studio note

Studio note:

Cities are witness to tremendous change. Layers of history in the form of buildings and memories exist simultaneously in the present, jostling for space. Some adapt to change remarkably well whilst others rapidly deteriorate in the face of modernity. As Jane Jacobs rightly argues, it is the patina of history that lends vitality and life to cities. This vitality is visible in the various parts of Ahmedabad, each having its own character. Under pressures of contemporary globalization there is an imminent threat of this individuality being replaced by faceless homogeneity. In this scenario, it is imperative that we as designers re-act to skilfully tackle the sometimes conflicting needs of contemporary reality and traditional vitality.

Intention:

· Simulating a real world experience

· Exploring the dynamics and potential of team work

· Highlighting the need for professional intervention in realising the value of urban neighbourhoods and proposing comprehensive design solutions for revitalising the same.

Project:

Four sites have been chosen on the basis of different neighbourhood and building characteristics. In the first 3 weeks, students in teams of 5-6 each drawn from different disciplines will analyse, discuss, and formulate a common design proposal for the selected site. This proposal will take into account the physical as well as the social fabric of the area along with its connections to the city. Individual areas of focus in tune with the broader vision of the group will also be identified at this stage. Subsequently, the individual programmes will be developed and detailed individually by students with inputs from other group members.

Sites:

· Premabhai hall and surroundings

· Sanskar Kendra and surroundings

· ATIRA and surroundings

· Eastern part of the city (yet to be identified?)

kashikar