Faculty: Anuj Daga, Dushyant Asher, The Architecture Story and Sagarika Suri
Blog Post by: Tanushree Bhagwat (A20-06)
‘Type’ is an instrument through which spatial characteristics of architecture can be studied and scrutinized. It is the pattern that gets translated through various social, cultural, political and material factors into a spatial setting. Typology is the study of building types that are best expressed through the making of diagrams. These diagrams reveal the underlying systems and patterns of social relations within a built form. They also hold certain cultural codes of ideological beliefs within societies. The typo-logical method uses the tools of diagrams, grammar and language to help us identify complex environmental issues within the design process. Diagrams help extract the relationships between spaces in an architectural setting. Architecture emerges in the intimate understanding and playful utilization of the above tools.
This course focused on deciphering the grammar of spaces and formulating an architectural language that would further generate the possibility of innovative spatial types. Questions such as, how can these ideas within buildings be appreciated and harnessed towards contemporary design processes? How do they relate to questions of site, climate, context, scale, body and behaviour? The course proceeded with an effort to provide a deeper understating of 'type' through:
Diagrammatic surveys of examples through architectural history.
Theoretical readings around architectural typology, diagramming, grammar and language.
Architectural design exercise where the above concepts are translated into a built response.
DESIGN PROCESS:
The study began with exploring the neighborhood to observe the changes in practices due to the pandemic.
The temple chosen for further evaluation was placed underneath a tree and had interestingly claimed the space of a road and footpath.
A significant change observed in this location was that, previously, Devotees could take darshan, up close and perform their rituals in groups. Due to the pandemic, a temporary demarcation has been established around the tree. People are allowed to gather outside this boundary however, only 2-3 people can perform their rituals, within this periphery.
The design process was driven by the desire to create a community space that accommodated the programs of worship, seating, gathering and, a space for temporary programs e.g. exhibition space.
Two noticeable syntaxes came forward during the diagramming of the space
1. the change in levels of the ground, footpath, and the platform
2. the formation of pocketed zones due to enclosures
These are the two ideas that were further used in the design process.
Developing the experience of the walk and integrating other programs, around this uniting element was the main objective of the project. The new design contains various zones like spaces with and without shades, a worship zone, seating, and ample space to walk.
Since exhibitions harbor large crowds, this space can be utilized to set up small-scale temporary programs like tea/ refreshment stalls, which can allow people to gather in smaller groups while maintaining the necessary safety protocol, during the Pandemic.
Link to the Design Project (Spatialities of Claim):
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