top architecture design thesis 2021

SCET ARCHITECTURE

SURAT, INDIA

Design thesis authored by

YASHWANI HARISHBHAI LAD

THESIS SPECIFICATIONS

Thesis Title: VERTICAL CORPORATE CAMPUS – Housing Corporate Offices with Mixed-Use Development

Project type: Urban development

Year of completion : 2021

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INTRODUCTION & BACKGROUND STUDY

Thesis Proposal: In the diversity of urban development approaches, mixed-used development has been found to be one of the best approaches for the successful development of towns and cities. The skyscraper is typically conceived as a homogenous container for heterogeneous activity. This thesis hypothesizes that the typology of the skyscraper can be redesigned to accommodate a more complex series of spaces designed around the needs of modern office culture, and that this complexity can be manifested in architectural form. The Concept of “Vertical Urbanism” based on finding a totally new typology of the buildings is needed which shall be based on multi-functionality which relates to a large system to perform many functions.
Therefore, Thesis sought to design a MIXED-USE TOWER in relationship to the changing context of the City, Business and the Worker.

The Vision: Mumbai is considered to be the financial capital of India. Mumbai is able to be an effective global city that draws in international firms, jobs, and capital, and sells its goods, services, and visitor experiences in international markets. And Mumbai Eastern Port is one of the oldest and busiest ports in India. Under MbPT (Mumbai Port Trust – governing body), Mumbai Eastern Port Area (from Sasson to Wadala – 966.30 Ha) is going to redevelop and the redevelopment proposal includes Commercial, Retail, Port Activities and Tourism Facilities. Hence, the area has Tourism Potential, Commercial & Retail Market.
Hence, the vision is to develop TALLEST MIXED USE BUILDING in Mumbai, which enhances the city’s skyline and act as a major landmark to the city.

AIM

The aim of the project is to design an architecturally striking Iconic Tower incorporating mixed uses which will offer a different user experience in terms of Vertical Urbanism.

OBJECTIVES

To create a ‘Vertical City’ providing retail spaces, offices, hotel accommodation, apartments, restaurants and public viewing gallery while incorporating the design parameters with sustainable building principles.
Significant physical and functional integration of project components.
Redefining the Mumbai skyline and developing an icon for the city.

DESIGN THESIS

Design Thesis focus on Tall Building design through providing best user experience with all sustainable parameters which is the need of today’s architecture. The entire Design Thesis is divided into four major heads:

PROJECT STUDY

Tall Building Design: Thesis project is studied in terms of tall building design/ Skyscraper design where different design parameters plays an important role from project designing to project execution.

Case studies

Kohinoor Square, Mumbai (Sandip Shikre & Associates)
The Shard, London (Renzo Piano)
Leeza Soho, China (Zaha Hadid Architects)

PROJECT APPROACH

Site Study & Analysis: Project site is located in Mumbai Eastern Port – Redevelopment area in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. The redevelopment master-plan proposes to develop a new financial center, Government Complexes, Hotels, Commercial as well as Residential properties along with tourism and cultural facilities including port tourism and port activities in close proximity to the proposed metro line and the existing sub-urban railway stations.

Design program: It was derived based on case studies and inferences along with different guiding factors from projects based at such site locations (Port Cities). Also the site offers various potentials of redevelopment which includes Tourism Potential, Commercial Market and Retail Market.

PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION

Concept Design: The design gives importance to the user experience and better building performance through incorporating various design parameters which includes basic massing, climate response, contextual response, structure design, big idea, user performance and façade design. The Big Idea was inspired from a bamboo having various nodes which framed the base for other parameters namely structure and zoning. Other parameters include climate and context which helps in façade design and sustainable strategies.

Master Planning: Master planning is designed incorporating various parameters such as placement of building in site in relation to accessibility and circulation. Various movements are defined according to the various functions along with the dedicated urban plaza for public use.

Climate Consideration & Context Response: The shape of the building is derived based on solar study where angled surface reduces harsh solar gain and the form also respond to wind movement.

Design Development: The building design incorporates various design parameters where the nodes are defined as major structural element i.e. service floors with out-triggers and the rest usable space is separated in different zones. Each zone is incorporated with one triple height atrium with green terraces rotating respectively. Each floor is having green area which acts as break-out space as well as refuge area for the building.

Zoning & Area Distribution: Building is divided into 5 zones with offices, hotel and recreational area. Entire project is having different functions (Retail, Offices, Hotel, and Recreational).

Vertical Circulation: Vertical Circulation is designed as per the NBC guidelines for number of elevators in relation to the building occupancy. Separate elevators for commercial use, hotel use and retail use are provided in addition to service elevators.

Façade Design: The building is designed with double façade system. For light weight and visibility, glass is used at the outer facade and inner façade is treated with the aluminum fins for reduction in harsh sun and better use of daylight throughout the day.

PROJECT DESIGN CHALLENGES

Sustainable Strategies: Sustainable strategies incorporated in building includes Day-lighting through façade treatment, Solar and Annual PV, Rainwater Harvesting and passive design strategies based on climate consideration and orientation of building.

Structure & Materials: Core and outrigger system is used for structural stability where every service floor act as outriggers and mega columns take the load of the structure.

Services: Major services are placed in service core and ground floor of the building. A separate service building at north side of the building is provided which houses chiller plant and cooling tower along with underground water-tank and pump rooms in the basement. Service core include electric and LV ducts, HVAC, Plumbing and Drainage ducts along with elevators, pressurized staircase and firefighting chute.

CONCLUSION

Tall buildings are need of present urbanizing cities, where land can be utilized effectively with many functions in a single building. At the same time, it is difficult to sustain such buildings as they are energy consuming elements of the nature. These problems can be solved through great architectural ideas and well integrated design project where solutions can be brought through a thoughtful and practical design for user and at the same time keeping the environmental sustainability requirements in mind.

A great design comes from great initiative taken for people as well as nature to sustain both the lives!

Sheets

the end

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