CASESTUDY
A CONFLUENCE OF IDEAS
Chapter
Case studies
INTERNATIONALCONVENTIONCENTER
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A CONFLUENCE OF IDEAS
CASESTUDY
3.1INDIA HABITAT
CENTER
The India Habitat Centre is planned as an assemblage of institutions dealing with a wide
variety of issues related to habitat and also to house a variety of functions to stimulate and facilitate
many levels of interaction. It has been conceived as an ideal physical environment with a range of
facilities that would maximize the effectiveness of the individuals and institutions.
INTERNATIONALCONVENTIONCENTER
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Several leading corporate entities and nonprofit organizations like Tata Energy Research
Institute (TERI), HUDCO, NHB, CII, ILO
etc., sharing a common concern for the
'Habitat', have come together to participate in
this exciting venture of institution building.
IndiaHabitat Centre is now home not only to
these offices
and research
organizations but houses a club, India's most
comprehensive convention centre as well as
several restaurants and performance venues
for cultural activities.
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3.1.1Intent of study:
1 To study the interrelationship between institutions
working in diverse habitat related fields brought
together in an integrated manner.
2
3 The common facilities provided for information,
dissemination the types, their sizes and location.
4
5 To study the environment created inside the
complex through different architectural elements,
faade treatment, materials, landscape and climatetempered courtyards.
6 To critically analyze the offices provided to various
institutions/Individual firms.
7
Finally to analyze the architectural character,
circulation-vehicular, and pedestrian, the services
provided and the parking for vehicles.
VARDHAMAN ROAD
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3.1.2 Location:
The India Habitat Centre (IHC) is located along the
Lodhi Road on the fringes of Lutyens Delhi. Spread
over nine acres of land IHC has a built-up area of
approximately one million square feet. The L shaped
site has frontage on the three sides. It is bounded by the
Max Muller Marg on west, the Vardhman Marg on
LODHI ROAD
south and the Lodhi road on the north. The Fourth side
is flanked by Bal Bharthi School. The complex is
accessible from three sides, the major pedestrian entrance
being from lodhi road on the north.
Fig no. 3.1.2.a Layout of India Habitat
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3.1.3 Access;
The complex has an access from three sides
having the Lodhi Road on the north, Max
Muller Marg towards the west and Vardhaman
Marg on the southern side. Thus, it has three
main gates, referred to as gate no. 1, gate no. 2
and gate no. 3. Gate no. 2, on the Max Muller
Marg is the one, which directly leads to the
double level basement. The lifts then take to the
upper levels form this point. The other two gates
direct the vehicles to the surface parking that
has been provided. This parking basically caters
to the public areas like the conference hall,
Plate no 3.1.3 a Internal View of India Habitat Centre
3.1.4 Facilities:
1The I.H.C. provides the following facilities for
the use of member:
2 40,000 square meters of office accommodation
for institutions.
3 Conference rooms with a total capacity of 1000
in 10 locations of different configurations ranging
from 30 to 450.
4 60 Guest room, five suites, and five service
apartments.
5 Conference room, cafeteria, Restaurants and
Private Dinning room to handle approximately
1500 persons at a time.
6 A 700 sqm exhibition area with built in systems
and structures for multimedia exhibitions.
7 A 250 seat amphitheatre.
8 An auditorium with 500 capacity.
SOUTH BLOCK
(AUDITORIUM, LIBRARY,
CONFERENCE CENTER)
NORTH BLOCK
(OFFICES ON TOP &
PUBLIC FACILITIES ON
GROUND FLOOR)
1
2Another factor that governs the design was the effort to modify the climate as much as possible by
non-mechanical means. Thus, the top two floors have been projected twice. This results in a building
shadow that is larger than its footprint it also creates a classical order of the pediment.
3
1The introduction of a sunscreen, a
highly dramatic feature of the IHC,
ingeniously protects the courtyard from
the summer glare while letting on the
winter sun, and is a very successful
innovation that greatly enhances the
enclosure qualities of the courts. Further
reduction in heat gain is achieved by
keeping the openings on the external
faade to less than 50% of the surface
area, while strip windows characterize the
facades around the courtyard .
2
Building blocks are grouped
around
climate tempered courts, shaded by
overhead sunscreens and enlivened by
vertical gardens.
North block
South block
3.1.7.1 North block:
The block adjoining the Lodhi Road and on the
northern side of the site is this block. North
Block is further divided into four zones 4, 5, 6
and 7. This block primarily comprises of office
places supported by different areas like lift
lobby, staircase, A.H.U. etc.
Plan Of Auditorium
centre
3.1.8.3 Jacaranda
Elegantly carpeted jacaranda could be used as one
large space or further divided into independent
units for corporate meetings, seminars, workshops
and parties.
Jacaranda 1 - 1290sq.ft
Jacaranda 2 1290sq.ft
Plate no 3.1.8.3.a Internal View Of
3.1.8.4 Casuarina
A fixed seating hall equipped with state of the art,
multimedia facilities and each table equipped with
a set of mike, ideal for seminars, corporate
presentations, product launches.
Casuarinas 1520sq.ft
3.1.8.5 Magnolia
A free seating h all allowing flexible seating
options suited for both conferences and party usage.
SEATING
650
Margosa Lawn
5200
160
2700
The Hub
85
Emerald Garden
2800
80
Cascade Court
12583
Palm Court
16170
The Plaza
4000
450
6000
3.1.9 ARCHITECTURAL
CHARACTERISTICS
3.1.9.1 THE BRIDGES:
The buildings are grouped around semi-covered courts and
linked at the 5th and 6th floor level and above by bridges to form
huge gateways for entrance into various zones/ courts. These
multi level bridges provide office spaces as well as links between
various building zones. The bridges form framed views and
vistas and complete the character of the enclosed courts.
Plate no 3.1.9.1.a Bridge Forming Huge
3.1.9.3 FINISHES
The external finish for the building was
originally visualized in brushed aggregate (grit),
carefully controlled to result in a dark base that
became a progressively lighter as the building was
viewed against the sky. This could not be
implemented because of the lack of skilled
labour.
1.
2
3
4
Exposed
3.1.9.5 LANDSCAPING
Each internal courtyard has been designed to impart a
distinct-identity to the spaces and is conducive to the type of
functions or activities that can be anticipated. This has been
achieved by paving patterns in different materials, the use of
water, a play of levels and plants
Plate no 3.1.9.5.a Water Bodies Provided
Stepped planters serve as sitting space too.
environment inside.
Sculptures have been placed at strategic points creating an
element of interest.
Water ponds are provided to cut the rigidity of harsh
materials.
The
3.2.2 LOCATION:
Vigyan Bhawan is located on Maulana Azad road some diatance away from the intersection of Rajpath
and Janpath. It is located between National Museum and vice presidents residence on the other side.
This building is hardly a furlong from the Rashtrapati Bhawan.
3.2.3 ACCESS:
This building is accessed from Maulana Azad road.
The main building has 3 entrances. Main front entry
is on southern side
facing Maulana Azad road.
3.2.4 CONCEPT
Dominance of main plenary hall surrounded on sides with
corridors leading to commission rooms and administration
offices.The whole building is purely functional with no
features of any style for Chaitya Arch to emphasize entries.
The whole building is artificially ventilated fence no
courtyards. The building is sadly lacking in relief spaces.
FORM
3.2.5
A cuboid mass, which gives no indication of its
functions. The white mass stands out because of its
bulk with little fenestrations. The entrance Arch of
the main building is all Granite and is the most
attractive Architectural element. It rest on red sand
stone podium and welcomes the visitor. The
western face done in sand stone demarcates the
block as separate entity. The Annexe building and
dining halls are cuboid masses subdued by main
block with no noticeable features.
Entrances
The complex has three main entries
The western entry for VIP and delegates
The middle entry is for media, delegates,
members of main Vigyan Bhawan administration
and serves, kitchen etc. It also leads to telex,
bank, telephone kiosks.
The eastern entry is for annexe building used by
staff, delegates, media and serves as the service
entry for kitchen, A/C plant rooms etc.
Foyer
Each of the 3 entrances leads onto a foyer
with one serving the main entrance being
the largest.
Main foyer has flight of steps leading to
the main hall and upper floors.
The space of the foyer is less as
compared to the capacity. This leads to the
congestion during peak hours.
Location of main lift bank for vertical
circulation is far away from the main entry
in VIP foyer.
The staff entry is on the other side and
has a chaitya arch in red sandstone, but of
smaller scale. The staff entry and the
offices placed on one end generate a well
defined staff movement.
Circulation
The main circulation is via a doubly
loaded corridor. There seems to be
absence of clarity in planning as one move
along them. The corridors are poorly lit.
Horizontal:
Corridors
are
the main form
of
horizontal
circulation
Atrium
Ground floor has an atrium of 367 sqm.
Saling three floors of building height. It is
provided.With space frame and heat
reflecting glass roof which permits natural
light into the area. Used for dinning by the
conference attendees and is decorated with
a water fountain. The atrium can hold up
to 650 people while standing.
Plenary Hall
Heralded by the insignia of Vigyan Bhawan the
entrance foyer to this hall is a magnificent and
elegant sight with a plush interior.
The conference hall has a stage that is approached
by steps which give it a podium effect. It measures
42X48M.
Largest hall with 1285 seats \arranged in fan
shaped curvilinear staggered seating arrangement.
Extends from ground floor to first floor. It measures
42m x 48m.
It has fixed tables and moveable chairs for 900
and only fixed chairs for the rest.
Plate no. 3.2.6.c View Of Plenary Hall
St
age
The stage is far and can be approached directly
from the VIP entrance. It accommodates 37
people.Built in podium style the floor and
furniture is so designed so as to integrate the
conferencing system, the computer networking,
infra- red system and public address system.
Plate no. 3.2.6.d View Of
Ancillary facilities
Exhibition areas
Dining lounge
Additional dinning space is provided in the foyer above
the main entrance lounge as well as in a hall on the
ground floor rear block.
A large mural adorns the blank face of the atrium.
The position of dinning area is not suited.
The odor of food spreading into the convention hall is
not desirable.
There is no way one can reach the space frame and the
building which should be absolutely clean has
maintenance problem.
Dining lounge:
It also serves as an
exhibition as well as
dining space
Fig no3.2.6.e. Dining Lounge
Rear block
The rear block is also entirely carpeted
and
contains committee and conference
rooms,
exhibition hall and lounge areas.
Foyer
The annexe is entered through a reception foyer with a staircase and two lifts. Opposite the main
entrance of the foyer and through a double door opening, the media lounge opens out.
It is surrounded by committee/conference rooms with capacity ranging between 46-170 persons.
Circulation
On the ground floor, doubly loaded corridor run all round. The two corridors branching from opposite
sides have administrative offices and offices for documentation Photostat
3.2.9 INFERENCES
Well planned services should be planned in all the halls.
Acoustically well maintained in terms of materials and planning.
Entry for V.I.P s is well defined and the lounges are also accessible from
the conference hall, but the corridor which has been given should be broader
than existing size.
The main entry, foyer to the auditorium is not sufficient.
Column placing is also so congested
INFERENCES:
By bringing together a number of institutes from various habitat related professions in one complex, the
complex problems of meeting facilities, co-ordination between different professionals and the problems
like car parking, food services etc. have been smartly solved.
The blocks have been functionally demarcated - North block comprises of office space and ancillary
facilities are in south block resulting in well co-coordinated spaces.
The articulation of the blocks has been largely successful in achieving the design objectives.
Computerized building management system has been designed for the efficient operation of all systems
including watering of window boxes and the detection of faults.
The grouping of 6-7 storey building blocks has been done around climate- tempered courtyards, which
has enlivened up the atmosphere inside the complex.
Faade treatment on the exterior presents a very stable and strong visual effect by use of special bricks
whereas the inner faades are very light, delicate and support light hanging gardens.
The structure of the building is thoughtfully designed R.C.C. frame structure, which ahs created
flexible spaces in the interior.
Vehicular movement is restricted only to the periphery of the site with only pedestrian movement
allowed inside the blocks creating a very clean environment. Parking has been kept in the basement
allowing rest of the site to be landscaped.
CONCLUSION:
It marks a transition in the architecture of Joseph Allen Stein.
The centre is organized as a series of 4-7 storey blocks around linked courtyards.
Office areas given access from inside the courts. 25% of total area goes to landscaped court.
Services: total service area-53,000 sq.m built up area with two basements, each 18, 000 sq.m.
Allowing parking of 953 cars.
The whole building is air conditioned and the basements are mechanically ventilated.
Fire escape stairs and lobbies are pressurized to prevent spread of fire along vertical shafts.
The window boxes are watered and computer operated building management systems does the
detection of fault.
3.3.1Location
of Oceanography. is located 29 km (a 45
minute drive) from Dabolim Airport .
Corridors connecting
the areas
NATIONAL
HIGHWAY
Lawn
Lawn
Parking area
Administrative area ,
dining room , lounge ,
reception , conference
rooms
Parking area
Main entrance
to the complex
Open landscaped area
reserved for parties
3.3.2
Surroundings
Entrances
and
3.3.3 Form
The basic planning of the complex is kept simple ,
Where all the sections of the complex are accessed
by corridors covered by Mangalore tiles . The
entrances have been kept minimum in number
which are further segregated into other areas. The
whole complex has been given a very formal
approach.
Guest rooms
There are 44 A/C twin sharing rooms which
afford a soothing view of the Arabian Sea or
Zuari river. These 44 rooms are divided in two
blocks which are accessed from corridors . These
rooms have been provided with the basic
necessities
Dining halls
Dining Restaurant There are three Dining Spaces.
Spices, non-air-conditioned restaurant that can space
up to 75 persons;
Abolim, a comfortable lounge cum bar
Palki,
an exclusive air-conditioned restaurant with a
capacity of 30 diners.
Conferences
The Centre has three state-of-the-art air-conditioned Conference
halls.
Zuari
Sal
ADMINISTRATIVE
BLOCK
It is situated close to the VIP entry. It consist of :
Director office
Secretariate office
Manager office
PA office
Programme officer room
Electrical officer room
Waitin area
Lobby
Though the planning is simple the privacy of each officer is wisely planned.
Fig no. 3.3.4.d Floor Plan Of Administrative Area
KITCHEN
LAWN
( used for parties )
SERVICE ENTRY
NATIONAL
HIGHWAY
CONFERENCE
BLOCK
LAWN
( used for parties )
RECEPTION
GUEST ROOM
BLOCK
DINING HALL
ADMINISTRATIVE
BLOCK
DINING HALL
KITCHEN
service entry
Main
Kitchen
GATE HOUS E
Kitc
3.3.5
Exhibitions
and
cultural
events
The ambience of ICG is perfect for the festivities ,
honouring local traditions , religious gatherings or
social events . Classical dance programmes , activities
for children , industrial visits , career guidance forums
have found a welcome place in the heart of the
International centre , Goa
Laran
A
terraced ,
landscaped
stage
that has a capacity of 650 people offers a majestic
view of the confluence of the Zuari river and the
amphitheatre
with
Arabian Sea.
3.3.7Materials used and structure :The complex is a simple column beam structure .
Mangalore tiles have been used as the roofing material .
All the walls are plastered , and common goan colours
are used in the complex to represent the Goan culture .
3.3.8 Landscaping :The multi function area facing the sea forms an ideal setting for varied occassions . A scenic location
with the right flora and fauna provides the right ambience for celebrations of any kind . Raised
platforms even allow for stage presentations and cultural meetings .
3.3.9 Inferences;1.
The International centre , complex , Goa represents the Gan culture , represented in the form of
typical architectural style of Goa which is exhibited by overhanging eaves , style of arches , doors
and windows , columns , cornices , etc .
2.
Main emphasis has been laid on the horizontal circulation and only the guest rooms are double
storied , which are accessed by stairs .
3.
Landscaping has been done beautifully including climbers , flowering trees and plants , water
body .
4.
Simple planning has been done where various components of the complex are accessed throug