Projects | Studio | Awards
PG - MLA - Studio - 2 | Spring 2023 | Pockets of Serenity
  • Student CHAPADGAONKAR VEDIKA SATISH RUTA
  • Code PLA21438
  • Faculty Architecture
  • Unit L4 Studio Unit
  • Tutor/s Priyal Shah
  • TA Meen Desai

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Situated on the thaltej tekra, the Centre for environmental education is a architectural masterpiece designed by Ar. Neelkanth Chhaya as a place which works towards the betterment of ecology and nature around us. Designed in the 1990, the campus houses several functions catering to the program of sustainability and environmental education. Pockets with varied degrees of openness are enclosed by simple square cubic rooms nestled inside one another. The numerous terraces hidden beneath the canopy of trees appear to be more livable than the inside. They provide varying levels of solitude and social proximity. The concept of inquisitive yet continuous movement on site is used as the intent for creating a landscape that is inquisitive due to the varying ground cover. As this curiosity gets repeated on different levels it creates a sense of continuity while moving along the serrated and staggered path that takes one from the secluded and serene path to an inviting, colorful and open space. The spaces formed with a chaotic variation of plants serve as a serene, calm and peaceful gathering, exhibition or breakout spaces for the user. The plantation stimulates your five senses and thus help in guiding way in this chaotic serenity.  

Site context and analysis | Evolution of institutional zone on Thaltej tekra - There are total 4 institutions built on the Thaltej tekra which mostly work towards sustainability, environmental balance or teaching the importance of ecology around man.
Base map and user analysis | Site analysis was done to understand the existing topography, vegetation, slope on site. It also helped to understand the different types of user, their activities and the ways in which they respond to the site.
Design alterations | From the design alterations, the idea of inquistivity in landscape and idea of continuity in landscape was merged to create one master plan with the concept of serene experiential movement in inquisitive chaos of landscape.
Masterplan | The idea of curious yet continuous movement existing on site is used. The central path acts as a primary axis which is surrounded by shrubs and grasses of varying texture and depth that create a sense of inquisitiveness in movement. The ornamental trees directs the sight of a user while exploring the campus.
Detail sections | Sections show the courtyards with varying degree of openness and inquisitivity within the building created due to the variation in vegetation.
Spatial adaptations | Different kinds of enclosure are created by the variation or hierarchial plantation around the building space giving rise to areas like breakout sitting spaces, exhibition courtyard, wilderness pockets, workshop courtyard, playground area for school and woodlands which continue further towards the hill of thaltej tekra.
Planting strategy | Planting strategy was looked at by three varying lenses one of which followed the idea of the master plan, the other was from an abstract model of a movie and third was from studying a landscape architect’s planting style.
final planting strategy and seasonal variation matrix | From the final planting strategy plan, a matrix was created to understand the plant material palette and spatial changes through the same. The matrix helped in understanding the seasonal changes for the spaces created.
Final planting plan and plant list | The matrix helped in creating a layout which collated all the constants and variables of planting material and helped in making a planting plan for selected spaces which were examined through seasonal variations as well.
Plant composition and seasonal variation | According to the type of space and user requirement the hierarchy of vegetation helps in creating buffer spaces, barrier, and court spaces. The planting model express the quality of space and experience for the user.