingtechnique of surface charging for the ever on thego working Men/Women.

Shade, Clean air, asthetic purposes

Function: Purity, Shade, Insect Repellant,

Function: Vibrancy, violet color associated with

Function: Light for aboveground as well as underground spaces. Solar powered.

meditative properties, Shade, Nutritional Fruits, Clean air

Clean air, Large dense influence as a tree

Edge Demarcation, Reduce Air pollution, Clean airAshoka tree:

Gulmohar tree:

Working Module:

Ulta Fulta Structure:

Neem Tree:

Jambu tree:

Street Light:

*www.wikipedia.com

56


Rain Water Harvesting System

FACT FILE:WATER TABLE IN AHMEDABADCentral Ground Water Board (CGWB)-

“the groundwater level in the city was 63 meters in 1997. The level

kept declining at fluctuating rates to touch 105 meters underground

in 2006. In 2007, the water level rose to around 94 meters.

However, the level has dropped again to around 100 meters now.”

The schematic section shows how the rain water will be collected. It is a simple system where Gravity

The section, and the data besides showsthe Facts and Harsh realities aboutcurrent scenario of the water table inAhmedabad. It shows the need for the concerns of Natural Water found insidethe ground of Ahmedabad. It saysthat, Water is available at as far as100m down the ground level. This posea major threat to current Urban schemesand strategies applied to improve thequality of life of People.

plays a major role. When it will rain, the water will get accumulated inside the Portals/Modules. Making it an advantage, the system has small water storage tanks beneath all the Modules. This water storageswill finally flow after overflowing into a bigger source of storage which will be beneathe the Mountains.The biggest storage beneathe the Mountains has 3 major roles: First, to accumulate the water from otherstorages as well as collect rain water on it's own; Second, it helps rejuvenate the natural water cycle of the nature by having the top side of the reservoir open to sky; Third major use of this reservoir is it instead of just showing the water to the people, it acts as a water body where people can enjoy themselves. it being a natural body, doesnt just show the water Like Sabarmati River does, but also letspeople enjoy it. The Storage Tanks will be made of materials with Higher Porosity. This will ensure thatthe water stored inside it doesnt just stay there but also helps in renewing the water table ofAhmedabad given the facts above mentioned about the water table of Ahmedabad. Though doubtsmay rise about the cleanliness about the water as to people being allowed to use it, other doubts includes the facts or exact figues of how many storage capacity should the tanks have and what exactly should be the material. And few others. But the main moto behind this concept is to realisethe importance of the existing scenario and try and help improving it. The system is still in conceptual stage and needs work on.

Rain Water Harvesting System(conceptual):

Water Realisation:

*Central Ground Water Board*www.dnaindia.com

57


Lighting Technique

The plan, sections shows how Inserting Suntubesstrategically improves lighting conditions inside thetunnels, i.e. Tight Spaces(tight scalewise) and complex spaces where direct sunlight would be notbe either possible or prefferable. The tunnel likepassages has a compact scale and hence integrating suntubes will be very Efficient and Impactfull. Other uses are, Street lights of the spaceare kept above the Suntubes hence even for theNighttime, no extra lighting except small efficient lighting would be required. Even for the swimmingpools, the Suntubes are Juxtapositioned efficiently.

Talking about the

Cryptoporticus &Grottoe efficientlyuse Suntubes. The other notable featureare the FibreGlassedRoofs of Passages.

modules, for Daylightlarge Courtyards areSufficient and Efficient.

Lighting Technique:

58


Possible Structural & Engineering Details

Typical Wall Section

Vertical Soil Layers

59


Water Seapage Levels

60


STEP 1- Existing Ground

STEP 3- Digging the required Site

STEP 5- Making Base Retaining wall of R.C.C. fill

STEP 7- Repeating Step 6 untill the roof.

STEP 9- The space is ready for utilisaton Light and ventillation’s main source is Open To Sky Courtyard Extra Lightubes will be provided as per the use required.

STEP 8- Spray on Waterproofing will be applied R.C.C. slab filled for the roof and allowed to dry

Framework for the internal Structures will be made and constructed All the formwork will be removed, and cleaned up.

Steps 5 & 6 will be repeated for the Other retaining walls as well.

STEP 6- Using Rammed Earth, block will be constructed on the base of insulated R.C.C. Earth will be filled till the level.

STEP 4- Laying R.C.C. Foot Slab Laying Supporting Framework

between Polyesterene Reinforced Insulation And Filling the Earth till the level.

STEP 2- Cut and Dig Method

Construction MethodThe Whole proccess of how the space will be built and made is shown in the Diagrams. Step wiseprocedure of how the work will be proceeded onthe actual site. Though it is tentative, it is as accurate as it can get. The reason why it is tentative is becaue of the fact that ConstructingUnderground is very Localised and what problemsor challenges will be faced in the realtime cant beexpected by just understanding and analysing thesite but requires actual Digging and Understanding.

61


Activity and Connectivity

Activity Pentagon:Refering to the "Activity Pentagon" from 4.3 Site Analysis, the site Before Intervention and or the Designshowed an Introvert Nature and was lying between different activity generators. Whereas now, after the Design proposal the Site becomes Extrovert and it becomes the Hub where people will come and because of that will go to other buildings like a theatre et al.

Current Accessibiity

62


Future Links with the Context:The site will have Underground Tunnels connecting different spaces present within the Context. The underground tunnels shall have accessibility by Electric Cars, Bikes and will have a Pedestrian path as well. The need arises out of the fact that during Summer time it becomes hard for a Pedestrian to actually cross even this small a distance. By providing the Tunnels connecting different buildings otheradvantages are Better connectivity to the context Above as well as Underground. The Electric cars and bikes facility will be chargeable. Other important Advantage shall be the Emergency Exits. Underground Spaces has the least fear ofcatching or trapped inside fire, but in case of a Fire or Flooding, people need to move out of the space safely. The challenge here is, when in an Aboveground building or a space in case of Emergencies people have to run down, which is Easier and more Comfortable than Running Upwardsin Underground Spaces/Buildings. So, to cope with that problem Underground Tunnels connecting to the surrounding context would be helpful. But, a special service needs to be established so as to Ensure that during the Emergencies the Utilities like Electric Cars/Bikes must be charged and ready to use.. Other future link is the coming Project of Vallbh Sadan PLaza besides the Site.

63


OBSERVATIONS &CONCLUSIONS

64


Observations & Conclusions 6.1 Observational Notes/Architectural NarrationObservational Notes, though I added this topic after a lot of thinking I wonder what actually will come in this Section.

Observations in Architecture is like the first Step towards understanding any Space. Be it a Building made by Le Corbusier or Zaha Hadid. Observations are always subjective and thats the main reason why the writing style of this section may have a Personal touch rather than just a Formality.Expect Observational Notes regarding the Underground Desing Proposal proposed by me.

"While travelling through Ashram road, one may reaslise the Importance of the road for the city of Ahmedabad. This road is ever bustling with the people and their toys(vechicles). It goes without saying that when I pass through the road I almost everytime get stuck in the traffic. So frustrating. On second notes, on a different note before sometime I asked few friends of mine that I want to get-away to some place. Can you suggest me a place in Ahmedabad where I can sit, read book, observe people and let the time pass? Surprisingly all I got was names of some Good Cafes, Gardens, or a Mall. That was the moment which actually made me think, am I creating the same kind of space in Ahmedabad? I dont hate Cafes, but Cafes in Ahmedabad is supported by Artificial cooling, and we cant Sit out in the scorching heat of Ahmedabad. I dont hate Gardens, but at odd timings there the gardens are always a "recreational" spot for Couples. I dont hate that either, but when you want to observe people and read book the "recreational" activities may get "distracting". And last but not the least, a Mall, fully AIr conditioned, where people are always busy shopping or eating i thought this isnt a bad idea. But the main problem with me was It was Noon, and I wanted to Sit Out!!. There came the idea of Creating a Realm, a Space for not just Ahmedabadians, but myself as well(selfish nature, maybe). The Ashram Road is all about Commercial taste of Architecture. It is a Concrete Jungle where people are just a part of the system. It has theatres, parks, malls and a landmark created by Ar. Le Corbusier "ATMA house". So as an Architect where I have to be contextual I argued with myself as to what is the Context here? The concrete and commercial buildings? Or the people wanting and longing for a space where they simply can enjoy themselves? Should it be a Cafe, a Garden, a Mall, or simply a Space? This question was indeed very hard to answer to. Because what matters as an Architect was in question. The decision was taken, concept formed and Design Proposed. I as an Architect considering the Climate, the demands of the people out of an Urban space in Ahmedabad, the Nature, the Future response, the advantage of or Usage of the space for the people. In short the current culture of Ahmedabad. The space shall be Above as well as Underground. Above ground to just let people connect to the space directly through the context, and Underground so as to let the Nature take advantage of the space created by an Architect. The biggest advantage of the space was the location. It had a connection with the major roads of Ahmedabad but also with the major River, Sabarmati River of Ahmedabad. Though river being besides the site posses great engineering challenges, the risk had to be taken to try and create something truelly for people." This was how the decisions were taken. The next fewlines quickly describes how the space is actually.

"Entering from the ever bustling roads of Ahmedabad, the place is a relief in it self. It gives a feeling of a Garden with an added advantage of this Garden directly, i.e. Physically as well as Visually connectng with the Road. Having the Street Edge open to public, I had a vadpau and went inside. After entering the Map provided to me showed me options, like Many Options. I decided upon going to read a book in the Open Library, then will work on my laptop using the Tables provided and facilitated for charging(surface charging). After that I decided upon to simply sit at the Children's Play Area and see the kids play around and also observe the people bargaining down the Informal Market which represented the true Ahmdabadi Shopping culture. What I noticed was there was a service of Cycles, and also that i could amost run with it anywhere. So, I simply did that. It was noon, yet it was possible to do that because of the various regions which were shaded by Neem and Ashoka trees. After that I was already aware of the people chattering about some kid Made a Wonderful piece of art here and wished to check it out. What I observed was there were just four Gulmohar trees marking and or acting

65


as landmarks. One such Gulmohar tree marked the space where workshops and display of the work produced in the workshops was. Pretty easy to navigate, I thought. It was almost around 4:30 now. I begin to think what to do. I was actually very tired. So, thought to just go to the Meditation chambers which were also Underground and just sit there and calm myself. But while going till the space, as I had a lot of idle time to kill, i went there by walking instead of the Elevators. What I observed was te path leading to all the underground spaces had a mesmerizing effect. Not just the scale was compact and had a human touch to it, but also it had it's own language of Space. It in itself had a calmness, and to the contrary of what people tend to think about tunnels this passage had a daylight raining through theroof, and also through the fibre glassed roof as well. It was more interesting than walking on the ground. This was about it, I thought. I entered the meditation chambers(chambers because it is just you confined in one room of 3 x 3m) and filtered and calmed myself out. What I discovered after this was something extraordinary. There was a passage/tunnel where there was this Street Wall Art, or grafitti. I felt a relief after so much travelling but the excitement of what was ahead made me walk some more. Because at the end of this tunnel was this lush green trees and to my surprise I was like four floors down already(12m). and was standing in a valley of lush green trees and a Mountain? i was confused, because to describe that space is very tough. There i was in between four Mountains or One big Mountain and there was this small water body. Though I dont know it was a lake or a pond or a swimming pool I thoroughly enjoyed being with a water body which i can connect to. I sat there for almost like an hour or so and had some more things to eat. After this i climbed this mountain with the help of the cycles provided and found that the whole experience was real. At the top of the mountain I still couldnt believe my eyes because I have been to Sabarmati Riverfront before, but I never saw Beach there? Yes, Beach. Sand and water where people were just playing some volleyball. I went there, had Cocunut Water and I thought about the journey. Is this really Ahmedabad? Though I was always moving from one space to another, I felt rejuvenated. And replenished with energy. But it was almost 7:30-8. I thought to come here next time, and hence begin to march upwards by cycle and go towards the place where i initially came from and parked my vehicle. But, what I missed was there it was. A structure where people were on it, like on a pavilion experiencing the view of the river from above it. But it got my attention as to the fact that I saw a Miniature version of Ahemdabad beneath the structure. Like just below it and it was upside down. I was like, "What is this Ulta Fulta Structure where people are above the city, and so are the trees?". But unfortunately didnt stop and experience it due to lack of time, I told myself to again visit this place soon. In the end, I spent more than 5 hours in this space without actually going to any place else. And as I was cycling through the space towards the begining(though I wonder is there any starting point for this?) street lights which were fully charged through solar power started to lit. I guess it is called tyndal effect which I saw. Lights cutting through the trees. I also had few jambus hanging around on the Jambu tree while going back. A tiring yet a Revitalising Journey is all I can say. Finally drank some colas and joined the Over-bustling Ashram road yet again with the hope of coming back to this place again.

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Below are the Clicks which he Uploaded on the My Wall(basically a cloud service provided by the UUS-Underground Urban Space) . His memories, His Journey. The pictures on the left are of Aboveground and right of Underground Spaces.

Chilren's PLay Area

Open Work Environment

Open Tennis Court

Semi Open Yoga Spaces

Informal Market

Open Library

Art Display

Meditation Chambers

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Ulta Fulta Structure

Top of the Mountain

Swimming Pool

Relief Tunnel

In between Mountains.Valley

BeachFINISH

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6.2Conclusion/FulfillmentoftheThesisStatementArchitectural Design Solution helps Overcome the basic Disadvantages of Underground Architecture:

Light & Ventillation: The sections shows exactly how the light is penetrated inside the building and alsohow the mass vs void ratio, void being 50% of the space helps maintaining natural Ventillation insidethe Underground Space.

Maintaning Underground Ecology: As per the established system in 5.4 Design case Study- Rain Water Harvesting System, It is possble not just to Save it, but also to Improve it.

WaterSeapage/WaterProofingproblems:The section clearly shows that firstly, the danger of waterpenetrating from beneath the space isnt possible. As the data has been already established in section 5.4 Design case Study- Rain Water Harvesting System, that water table of Ahmedabad is not less than 100m. Secondly, the water penetrating from the Sabarmati river is also not a problem because majorly the present section has a 10m deep diaphragm which stops water penetrating inside the site, but in theworst case scenario, what can be observed that in this type of Soil, at the max it can traverse and penetrate horizontally by 100m. But the design is handled in such a way that the BuiltPart where waterleakage problems may arise starts after 100m of the river horizontally. Hence, simple Water proofing techniques like Instant Spray on, or Sheet Water proofing can easily solve the problem.

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Views and Vistas: The sections shows how the sight or visibility from above as well as underground spaces work. The sections also show that how elements like Elevators, Gulmohar trees, Neems trees, Ashoka trees connect the two spaces visually and also define them from above ground.

Spatial Orientation: The last but not the least, challenge is Disorientation from inside the UndergroundSpaces. That is usually because of the factors lack of Daylight, Natural Ventillation, Views and Vistas. But that parts are handled carefully while designing this space. Another aspect is, an Identification or Relating certain Element with the Direction. That helps identifying the Direction and Navigate easilyUnderground. The Element in this Design Solution is the way Activities are kept. All the activties are keptAlong East, West and North DIrection only. Making it specific that the side on which there is NO activity or has a Plasma Screen is South. This indicator is very helpful to understand the directions.

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Objectives:1- To keep or maintain the Already existed Natural Land of the Site by minimum of 50% of the Total AreaStatus:Fulfilled2- To make an Urban Oasis Beneath us.Status:Fulfilled

1- Total Area of the Site Aboveground: 19,000sqm Total Non usable land (voids of underground spaces): 6,000/19,000sqm (31.54%) Total Land Available for Public Usage/Open Quality Urban Land: 13,000/19,000sqm (68.42%) Total Available land for Built up (excluding roads): 13,000-1,800(roads)=11,200sqm Total Built up: 8000/11,200sqm (71.43%)- Total Open Quality Urban Land/ Landscaped Area: 3,200/11,200sqm (28.57%) Total Built up On the Land: 100sqm (0.52%)

2- Space involves: Eating (informal, formal) Shopping (informal, formal) Open Library Art Gallery Workshops Meditation Chambers Common Gathering Spaces Common Screen Gazing Cycling Walking Garden Sitouts Open Work Environment Children's Play Area Outdoor Sports Semi Open Yoga Spaces Artificial Mountain Efficient Rain Water Harvesting System Technologically Apt Spaces Wider Age Oriented Comfortability- visual and physical Efficient interlocking of spaces Open to public Street edge Valley with a Water body

Hence A Complete Gateaway for Ahmedabadians. Capacity: Comfortably 15,000 persons at a time 50 cars- street and edge parking Before the Humans Staying on the Site was 5% of the humans passing through the Site, Now, the Humans Staying on the Site is 85% of the humans passing through the Site.

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Objectives:3-ExtractSiteSpecificGuidelinesandtryandGeneraliseit.Status:Fulfilled

3- a)SCALE OF THE MODULES- HEIGHT LENGTH WIDTH RATIO AND MASS VOID RELATIONSHIPHeight Width ratio 1:2Length Width ratio 1:1 & 2:1Therefore, Width : Length : Height (x : y : z) - 2 : 4 : 1Mass Void ratio 1:1, where the proportion of Void can increase as per the program. But this defines the minimum of the Ideal Ratio for the Underground Space to work at it's best for the People, unless and otherwise specifically required not to have this ratio.

The purpose and Use of this Scale and or ratios is to Maintain and Achieve maximum Daylight, Visibility, Natural Ventillation and Views and Vistas from the Underground Spaces/buildings. Though the Programs which WONT require Daylight, Visibility and Natural Ventillaiton may not follow this guideline, but other programs where aspects mentioned above are required in the design should follow this guideline. Unlike Engineering guidelines which are Rigid and Stiff, Architectural Guidelines are always allowed to change here and there. Leading to New guidelines in all the projects. But the essence of this guideline if will be preserved can help make the underground overcome it's basic disadvantages atleast.

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b) VERTICAL LAYERS- THE VERTICAL COMPOSITION OF ACTIVITIES LAYER WISE.The activities in Urban context can basically fall into 4 categories: Dynamic Humans, Dynamic Vehicles, Static Humans, Static Vehicles. With the another Category of Natue which is rarely seen, the aspects are now 5. The order which was followed in this Design Proposal is from Ground layer to the lowest level of the Underground Space: Nature ; Dynamic Humans ; Dynamic Humans ; Static Humans ; Static HumansBut that is Site specific in this case. When generalising the Layersystem we have:NatureDynamic HumansDynamic VehiclesStatic HumansStatic Vehicles, again from Ground level till the lowest level of Underground space.

The points to be taken into consideration while applying this Guidelines:- Climate, this Aspect is very important while applying this guideline. For example, the Design Solution of this thesis has Hot climate and hence the Static activities will go down, but if it would had to be designed in Canada(PATH system) then the dynamic activities will be the lowest level as on above layers it will be colder.- The actual Compostition of activities of the Site. The four types of activities is very general, but if the site specific activities differ than this guideline could be moulded. As said before, it isnt an EngineeredGuideline, but Architectural. So, changing here and there is a positive side of it.- Actual Site conditions, again may change how the layers are to be stacked. For example, if the Site is a Road or has a Major road in it than the Dynamic Vehicles Layer should be the second ,cost or could be even first layer to decrease the construciton cost and everything. - The guidelines doesnt specify or even talk about number of floors. It is Layers and not Floors. It is conceptual guideline and shouldnt be taken and applied literally. The system could have 2 floors of Nature, 2 floor of Dynamic Humans, 1 floor of Dynamic Vehicle, 2 floors of Static Humans and 1 floor of Static Vehicle. Hence comprising of 8 floors. though the layers are 5.

General Model

Layers in Design Proposal

Thermal Vision

Design Solution of the Thesis Model

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c) SPATIAL HIERARCHYThis guideline is General to an extent that it can even be applied to the buidings or spaces aboveground. This guidelines specifies that -To make realise the Importance how how small or big the space is, it is neccessary for the person to actually go through exactly opposite space, i.e. If the Architect wants people to grasp how big the space is, he needs the Users to go through an opposite or smaller space first and then the actual space.The guideline is extracted on the basis of the Design Solution. The design solution has Cryptoporticuses as passages to go till the main Modules and even the Grottoe. The scale of Cryptoporticus is 3m in width general, and height from 0m to -12m. This actually makes people walk in a tight and small space to go till the Modules. The hierarchy is such that after tunnel like passages people stop for a buffer that are the Squares of 10x10m and height -3m to -12m. After the buffers or squares, comes the main Modules. So the overall system or Spatial hierarchy actually shows users the Importance of Small Spaces as well as Big Spaces. And makes them realise the importance ofLand as a Resource.This was local to this Design Solution. Generally how should it beSmall (Passages/walkways/cycling tracks) -- Medium (Buffer spaces/squares) -- Large (core activities)Or it could be totally reverse, Larger-Smaller spaces.A thumb rule could be established that,When the main or Core Spaces are more Public or has a Public value(extrovert) attached to it, Smaller-Larger hierarchy should be the Approach as people will be compressed and then released tension free into Public Spaces. Where as, when the core Space has more Private(introvert) values attached to it, the hierarchy should be Larger-Smaller as people here will be concentrated into a smaller and warmer(not literally) spaces.

The purposes of functions as to what could be the functions for Small, Medium and Large spaces may very greatly as per the programme. But a general layout could be made as to what would be the scale of each appropriately with respect to each other.

Small- Passages, could be walkways i.e. Pedestrian walkways, or could be for Cycles or could be just Roads. And if it is a Private project than it could be main residence i.e. bedrooms, kitchen, pooja room et al. Medium- Buffer spaces like Squares or chowks. And if for private projects it could be courtyards.

Large- Core activities if public spaces, and spaces like Living Rooms, Verandah for private projects.

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DESIGNAPPRAISAL

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Design Appraisal7.1 FAQs raised by the Jury membersJuries are an Important part of Studies in Architecture. A jury is a Formal way of preparing students how to present and convince people of What is your Design about. Or how have you done it? Or what was the approach et al. But even though being a very Important part of Architectual Education, it is never mentioned. So, the chapter Design Appraisal deals with that aspect of Learning. The questions mentioned here are not just of the Final Juries but overall FAQs which arose in all the Juries.

FAQs:Q- Why Underground? A- Why underground, as I have tried to explain in the 2.2 What is the difference between Aboveground and Underground Architecture and 2.3 Why Underground Architecture and state it's Advantages and DIsadvantages is mainly because of few reasons. Though that was after I started exploring about the topic, I was fascinated to begin with. That teachers always have said there are two types of Structures, Super Structure and Sub Structure but never have encouraged to take up the SubStructure. Also with the fact that I found Caves fascinating and my initial research was on Caves only. After refining it, I understood how Important going Underground is and why should we go down.

Q- Why going Underground has never been tried frequently all over the world and or in Ahmedabad context?A- This question could be answered through 2.3 Why Underground architecture and state it's advantages and disadvantages. The challenges faced for going and making and designing spaces are Light and Ventillation, Views and Vistas, Flooding, Water drainage. but majorly it has been human's psychology that it has been tough to design a space underground. Due to lack of awareness as to what are the advantages and that Underground Architecture is nothing like Basements, humans have developed a Psychology which makes it harder for Architects to do so. Other major reasons why specifically it isnt' that an Acceptable method, or approach is the fact that the Cost is considered more, the Economical Factor is more a concern than what actually Common public wants. It is taken into consideration that what will be the advantages Cost wise for us, rather than for Nature, also that What will be the Resale value of the project? But whats not considered is the Lifecycle Advantages of the Underground Spaces.

Q- How will be the Water Seapage due to the River be handled?A- This question could be answered with the help of the section 5.4 Rain Water Harvesting System. It can be clearly established that as far as the Water table of the Ahmedabad is considered, it isn't a hindrance. because it is as below as 100m. Coming to the point that the site is besides Sabarmati river, HCP has developed the Riverfront section in such a way that they have kept a 10m deep diaphragm to keep river waters away from the newly formed or reclaimed land. Hence, worst case worst case that the 10m deep diaphragm doesnt work, with the given soil conditions and droughtfull condition of Ahmedabad's soil, maximum distance which is like even if the soil would be porous, it could travel upto 100m horizontally. But as seen, the main Built up of the Desing Solution starts after 100m from the river. Hence, simple water proofing techniques like the one's where we chemically water proof it in normal aboveground buildings, or spray on instant waterproofing or Waterproofing sheets can be used.

Q- How is the Challenges or Disadvantages of going Underground solved?A- The challenges and or Disadvantages are handled very accurately as can be seen in 6.2 Conclusion/ Fulfillment of the Thesis Statement. The sections, plans and schematic sections clearly shows how the challenges are resolved. Though Engineering challenges needs to be concrete rather than just being schematic, efforts and attempts have been done to even resolve them.

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Q- What are other Engineering challenges which will hinder the project? And how have you tried to solve it?A- The engineering challenges which will or can hinder the projects are Structural Systems, Details like Materials which can be used to make that Structural system work, how or what is the actual soil composition i.e. local conditions of the site for soil, the actual water seapage levels. Majorly this sums up the engineering challenges which will be faced while actually making this project. I have tried to solve Structural system, and tried to assume the water seapage levels for the site through the datum available. Structural system as tried and resolved should be an Exoskeleton rather than Collumn-beam system because of the fact that the forces exerted by the ground will be the major concern. After successfully creating exoskeleton the built up part inside it an be any ordinary structural system like column beam. The exoskeleton can be either made up by using Concrete and Rammed Earth, staggering wall section, or can be totally Steel and Concrete web like structure.

Q- How going Underground helped the context? A- The context being a Concrete jungle, where the only access to the most precious resource of any city River was through the roads. The River was connected only in Plan, that too just in single axis. Longitudinally was the city connected with the river. That too physically, and that too single dimensional. Other problem was the area is one of the most densed areas of Ahemdabad, but has just Commercial values attached to it. There is no existing Natural value added to the Area of Ashram Road. A faint attempt of one garden, near income tax and few other places could be seen but because of it's location and rigidity, they are vacant. The next problem of the area was that the existing old theatres and one new mall, wasnt sufficient to create economy for themselves. They go neglected most of the time, even though they have been since a long and being on an area where traffic kills. The Design Solution, firstly connects the Site and hence the city with the precious Sabarmati river in Three Dimensions, longitudinal, lattitudinal and in Z axis. It doesnt just connect the city Physically, but because of the Portals created it Actually connects humans with the River. The problem of no recreational hubs, and unnoticed nearby theatres and malls is solved because this Space acts as an Activity generator as well as is a Place for Retreat. Because of the number of varrying activities provided, more number of people from all the age groups will be drawn towards the area and will recreate themselves. But this also means, that more number of persons will stay in or around the site creating opportunities for other buildings.

Q- Till what extent is this Project Viable, in terms of Cost, Practicality and Acceptance?A- The project is viable in all the aspects. Cost, though the initial costs would be huge, including construction cost, building it, and making it open for public the advantages like because of the fact that Underground spaces are insulated by Earth, energy is conserved. So, in the life cycle the overall consumption of electricity would be much less than if the space would have been Aboveground. Then another strategy used is to make all the gadgets including Streetlights, Charging tables, et al grid free. Means they will have their own power supply which will be powered through Solar energy. Next strategy to get the cost covered would be to export and sell the soil hence excavated and reuse atleast 20-25% of it within this space to make Ottas, building structures, or small small landscape furnitures. This will show the respect towards the mother Earth and also get us Money slowly slowly covered. Last way would be by boosting the other existing theatres and mall's economy. Practicallity, by the sections and Design it is already established that this project is Practical and people would love to use it. Acceptance comes when people will be made aware of the facts of going underground and that their Psycological fears are covered for.

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Q- Is this Isolation or the Conceptual Process of your's of making people go through different portals and make them aware of the nature, Forced or Autogenerated?A- Answering this question is a very tough job. Even though the nature of the Plan, sections and the concept in itself may seem Forcefull, what could be observed is People when it comes to the concepts of Meditation and such activities, requires a push. A push is always required for people to actually start doing it. So, maybe the space may seem Forcing in nature for starting, or may get tough to let go the Urban fabric behind, once they start enjoying it they will autmatically Enjoy the Isolation which once seemed Forceful. What is interesting is, when first Mobile phones started even that idea of shifting from Landlines to Wiresless Phones seemed forceful to an extent and absurd. But once people started to use it, they started to enjoy it and that is because they are aware of what are the advantages of using it, and also the disadvantages. Even though they know how harmful the Mobile phones are, it's Usage has Increased drastically and is Increasing Exponentially. Though an arguement could be made as to Where are the Stats, I would like to say that even a Person whose income is as low as 1Rs per day, and for whom eating is tough he must own a Mobile phone. So, it is just how much people are made aware of, and how much they enjoy it once forcefull.

Q- How are you Rejoicing going Underground?A- Phylosophical questions are always tough to tackle. Rejoicing anything is very Subjective. I may love spending 100rs on shoes and Rejoice it, a poor guy even if can afford it wont Rejoice that 100rs shoes, because he knows from where does that 100rs comes from. Similarly, Rejoicing going Underground will vary greatly with person to person, but ofcoarse I have to establish a common ground here. People will Rejoice the Space and not going Underground. They will know that this space is Underground, but the way it has been handled they may Ultimately not feel as if it is Underground just like Bharat Bhavan by Charles Corea. But it is equally important to observe that The Passages and or the Spatial Hierarchy established through this Design Solution actually answers this question. The reason for going down through small passages is this that people will first realise how important any space is, be it small or big. But also will realise that being Underground is not Dark or Dampy experience rather a Smoothe and Comfortable Journey. After this they will be thrown or send into the Main modules, where they will see that being Underground doesnt need to be a Small space either, it can even be very Big space as this. This Spatial variation actually makes them enjoy being inside an Underground Space. Though Rejoicing it, depends on how they percieve it.

Q- Dont you think the Design as an Architect have become too Simple? Shouldn't this be more bold and innovative just like the topic?A- It is very Important to learn How to Walk before one can Actually Run. Why did I start with that sentence is very simple. Underground Architecture is totally unexploited and a new Avenue. It has many limitations and challenges even when we just keep a small rectangular room inside ground and make it Liveable. So, as a student before I can jump to Innovative or Bold design or Form Explorations, first I need to Tackle the already existing Limits or challenges by exploiting the simplest of forms if it has to be. After actually properly understanding all the aspects and resolving it in it's simplest form can One try and Experiment with it's form. Because when we arent Building anything inside the Envelope of Air, but Envelope of Earth lots of Variables and Constants changes. Now that I have actually Understood the Variables and Constants of Underground architecture, the next step could be Form Exploration, Because as Steven Holls says- "Building isnt an Object, but Form in Space." Where the space here is the Earth.

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7.2 Avenues for Further ExplorationsAfter doing the whole thesis, and evaluating it one can say that there are many Avenues or Aspects onwhich further Exploration or work could be done. Analysing the FAQs and all the Juries, analysing theMain Objectives of the Thesis, analysing the result of the objectives and the Design Solution we can jump to the conclusion regarding the topics which needs to be futher Exploited:

1- Structural Systems for Underground Architecture.2- Effect of Different Materials, for Underground Architecture.3- Study on different Soil compositions of the same area, and finding different uses of it.4- New or different Water Proofing techniques for Underground Architecture.5- Phylosophical Approach towards Underground Architecture.6- Efficient methods or ways for Emergencies inside Underground Architecture.7- Methods or techniques to Connect Underground Space with it's Neighbouring buildings except the known tunnels.8- Form Exploration for Underground Architecture.9- How the Services like Water Drainage, Electricity supply et al be handled in Underground Architecture. 10- Presentation Techniques for Architectural Drawings of Underground spaces.

This were the top 10 topics related to Underground Architecture which could be studied or rather shallbe studied in Detailed. As Underground Architecture is a new Avenue and not much Literature has beenestablished on it, there could be more than 100 topics related to Underground Architecture on whichResearch and Exploration could be done for. So, by hightlighting 10 here, I am showing a positive attitude for the topic that a lot will be done on it, be it My own Research topic for further explorationor someone else's.-

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Architect's Vision

BEFORE:SG Road, Ahmedabad. What could be observed is that the whole stretch has Buildings majorly with commercial values attached to it, that too Hotels,Mall and such types.Ahmedabad has 328 malls but only 0.28% open/greenspaces.

BEFORE:Ashram Road, Ahmedabad. A concrete Urban texture could be observed through the plan and3d sketch. It shows how less the green cover is in thewhole area around, which is from the starting of theAshram road till it's end.

This are the initial ideas or visions as an Architect. I truelly think if judiciary Used, Underground Architecture is the Future of Architecture. If not, the Future seems Gloomy. The End.

AFTER:SG Road, Ahmedabad. What is proposed here is aBold and Huge step. It shows how the whole of theSG Road, can be converted into a GreenBelt by taking all the buildings, majorly malls and hotels Underground. Only untouched buildings would bereligious worshipping places. And at a bigger picture, if we take 328malls and the upcoming malls Underground, we can increasethe open/greenspaces from 0.28%-0.48% minimum.

AFTER:Ashram Road, Ahmedabad. The proposal or idea talks about interevening how the Roads are in Ahmedabad. By converting "Patches" of roads, as can be seen in the 3D sketch and the plan, we canincrease the Green cover of the Ahmedabad city.

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Works CitedReffered Literature:1- 03.RFDG-Proposed development plan for riverfront neighbourhoods, 19762- Soil temperature regime at Ahmedabad-Girja Sharan, IIM-A3- 2014 Trends in Travel & Tourism4- The social value of public spaces-Joseph Rowntree Foundation5- EARTH SHELTERED BUILDINGS FOR THERMAL COMFORT-Subhash C. Devrath 6- Agriculture Contingency Plan for District :AHMEDABAD7- Ahmedabad Draft Plan 2021-Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority(AUDA) 8- A PRESENTATION ON LAND USE AND URBAN TRANSPORT-I.P.GAUTAM, IAS, PRINCIPAL SECRETARY, URBAN DEVELOPMENT & URBAN HOUSING DEPARTMENT,GANDHINAGAR , GUJARAT9- City Development Plan for Ahmedabad-Chapter 6 Social Amenities10- Ahmedabad Residential Real Estate Overview March 2012-ICICI Property Services11- BUILDING WITH EARTH, A guide to Flexible-form earthbag construction-Paulina Wojciechowska12- Evolution of Shopping Malls:Recent trends and the question of Regeneration-Buket Ergun Kocaili13- Construction Sequence of Sabarmati Riverfront Development14- Underground Structures Engineering services for owners and contractors-COWI15- Going underground A Cumbrian perspective-PHIL REDDY16- Underground Buildings-Chris van Dronkelaar17- THE GREEN HOUSE SYSTEM: STUDY OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROPERTIES18- GREEN INDIA: THE WORLD’S SECOND MOST POPULOUS COUNTRY COMBATS DEFORESTATION -The Green India Mission (GIM)19- SABARMATI RIVERFRONT....Socializing a River & Inclusive Development- Sabarmati River Front Development Corporation Limited & AMC20- SUBSURFACE PLANNING-To go Underground - Right or Wrong?-H. C. Fischer, B. Jansson, M. Barker, Y. Watanabe, M. Bergman, C. Fairhurst, J. Rygh, L. Lupiac21- URBAN UNDERGROUND SPACE AND BENEFITS OF GOING UNDERGROUND-Jean Paul GODARD Past Vice-president, ITA,France22- Perception Aspects in Underground Spaces using Intelligent Knowledge Modeling-Proefschrift23- Hydrologic Studies for Sabarmati Riverfront Development Project- National Institute of Hydrology Roorkee – 247 667 (Uttaranchal) February 200724- Urban Space-Matthew Dobias25- Sabarmati Riverfront Development Integrated Environmental Improvement and Urban Revitalization India Urban Conference, Mysore, November 2011- Sabarmati River Front Development Corporation Limited, HCP Design & Project Management Pvt. Ltd, Ahmedabad26- Feasibiity Report-SRFD-Environmental Planning Collaborative(EPC)27- Sun, WInd & Light:Architectural Design Strategies,Second Edition-G.Z.Brown and Mark Dekay28- Underground Architecture:Connections between Ground-Level Public space and Below Ground Building-Ammie Wright29- Possible paper subjects “Underground Space Technology”-TUDelft30- World Energy Council31- Why go Underground?-ITA - AITES32- Underground Buildings:More than meets the Eye-Loretta Hall33- Identification of Success & Failure Factors of Malls in Ahmedabad City-Sagar Desai MTM-050834- Presentation on Sustainable Building-Kaushik Panchal35- Buildings and Daylighting/Energy Effciency in buildings-CEPT Ahmedabad36- Metric Handbook:Planning and Design Data-David Littlefield37- Handbook for Interior Lighting Design38- Time Saver standards for Architectural Design-Donald Watson39- Neufert:Architectural Timesavers40- Our Cities Ourselves:Principles for Transport in Urban Life 41- Our cities ourselves:Vision of Ahmedabad42- IA&B-May 2015

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43- IA&B March 201544- Contextuality in Indian Commercial Spaces: Shopping Malls/Arcades, looking for an Indian Identity45- Adobe and rammed earth buildings: Design and Construction book46- Impact of Geotechnical Investigations on Design and Construction of Substructures- Kaushal S. Sabuwala47- Invisible Man, Ralph Ellison48- The Third Level, Jack Finney49- The Underground House Book, Campbell Stu50- Earth Sheltered Landscapes, Debord, David Douglas and Thomas R. Dunbar51- Underground Houses: How to build a low cost home, Roy Robert52- Earth Sheltered Housing Design, The Underground Space Center, University of Minnesota

Reffered Websites:53- www.youtube.com54- www.wired.com55- www.ecoimagination.com56- www.reddit.com/r/architecture/comments/1es3ij/57- www.wikipedia.com58- www.porousearth.wordpress.com59- http://www.dezeen.com/2014/10/10/miralles-tagliabue-elizabeth-de-portzamparc-paris-metro-train-stations/60- http://www.subsurfacebuildings.com/diggingforthegreen.html61- http://www.underground-homes.com/underground-homes-disadvantages.htm62- http://www.earthhomesnow.com/earth-home-advantages.htm63- https://www.ita-aites.org/en/why-go-underground64- http://www.candidslice.com/the-raleigh-underground-an-epic-era-sealed-beneath-cameron-village/65- https://books.google.co.in/books?id=u3iEjXoaRW8C&pg=PA13&lpg=PA13&dq=underground+mall+construction+method&source=bl&ots=K00QVbBjfG&sig=6MOaMZ-vJHTgvoZFh2nVF-H0o2w&hl=en&sa=X&ei=u93hVJmOBcSQuATLsIDoDQ&ved=0CFMQ6AEwCw#v=onepage&q=underground%20mall%20construction%20method&f=false66- http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/London-Eye-museums-and-highrises-being-planned-on-Sabarmati-riverfront/articleshow/36223034.cms67- http://www.hockertonhousingproject.org.uk/68- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_tallest_buildings_in_Ahmedabad69- http://www.dnaindia.com/ahmedabad/report-will-giant-ferris-spin-on-sabarmati-soon-193771370- http://www.dnaindia.com/ahmedabad/report-realty-makes-22-storey-towers-reality-in-ahmedabad-190650271- http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/surat/-First-skyscraper-in-city-on-way/articleshow/5200908.cms?72- http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Article.aspx?eid=31805&articlexml=GUJARAT-AN-EMERGING-DESTINATION-FOR-SKYSCRAPERS-2408201430100773- http://www.magicbricks.com/Property-Rates-Trends/ALL-RESIDENTIAL-rates-in-Ahmedabad74- http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-pricey-sabarmati-riverfront-lures-realtors-138398075- http://www.ourproperty.co.uk/guides/the_wonders_of_living_underground_guide-p2.html76- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_population77- http://www.unep.org/forests/Portals/142/docs/our_vision/Green_India.pdf78- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_business_district79- http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Groundwater-levels-in-Ahmedabad-take-another-deep-plunge/articleshow/10912228.cms80- http://blog.renewableenergyworld.com/ugc/blogs/2010/04/the-utility-of-the-future-think-shopping-mall.html

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81- http://property.sulekha.com/ashram-road-real-estate-price-trend-ahmedabad82- http://www.thelowline.org/83- http://www.marketwatch.com/story/10-things-shopping-malls-wont-tell-you-130895425109584- http://www.pps.org/reference/placeforparking/85- http://www.1728.org/gradient.htm86- https://answersingenesis.org/geology/grand-canyon-facts/when-and-how-did-the-grand-canyon-form/87- http://www.greenhomebuilding.com/QandA/rammedearth/structural.htm88- http://www.counterview.net/2011/12/central-groundwater-board-alarm-over.html89- http://www.evolo.us/architecture/skyscraper-or-sustainable-underground-society/90- https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Underground_living91- http://www.biotekt.com/92- http://www.drtomorrow.com/lessons/lessons7/20.html93- http://gondolaproject.com/2010/04/06/eyes-on-the-street/94- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eucalyptus_globulus95- http://indiabiodiversity.org/species/show/3145296- http://bhudeva.org/blog/2012/01/06/is-it-possible-to-build-an-earthship-in-moist-freezing-expansive-clay-soil/97- http://architecture.about.com/od/A-Architecture-Terms/g/arcology.htm98- http://www.malcolmwells.com/designs.html99- http://www.fastcodesign.com/3023159/the-case-for-building-cities-underground100- http://www.architonic.com/ntsht/camouflage-architecture-underground-buildings/7000497101- http://www.designboom.com/tag/underground-architecture/102- http://www.dezeen.com/tag/underground/

Reffered Videos/Documentaries:103- Argentina en Mexico - Underground Mall in Mexico104- By Ultra MIX 360 - STRIP THE CITY - TORONTO105- Cave People of the Himalaya _ National Geographic Documentary106- ETFE, properties, Installation, comparison with glass_HD107- Garden Santa Fe _ Underground Mall _ KMD Architects108- GARDEN STA FE AEREAS RYMS109- Grand Designs - 'The Stealth House' (S10E02)110- Grand Designs S08E01 - The Underground House111- Grand Designs S08E11 - The Underground House- Revisited (from series 3)112- Grand Designs S12E10 - The Disco Home- Revisited (from series 11)113- Massive Lightbox Acts Like It's Alive - Origin By UVA & Scanner114- PATH - The World's Largest Underground Shopping Complex _115- Proyecto Nuevo Aeropuerto Ciudad de México - @AeropuertoMEX I116- The London Underline117- The Lost Caves of Tibet (Full Documentary)118- Visiting The Derinkuyu Underground City In Cappadocia119- When Infinity Comes To Life120- World's largest Underground City - Full Documentary121- BNKR VIDEOS EARTHSCRAPER CNN122- Batman-Movie123- IronMan-Movie124- Resident Evil-Movie125- UP-Movie126- The Jetsons-Cartoon127- Dexter ’s Laboratory-Cartoon128- Urbanized- Documentary

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List of FiguresList of Figures:1- Vector "Underground Architecture" an original works by Preyan Mehta, Front page "Underground Architecture" A painting by Preyan Mehta, Second Page2- Page 9,Types of Underground Architecture, 2.1 What is Underground Architecture? and it's Types and Archtypes?- Sketches by Preyan Mehta3- Pages 10-12, Underground Archtypes, 2.1 What is Underground Architecture? and it's Types and Archtypes?- Image source, Underground Architecture, Ammie Wright4- Page 13, 2.2 What is the difference between Aboveground Architecture and Underground Architecture?- Sketches by Preyan Mehta5- Page 14, 2.3 Why Underground Architecture and state it's advantages and disadvantages. - Vectors from Google Images6- Page 15, 2.3 Why Underground Architecture and state it's advantages and disadvantages. - Land Utilization, Disaster Resistant, Natural Ventillation- Sketches by Preyan Mehta, - The other vectors by Goodle Images7- Page 16, 2.4 What is an Urban Space and why do we need it, Underground? - Images by Google Images, Edited by Preyan Mehta8- Pages 19,20, 3.2 Primary casestudies for Underground Architecture- Sections by Preyan Mehta9- Pages 21-24, 3.3 Secondary casestudies for Underground Architecture- Sections by Preyan Mehta10- Pages 25, 3.4 Primary casestudies for Urban Spaces- Plan by Preyan Mehta11- Page 25, 3.4 Primary casestudies for Urban Spaces- Image source: Everyday Urban Space, by Jaydip Biniwale, Shaival Gajjar, Gopi Viththani, Darshini Sanghvi12- Page 26, 3.5 Secondary casestudies for Urban Spaces- Sections & images by Google Images13- Page 27, 3.5 Secondary casestudies for Urban Spaces- Plan & Images by BIG Architects14- Page 28, 3.6 Inferences- Plan, sections and diagrams by Preyan Mehta15- Page 29, 3.6 Inferences- Image "Framing" by Preyan Mehta, Bharat Bhavan16- Page 29, 3.6 Inferences- Images "Enclosure", "Cone of vision" by "Urbanized" Documentary17- Page 29, 3.6 Inferences- rest images by Google Images18- Page 31, 4.1 Site Identification- Plans by Preyan Mehta19- Page 31, 4.2 Site Selection- Table by Preyan Mehta20- Pages 33-35, 4.3 Site Analysis- Plans, sections by Preyan Mehta21- Page 36, 4.3 Site Analysis- Section by Preyan Mehta22- Page 36, 4.3 Site Analysis- Table by Ahmedabad Residential Real Estate Overview March 2012 ICICI Property Services, 23- Page 37, 4.3 Site Analysis- Photos and Plan by Preyan Mehta24- Page 40-42, 5.1 Concept Formulation- Sections, Plans and Sketches by Preyan Mehta25- Page 43, 5.2 Site Specific Design Framework- Activity graphs by Preyan Mehta26- Pages 44-50, 5.3 Drawings- Plans, Sections, Rendered Photos by Preyan Mehta27- Pages 51-62, 5.4 Design Case Study- Sections, Plans, Sketches, Diagrams by Preyan Mehta28- Pages 66-67, 6.1 Observational Notes/Architectural Narration- Rendered Photos by Preyan Mehta29- Pages 68-69, 6.2 Conclusion/ Fulfillment of the Thesis Statement- Sections, Plans, Sketches by Preyan Mehta30- Pages 71-73, 6.2 Conclusion/ Fulfillment of the Thesis Statement- Sections, Plans Sketches by Preyan Mehta31- Page 79, Architect's Vision- Images, 3Ds, Plans by Preyan Mehta

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AppendixAPPENDIX A: Design Exploration-TImeline

7.1.2015

21.2.2015

28.2.2015

85


11.3.2015

86


Ashram Rd

Cycling Track

Staggerd-Stepped Roof/Ground Cover

Frames Courtyards

Sabarmati Riverfront Rd

Cafes/Eateries

Multi Level ParkingShopsCafes/Eateries

Pavillion-Parking/Drive-In

Utilities/Indoor GamingTV Screens

4.4.2015

87


1.5.2015

88


2.5.2015

89


19.5.2015

THANKYOU

Name: Preyan MehtaGuide: Kaushik Panchal

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