3. Tribal Training Centre, Surat
Written at a time when the housing issues were on the main agenda of almost all, the government, the NGOs, Planners and architects, this document brings together detailed information on the major design and construction aspects of low cost housing.
Beginning with an overview of housing policies and cost reduction strategies, the study then details the construction materials and techniques developed by national and international organizations.
This is followed by a very detailed analysis of three award winning low-cost housing projects from a national level competition sponsored by HUDCO and HOA Trust to identify application of cost reduction materials and techniques, as well as adoption of new, innovative practices.
2. Integrated Rural Development Plan for Chharodi
One of the earliest studies at the Foundation, IRDP for Chharodi was intended to understand and explore the problems and the prospects of rural areas. Chharodi, located beyond the fringe of western Ahmedabad, was studied in al its aspects, physical, economic and social conditions through extensive surveys based on both questionnaire and interview methods.
This was followed by a study of integrated Rural Development Policies of the State to identify the various programmes and schemes which Chharodi Village and its residents could avail of in consultation with the concerned government officials. Width financial grant from a local voluntary agency, the Foundation designed and built a three class room school and a dispensary which have been handed over to the village panchayat.
3. Tribal Training Centre, Surat
In its conception one of the most innovative projects, both from the point of view of built-environment and dairying practices, but unfortunately not implemented. The Centre was proposed as a collaborative effort of State Dairy Development Corporation, Panjarapole (a public trust with about 400 ha lands) and the cooperative milk dairy at Surat.
The project envisaged a Centre where about 100 tribal families would be housed for a year and educated in all aspects of animal husbandry, cattle nutrition, dairying, health hygiene, literacy, etc. The built-environment of the Centre was intended to become a demonstration of improved traditional tribal habitat alongwith use of renewable energy sources and extensive waste recycling methods.
The document beginning with a introduction to project objectives, traces the studies undertaken by the Foundation and includes drawings for the buildings designed for the Centre.
4. Centre for Community Welfare and Employment Trairing, Bengre
Yet another project exploring the rural conditions and prospects, the Centre was proposed to be set up by a public charitable trust on north Karnataka sea coast in village Bengre.
Taking advantage of a large market for various produce of traditional crafts and cottage industries, the centre was to become a focal point of a wider training-cum-production centres where the village population could learn while earning and eventually set up their own cottage craft unit. Education, adult literacy, primary health, craft museum, craft emporium were the other activities and amenities visualized at the Centre which remains unrealized.
The document comprising an introduction includes a set of detailed drawings for the Centres campus and buildings inspired by the vernacular design and building practices of the region using local materials.
5. Residential Open Spaces : A Behavioural Analysis
First of its kind in Indian contexts, this study looks at the qualitative and quantitative norms for provision and design of open spaces in residential areas. The current practices drawing on the theoretical basis of British norms do not take cognizance of the role and nature of open spaces in residential areas appropriate to Indian physical, social and economic conditions. The objective of the study was to identify shortcomings of the present practices and ways of making this vital component of residential fabric compatible to the residents needs.
A significant effort in the study is devoted to a review of the current norms and practices to develop a methodology for such studies. Based on case studies of unplanned and planned residential areas from Ahmedabad using the planning norms adopted from Western prescriptions and experiences, the study evaluates their appropriateness and offers an alternative approach for Indian contexts.
6. EWS Housing at Chuda
One of the earliest projects of Foundation intended to apply its research in to practice, this project was sponsored by the Gujarat Rural Housing Board for beneficiaries of Chuda Village identified by the Board itself.
The project involved site planning for about 2000 Dus in the Economically Weaker Sections category and design of the individual units. Since the cost constraints were very sever, extensive field studies were undertaken to determine the materials and techniques of construction and to evolve a design which make very economic use of the materials and skilled labour.
The document records in necessary details, the studies, the layout and the design of dwellings.
7. Vohra Houses in Gujarat
Vohras are followers of Islam forced to leave their native lands in Yemen following persecution due to factions arising from inheritance of religious authority. The first Vohras reached India in the 11th century following the visit of their Fatimid missionaries.
Here they settled on the west coast to carry on the traditional Fatimid way of life. Attracted by this particular Islamic faith, many Hindus adopted Islam and became known as Vohras and excelled themselves in trade.
Their habitat manifests interesting improvisation of the basic Hindu dwelling to suit their needs in changing times from 11th century to the advent of the British with whom they traded significantly. Their dwellings manifest their constant search to maintain an identity In this varied circumstances of their trading activities and social identity.
The study is based on documentation of about 30 dwellings of Vohras spread over nine settlements in Gujarat preceded by a history of Vohras in Gujarat, a detailed account of their ways of living followed by measured drawings of the selected dwellings. There is also included a brief comparative study of typical Hindu, Vohra and British dwellings.
8. Mehmdabad Urban Development Plan
Mehmdabad is one of the four growth centres located around Ahmedabad intended to attract some of the growth and increasing population. Mehmdabads location on trunk rail and road links between Ahmedabad and Bombay attracted a federation of Gujarati welfare organizations to undertake residential development on about 100 ha site for its members.
Aware of the impact such a large development would have on a small town, the Foundation undertook, a detailed study of the existing town, its development potential, amenities required and preliminary physical development plan for the town. This report profiles the Mehmdabad town in terms of its linkages. growth patterns, demographic economic and infrastructure base and the issues related to impact of the proposed development.
9. Aranya : An Approach to Settlement Design
This is detailed account, from conceptual stage to execution, of one of the most acclaimed composite housing project for about 7500 Dus on a 80 ha site undertaken by the Indore Development Authority. With about 4000 Dus planned as site and services, the eventual population is likely to be almost 75,000 and a full fledged town centre with all necessary social amenities has been provided.
An innovative site planning approach has resulted in a balanced vehicular and pedestrian access systems to each plot and the sizes and pattern of open spaces which fully integrates itself with pedestrian network. More than that, the infrastructure planning from the scale of the entire network layout to the scale of individual plot has achieved significant economy which has been widely acclaimed by national and international agencies. The book covers in utmost detail, the planning process with the statement of goals, drawings at all levels, development cost details and a section on demonstration units for sites and services plots.
10. East Ahmedabad Development Plan : A Conceptual plan Strategy
Sponsored by the Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority, this study was aimed at evolving a conceptual urban development plan for about 100 sq. Km. Area beyond the Ahmedabad city limits.
In the process, great emphasis was laid on evaluating the conventional urban planning approach followed by the public planning agencies and developing a methodology for preparation urban development plans which could be replicable for similar exercises elsewhere.
The document is a record of the various studies carried out, conceptual proposal and includes development patterns of Ahmedabad, economic and residential structure, analysis of land potentials, future scenarios and a concept plan strategy.
11. Urban Renewal of Ahmedabad Civic Centre
The walled city of Ahmedabad situated on the east bank of river Sabarmati established in 1411 AD still continues to play the role of a central business district particularly for trade and commerce and employs a large number of working population. Since about 1950s, with large sub-urban developments rising to the west of the river, the walled city has been under tremendous pressure.
This is a preliminary study undertaken for Ahmedabad Muncipal Corporation intended to identify the major problems of the walled city area with special regard to traffic and transportation, pedestrians and informal hawkers markets, green spaces along river bank and the main terminus for city bus system. Potential solutions at conceptual level have been established which could be developed and detailed through in depth studies.
12. Vidyadhar Nagar : An Approach to Planning
This study provided, practically a whole new theoretical basis for urban planning in Indian context which can be termed as the post-Chandigarh approach taking cognizance of the Indian urban traditions. The study undertaken specifically to provide for establishment of a city of 120000 pop initially spread on about 400 ha, Vidyadhar Nagar, named after the architect-planner of Jaipur, is intended to relieve the pressures on the parent city located about 3.5 km to south-east.
The city of Jaipur founded in 1727 AD is the best example of an Indian city planned according to the canonical texts and offers several lessons for contemporary city planning and building design practices which are in harmony with the physical and social conditions of the region. It thus offers an excellent base to avoid some of the drawbacks of the Modern practices.
Conceived as an energy conscious city, the study detailed proposals at all the scales from that of the city to the individual buildings in al sphere of daily life which included an energy conscious orientation, builtform as well as recycling and reuse of waste water after secondary treatment for public greens and social forestry. The proposals aimed at a synthesis of the traditions of Jaipur and modern needs to create a model urban development appropriate for the entire region of western India.
Following the success of synthesis of tradition and modernity in studies for Vidyadhar Nagar project, the Foundation decided to enlarge the scope of studying the Indian urban traditions from earliest period till modern times across India. This is therefore the first time that the development of urban traditions in India is brought together, albeit as a preliminary survey.
The first part of the study therefore traces the development of theory and practice of urban planning in India from the time of Indus Valley civilization till the contemporary times after Chandigarh. The second part of the study concentrates on the old city of Jaipur, the best example of a planned city from medieval period and the third part looks at the studies and proposals for Vidyadhar Nagar for a population of 120,000 on a 400 ha site 3.5 km northwest of Jaipur.
13. Towards a Humane Habitat
A pioneering work of its kind in India, this study looks at the qualitative aspects of built-environment appropriate for Indian physical and social conditions at the scales of the city, the community (as neighbourhoods and clusters) and dwelling. It is guided by the belief that Modern city planning and building design offers solutions which are too general, or universal, and fail to satisfy the specific needs of a place and people.
Conceived as a set of guidelines which could be used as manual, the study has identifies major decision areas at all the scales which are then detailed through discussions supported by findings from studies wherever available. The discussion is largely structured to identify problems in current practices, traditional approaches and what would be appropriate for our times. By and large conclusive in nature, the discussions at the level of decision areas and their subsets are primarily guided by the goals of achieving a built-environment which is resource conserving and in tune with the traditions.
14. Appraisal of new Harsud Town Proposals
Established about 700 years ago, Harsud is a local trade centre located on Chhota Tawa River which is one of the tributaries of the Narmada River in the vicinity of the Narmada Sagar Dam in Madhya Pradesh. Faced with the submergence early next century under the Narmada Sagar Dam Reservoir, the Narmada Valley Development Authority and the Town and Country Planning Department of Madhya Pradesh prepared a project and Country Planning Department of Madhya Pradesh prepared a project to resettle the population of Harsud town in close vicinity at a safe height. This study was undertaken by the Foundation as an appraisal of the New Harsud proposals for the World Bank Appraisal Mission and concerned with the aspects of site plans and institutional structure for implementing the proposals.
15. How the Other Half Volume I Space, Volume II - Plots, Volume III - The Self Selection Process
Undertaken as a part of the Low-cost Urban Shelter project between the Centre for Minimum Cost Housing at McGill University and Vastu-Shilpa Foundation, these volumes record a wide spectrum of issues concerned with the problem of shelter for poor in Indian cities.
Volume I - Space begins with exhaustive studies of informal sector, owner designed shelter in squatter settlements based on case studies at Indore City. Detailed documentation of house extensions, work places, small shops, trees, public structures, vehicles and access streets followed by a detailed analysis reveal a working habitat built using norms and standards quite below the formal sector ones which indeed make shelter beyond the reach of the urban poor.
Vol II - Plots again based on the surveys of informal sector shelter in Indore sties to understand how and why plots acquire certain physical characteristics and used a quantitative approach based on statistical methods. The aspects looked at in detail are plot area, plot area per inhabitant on a plot, built plot ratio, plot frontage and plot exposure. The interrelationship of these aspects has been linked to family income which were then checked through a regression analysis.
Vol III - The self Selection Process departing from the previous two volumes explores the possibilities and advantages of user participation in design by demonstrating an experimentally effective model. This is done through identifying problems in housing and conducting studio based design experiments for a settlement which draw significantly on the conclusions drawn in the studies presented in Volumes I and II.
16. Kharghar : An Organic City
Kharghar is one of the ten nodes colectively forming the New Bombay city intended to divert and accommodate the growth of Bombay which has already crossed 10 million mark. The studies for Kharghar provided the Foundation an opportunity to extend and develop ideas on which Vidyadhar Nagar was structured.
Spread over about 1800 ha, the site for Kharghar is bordered by hills upto 400 m high on the west and a creek to its south. All necessary studies in areas such as land development potential, landuse, social and physical infrastructure, development costs, environmental impact assessment, conservation of natural feature of site, management of run off water from hills, development costs etc. Were carried out to enable the preparation of the master plan for development.
The document traces the entire process of goal setting, methods, details of planning studies and the master plan proposals.
17. Ismailli Families in Surendranagar District - A Survey
Ismaillis are followers of Islam settled in Gujarat since centuries and form a cohesive, well knit community with excellent institutional network concerned with the welfare of all members of the community. This study was undertaken for the Ismaili Council for Surendranagar District in Western India. The objective of the study was to determine physical and socio-economic conditions of Ismaili families across the entire district to identify the assistance which could help then improve their condition be it their house or means of livelihood. It was also the objective of this study to identify families in such locations where potential for their development is very low and enable them to move to a new location, preferably the city of Surendranagar, the district headquarter, where as members of a larger group they could access more benefits from the welfare activities of the communitys institutions
The results of the study are presented in three volumes. Volume I details conclusions from the analysis of the data collected from a survey of 200 HH in the district for about 32 parameters ranging from the family size, incomes, expenditure and savings, investment priorities, housing preferences, etc. The Volume II House Profiles brings together measured drawings of the 200 houses surveyed with basic technical data and volume III Family Profile gives detailed information about each of the household with regards to social, economic and physical living conditions.
18. Indore City Urban Core Revitalization
Most Indian cities have developed around urban cores which date from the Medieval period. Though endowed with the best of physical and most distinguishing features of the city, the increased demands made by trade and commerce lead to a deterioration in the environment of these areas.
Urban core of Indore sited on river Saraswati is one such example where the historic buildings, the urban space and the river front are practically buried in the haphazard developments and encroachments. This study was intended to restore the life in the core area and the urban spaces as the symbol of the city.
The document records the various aspects of this revitalization study which included the traffic and transportation, reorganization of the haphazard developments, enhancing the presence of the historic monuments and regulations for new developments such that they are sympathetic to the character of the old city.
19. Demonstration Units for Rehabilitating Sardar Sarovar project Affected People
This study to understand the traditional habitat in rural areas and design of demonstration units for subsistence agriculturists and landless labourers provided Foundation a different kind of challenge.
Large development projects entail resettlement and rehabilitation of project affected persons and generally the public agencys approach fails to recognize the specific physical and socio-cultural needs of these communities. As compared to the conventional approaches, this project involving a 15 ha site and about 150 dwellings, demonstrates how a more congenial site planning and dwelling design can be achieved within the same constraints as the conventional approach. Better integration of public open spaces and the dwellings, identifiable clusters for better social bonds, greater recognition of pedestrian and cycling as a mode of movement, use of economic and durable materials such as ferrocement technology and the potential of a dwelling design which could grow with the needs of the household are some of the major concerns explored in this study.
20. Post Occupancy Evaluation : Aranya Low Cost Housing at Indore
The studies carried out by the Foundation for a completely new approach for low cost housing in 1984 were implemented by the Indore Development Authority at Aranya spread on about 80 ha and the project has become a landmark in the domain of mass housing projects for its innovative solution at all scales from the master plan to service cores in a dwelling. This document based on studies undertaken subsequently is a natural extension of the Foundations concerns to observe the process of occupying the serviced plots and transforming these to create appropriate living environments by the individual households.
The study records the designs constructed by the occupants in all necessary details through drawings and photographs, basic social and economic indicators obtained by measure drawing, questionnaires and field observation. The variations are analyzed for general patterns in crucial areas such as circulation and subdivision of the plots, facades, roof forms, forms of courtyards and use, kitchen location preferences, storage methods and forms and location of stair cases.
The present document is an interim report based on study of over 20050 Household since ownerships have been transferred. Nearly forty percent plots are developed and are under construction of a total of about 6500 in this township.
21. Builtform and Development Controls - A case study of Ahmedabad
This research document tries to understand the resultant builtform as generated by the existing building bye-laws. The basic premise of the research is the contention that a low-rise high density builtform is suitable for the climate and socio-economic attributes of the population of Ahmedabad which falls in the hot-dry region. Building bylaws operating at present are borrowed and have not been updated over years, remaining obsolete and non contextual in some ways. Through a survey of various housing typologies both in modern as well as in the old city of Ahmedabad inferences are drawn for the desirable and undesirable characteristics of builtform. The study limits itself to residential development at the plot level only.
22. Elements of space making
The study critically examines some of the basic space defining elements, namely - column, wall, floor, roof, window, door, stair and light-shade. It traces the origin of these elements and documents the evolution of their form and morphology of manifestations over the course of history.
The study identifies the basic functions, typological variations and style characteristics of the space making elements while discussing their inherent properties. Document further compiles and classifies the meaningful range of their application in contemporary and traditional architecture from India as well as abroad. Inferences drawn are included in the form of suggested design guidelines. Primarily a research compilation, the document is conceived to be a comprehensive reference for students, academics and professionals.
23. Urban Design and Development of International Finance and Business Centre at Bandra Kurla Complex, Bombay
Bandra Kurla Complex is proposed to develop as an alternative central business district in Bombay . Vastu-Shilpa Foundation undertook a comprehensive study of various pockets of business activities in Bombay. Inferences were drawn on their dynamics and demands. A detailed master plan has been prepared indicating the planning proposal for the landuse, distribution and separation of traffic, hierachy and nature of open spaces, location and provision of amenities. The proposed development is to cater to nearly two lakh working population within 170 hectares of land, with provision for 18,000 cars.
To ensure that the proposed development manifests a uniform yet lively character, elaborate studies were undertaken on the street-building interface and the built volumes while proposing an urban form and development control. Mixed use developments to ensure liveliness even after business hours, elaborate network of pathways and open spaces for easy pedestrian movement, adequate provision of utilities and amenities at par with international standards and a sense of identity and belonging through unified character in the builtform, are the highlights of the proposed development.
24. Living Environment :- Housing by Balkrishna Doshi
The document is a comprehensive compilation of all the housing projects (fourteen) developed at Sangath, under the direction of Balkrishna Doshi since 1958 to 1995.
The document also analyzes the projects in terms of their design decisions at site and unit levels and draws a comparative chart at a glance of site plants, clustering patterns and dwelling units at the same scale. The compilation also recommends a set of design guidelines pertaining to housing developments in India.
25. Le Corbusier and Louis I Kahn: The Acrobat and the Yogi of Architecture
Through both Le Corbusier and Louis Kahn rank as masters of modern architecture, their approach to architecture was markedly different and so was their personality.
Balkrishna Doshi has had the rather unique previledge of working closely with both these masters over considerable time. In the interviews, Doshi recounts the various facets of these two architects personalities, work habits, circumstances and projects.
26. Temple Cave Design - The Foundation of a Tradition
The study is an indepth analysis of cave temples from Aurangabad, Ajanta and Ellora to understand their proportioning on the basis of the perspectival visual alignments and puts forward a theory of such principles of architectural design in traditional Indian architecture including Taj Mahal.
27. Louis I Kahn Folios
Named after Professor Louis I Kahn who drew inspiration from traditional architecture, this Trophy was set-up by the Foundation to inculcate the habit of studying traditional Indian architecture amongst the students of architecture through field studies and measured drawings. It is also intended to gradually build-up a data base for use by the scholars concerned with the theory and practice of Indian architecture.
The Trophy entries are received at the National Annual Convention of Students of Architecture, exhibited and outstanding entries are given cash awards and the best entry, the Rolling Trophy. The Foundation selects few of the entries and their copies are kept at the Foundation for wider circulation. Currently copies of the following buildings/complexes documentation comprising brief background history, physical settings as well as drawings from site plan right down to enlarged details of selected building elements are available.
1. Inamgaon Village, Ghond District, Maharashtra
2. Balampur, Bhopal District, Madhya Pradesh
3. Thoorpu Patemi, Godavari District; Andhra pradesh
4. Pusli Village, Amravati District, Maharashtra
5. Nagarkarwada, Pune, Maharashtra
6. Mehrauli, Delhi
7. Composite Architecture of Lotulim, Goa
8. Sarkhej No Rojo, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
9. Tamizhagam, Ootacamund
10. Pauni Fort + Wada
11. Kodoth Tharavadu (Padinsare Vedu)
12. Chittinad Place House
13. Chausath Yogni Temple at Mitaoli
14. Bhuleshwar, Bombay
15. Wakodi, Nagpur Dist., Maharashtra
16. Buster, Madhya Pradesh
17. Pauni, Bhandra Dist, Maharashtra
28. Audio Visual Packages
With The objective of reaching out to larger audiences, specially for educational and training purposes, the Foundation has begun to format some of its research studies in audio-visuals media. These packages are supplied with an illustrated transcript.
Slides and Audio Tape Packages
Package 1 : Design Guidelines (7 modules)
1 Introduction (27 slides)
2 Neighbourhood Streets (58 slides)
3 Work Places (46 slides)
4 Small Shops (54 slides)
5 Trees and Public Spaces (47 slides)
6 House Extensions (59 slides)
7 Using the Guidelines (57 slides)
This package deals with the use and design of streets and public spaces in the human settlements. The package is based on several years of field work in unplanned settlements. The package is based on several years of field work in unplanned settlements in the city of Indore, India.
Package 2 : Affordable Urban Design (4 modules)
1 Introduction (29 slides)
2 Site Planning (48 slides)
3 Infrastructure Design (46 slides)
4 House-form Variations (36 slides)
This package demonstrates how design guidelines have actually been implemented in the low design guidelines have actually been implemented in the low-cost housing project, named Aranya at Indore, to have over 7000 poor families.
Package 3 : Residential Open Space (2 modules)
1 Introduction (25 slides)
2 Design Criteria (58 slides)
This package is based on qualitative and quantitative analysis of residential open spaces found in both traditional as well as contemporary settlements. The package analyses the kind of open spaces found in Indian urban context and puts for relevant design criteria for each scale.
Package 4 : Self Selection Process (2 modules)
1 Introduction (25 slides)
2 Self Selection Process ( 40 slides)
This package puts forth an innovative design strategy for human settlements which gives users choices of plot locations and shapes and supports users participation.
Package 5 : Ferrocement - Low cost building technologies (3 modules)
1 Introduction (25 slides)
2 Making Ferrocement (40 slides)
3 Application in Housing (60 slides)
This package deals with ferrocement technology. It describes the potentials and limitations of this material and explains the process of construction along with various applications of this material in housing.
Package 6 : Pour-flush Sanitation System Low-cost building technologies
(1 module 39 slides)
This package explains various aspects of dos and donts of using this non-conventional, not waterborne sewage system.
Video
The slide and tape packages have also been transferred to video format for simpler operational needs for those with VCP facilities. The following packages are currently available.
1. Design Guidelines (7 modules)
Affordable Urban Design (4 modules)
Residential Open Spaces (2 modules)
2. Ferrocement Low cost Building Technologies (3 modules)
Pour-flush Sanitation System Low cost Building
Technologies (1 modules)
In addition, the following independent programme based on the research at Foundation were prepared in collaboration with Educational Media Research Centre and Doordarshan Kendra of Ahmedabad and telecast nationally and locally.
3. Earthen Architecture (12 minutes) - with EMRC
In Search of Humane Habitat (15 minutes) - with EMRC
Ferrocement Technology (18 minutes) - with EMRC
Housing Options (in Gujarati) (26 minutes) - with Doordarshan