The final project is a result of series of exercises like the Mindmaps, Studies from Rem Koolhas's Elements of Architecture, Building Case studies, Studies on Time, Neighborhood documentation and designing neighborhood specific Follies. The site for the final project is an abandoned park in sector 30, Gandhinagar. The idea is to use the wall as a folly like element, revitalizing the park and becoming a part of the building itself. The intersection of the wall, series of steel frames and louvers make the building skin. The program includes a Ward office, Canteen, Balwadi, Creche and Reading Room
Mindmaps and Building Case Study Flashcards: Basic concepts of the studio-Time and Public were explored through mindmaps. The building case studies focused on a set of buildings that were 'ideas' projects exploring the studio theme.Kinetic Facade: Elements of Architecture Study-
The Facade as an expressive element of a building constantly influenced by the changing technology, socio-political situations and economic conditions was studied as a part of the studio. The kinetic facade constantly negotiating between manual and machine control was a major learning from the study. In addition to this Precast Concrete Facade, Tensile Facade, All Glass Facade and Media Facades were studied.Activity Mapping: The mapping of A roadside eatery, Bus stop, Florist stall, Tea stall and Barber shop was done to understand the working of a temporary space that generates the idea of Public in the neighborhoodAccordion Books on Ideas of Time and the Neighborhood: The idea of time was explored on the conceptual level and on the level of the neighborhood through a set of 'thought-words' and an image corresponding to that. The exercise helped to build a visual reference to an abstract concept like time. The exploring of the neighborhood was done with a series of three walks. The walks capture the busy commercial markets, the contrasting housing inside the sectors and the grid-iron roads of Gandhinagar. Each exercise was represented in an accordion book formatThe Red Folly-Time in the neighborhood: The Folly is located at a previously mapped bus stop in the neighborhood. The folly tries to show the idea of the bus stop as an 'Escape' . The element of staircase and parapet is taken from the neighborhood and reinterpreted to form an almost sculptural wrapper around the structure made of perforated metal sheetThe Red Follies: The first folly is located near a roadside eatery and tries to evoke a memory of the neighborhood through the element of balcony railings and balusters. The last folly is situated in front a garment and tailor shop in the commercial sector characterized by colonnades. The faceted column is taken to connect the folly to the colonnade and it is reinterpreted as a faceted steel surfaceThe Blue Follies and the Idea of Public: The balcony was taken taken as the main element in the exercise owing to its dynamic nature oscillating between the public and the private realm. The first folly is a commentary on the inward nature of the balcony in the neighborhood. To contrast it balconies with striking shapes jut out of the structure.
The second Folly shows the idea of conversations happening through balconies in which two balconies merge and become a building by themselves. The Folly is imagined as a light, rocking structure.Final Design Concept Posters: The final Municipal Ward office Project situated in a dilapidated park corner explores the element of the wall as a folly and a connector between the buildings. The wall intersecting with frames and louvers forms the building skin that can be made almost transparent and accessible to Public.Sections: The sections and elevations show the red brick wall intersecting with the buildings and also forming the edges of the park. The Wall extends beyond the site and the program to revitalize the park.
