A B S T R A C T

Architecture has always been an expression of point of view

.Throughout the history , architecture has been a media of representation
of thoughts and ideals . The forums , agora and Parthenon of ancient
Greece, dream of city of Germania by Hitlers architect Albert Speer
and realization of socialist dream in city of Brasilia by Oscar
Niemeyer. These all are few instances of expression of ideals of better
world expressed through the medium of architecture.

Different perceptions, contradiction and controversies remain in definition
of democracy but the universal core idea remains the same that is
democracy is everything for people, by the people and of the people.
Being an architecture student, my thesis will be oriented more on the
creating an architecture for the people and look for symbolization and
representation of common ideals aspirations of people in architecture.
And the vidhan bhawan has been taken as a place where architecture meets
democracy.

The vidhan bhawan building embodies an image or commanding presence of
state and evokes the ideal of national identity pride and discourse of
power. Moreover it represents tradition, stability and authority. The main
objective lies in developing an appropriate state of architecture that
meets the people and further explore the democratic language of
vidhan bhawan and public spaces with the creative use of light, spatial
qualities and balancing act between need for security and openness
along with public realm.


1.2. INTRODUCUTION
Architecture is a science arising out of many other sciences, and adorned
with much and varied learning; by the help of which a judgment is formed of
those works which are the result of the other arts . - Marcus V. Pollio
Looking at words of Marcus.V.Pollio, we can understand architecture as a
science depending upon various other sciences. Architecture has always
been a concrete expression of ideas, culture, civilization, belief system,
and lifestyle and so on. So in a way architecture can be understood as
tool of translating abstract concepts into physical entity that exist in
reality. Thus to begin any work of architecture there has to be sufficient
study and learning on various related aspects and sciences, giving
architecture a multidimensional nature.
Thus, before introducing the main idea of this thesis Legislature Parliament:
Architecture of Democracy, It is very important to be familiar
with some concepts regarding thesis topic. Since the most of concepts and
terms of political science, law and sociology are not so familiar to us from
architecture standpoint of view; it might be difficult to grasp the concept
in full detail. Moreover, the detail study of these concepts is also beyond
the scope. The major focus of this thesis will be to adapt the universal
concepts or core idea of political science, governance and related science
and translate them into architecture. Thesis sought to look for definition of
concepts and terms from architectural perspective and aims at presenting
architecture as tool of expression of ideas of people. It is also necessary
that identification of the problem and its understanding should be done
with great care and caution as lot of pertaining sensitive issues still exists
in relation to nationhood and its people aspiration.
Question of symbolism in architecture becomes even more relevant when it
comes to design of public building. Architecture needs to relate to the
people and also symbolize the nation as a whole. To represent the nation
we should also know what exactly the nation is. How we define the nation
can be a point of departure of the design itself. The definitions of nation
though seemingly clear but it has potential to create most dangerous
misunderstandings.
According to Wikipedia nation has been defined as A nation may refer
to a community of people who share a common language, culture,
ethnicity, descent, and/or history. In this definition, a nation has no
physical borders. But, it can also refer to people who share a common
territory and government (for example the inhabitants of a sovereign
state) irrespective of their ethnic make-up
However ,French philosopher Ernest Renan have defines Nationhood as
the desire of a people to live together , which is summarized by a famous
phrase avoir fait de grandees choses ensemble, vouloir en faire encore
which means having done great things together and wishing to do more.
Renans definition has been most influential. His definition of Nation
as a spiritual group not a group determined by race, language,
ethnicity, religious affinities and geography. Moreover the definition of
Renan fits in the context of Nepal where constitution is being drafted and
state is being restructured to include multilingual, multiethnic and
multireligious diversity within the nation. Specifically in our context ,
interim constitution has defined nation as Having multiethnic,
multilingual, multireligious, multicultural characteristics with common
aspiration and being committed to and united by a bond of allegiance
to national independence, integrity, national interest and
prosperity of Nepal, all the Nepali people collectively constitute the nation

Every nation has its own system of governance and every system in some
way has separation of power into executive ,legislature and judiciary.
How- ever the share of power might be different as per the systems. In
our context , as per interim constitution our system of governance is
federal democratic re- public system. The core concepts of governance
are principles of democracy.
Democracy is by far the most challenging form of government -
both for politicians and for the people. The term democracy comes
from the Greek language and means rule by the (simple) people.
Yet the theory of modern democracy was not formulated until the
Age of Enlightment (17th/18th centuries), when philosophers defined
the essential elements of democracy: separation of powers, basic
civil rights/ human rights, religious liberty and separation of church
and state
Democracy is government of people, by the people, for the people
- Abraham Lincoln
Oxford dictionary defines democracy as a system of government by the
whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through
elected representatives. Likewise it has been defined by many ways by
many scholars. Moreover lots of contradiction is also found within these
definitions but the core concept of democracy is same i.e. sovereignty
vested upon majority of the people. Democracy has been vague term
but the universal acceptance of definition of democracy must have
following key elements in it:
Guarantee of basic Human Rights Separation of power between institutions of states i.e.
Government [Executive Power], Parliament [Legislative Power]
and Courts of Law [Judicative Power] Freedom of opinion, speech, press and mass media
Religious liberty General and equal right to vote (one person, one vote) Good
Governance (focus on public interest and absence of
corruption)
In depth study of all key elements is again beyond our scope and thus we
are more concenterated on principle of separation of power which gave
birth to the legislative body or parliament. separation of powers, trias
politica principle, is a model for the governance of a state. The model
was first developed in ancient Greece and came into widespread use by
the Roman Republic. Under this model, the state is divided into branches,
each with separate and independent powers and areas of responsibility
so that no one branch has more power than the other branches. The
normal division of branches is into an executive, a legislature, and a
judiciary. Executive executes the laws, legislature makes laws while
judiciary enforces the law. Legislature being our area of interest and thus
is being dealt in greater detail.
The legislature is a legislative body of a country or a state. It is
originated from the word legislation which means process of making
and enacting laws. According to Wikipedia A legislature is a kind of
deliberative assembly with the power to pass, amend, and repeal laws.
The law created by a legislature is called legislation or statutory law. In
addition to enacting laws, legislatures usually have exclusive authority to
raise or lower taxes and adopt the budget and other money bills.
Legislatures are known by many names, the most common being
parliament and congress, although these terms also have more specific
meanings. In a presidential system, according to the separation of powers
doctrine, the legislature is considered an independent and coequal branch
of government along with both the judiciary and the executive. In
parliamentary systems of government, the legislature is formally supreme
and appoints a member from its house as the prime minister which acts as
the executive.
The word Parliament comes from Latin Parliamentum and French par- ler
(to speak), and it is descriptive of the method by which members reach
decisions in our Houses of Parliament - by talking to each other.
Parliamentary Government is steeped in English history. In the 14th
century, the Knights of the Shires and town representatives were also from
time to time invited to attend the Kings Council in his Parliament. Soon the
Knights and burgesses began to meet separately in what became the
House of Commons, and the powerful Barons and church leaders became
the House of Lords. By the middle of the 14th century, it had been
established that taxation was illegal without the consent of the two Houses
and the concurrence of the Houses was necessary for all statutory
legislation. Control over finances, or supply, was a means whereby
Parliament changed its role from petitioning the Mon- arch to make
changes to the laws to actually making new laws itself.
In our context, we are more familiar with word parliament since Nepal
has been following Westminster (British) model of legislature. However,
after the establishment of Republic system, there has been strong
opposition to use of word parliament as the model of legislature has
been changed and will further undergo changes with arrival of new
constitution via constituent assembly. Likewise, there has also a debate in
model of system of governance and therefore the use of term
parliament might be contradictory in this context. Hence the interim
constitution 2007 AD being in action which describes legislative body as legislature
parliament and the term has been agreed by
consensus.
ARCHITECTURE OF LEGISLATURE
Architecture of legislature, also known as parliamentary architecture is
about creating the spaces for legislation purpose. Legislature being a
supreme organ of state and is related with the people from daily life
affairs to the important state affairs, thus demands variety of spaces and
built forms. The functionality of legislative buildings directly affects the
nation as a whole. Moreover the symbolic aspect is also overwhelming
and issue of representation of aspirations and ideals is also important. It
possesses a national significance and thus will be a monumental symbol of
the nation. In addition to that, in democratic society, legislative buildings
has to be democratic in nature which means it has to respond to public
realm .balancing the issues of openness and transparency along with
security threats is also another pertinent challenge . In short, the
architecture of legislature involves balancing act of functionality and
symbolic representation in built form.
Parliamentary buildings occupy a unique place in that they simultaneously
reflect and shape parts of the national culture in which they are found. Many
are instantly recognizable and are seen as symbols of national identity.
Images of the Palace of Westminster and the Congressional buildings in
Washington are frequently used as shorthand references to the UK and the
USA, as well as to the democratic and legislative processes that take place
within them. The buildings used to house any nations parliament arefrequently seen
as representations of aspects of the national identity as well
as working buildings - Clement Macintyre
Various studies that look at the relationship between architecture of
parliamentary buildings and the character of political processes depict
the idea that national parliament buildings are among prominent symbols
of government. Besides this, the issues of environment sensitivity, functional
efficiency and engineering feasibility is also vital in todays context.
Translation of political system in architecture is a challenge but also
opportunity lies in systematizing the system with spatial efficiency
We shape our buildings thereafter they shape us Sir Winston Churchill
This intriguing observation comes from a speech Churchill made during the
rebuilding of the House of Commons, which had sustained heavy bombing
damage during the Battle of Britain. Embedded in the observa- tion is a
profound architectural truth that applies to all buildings, public and
private. In the beginning, buildings reflect the qualities of the people who
design and construct them. Once built, the people who live and work in
them take on the qualities of the buildings they inhabit. Thus
parliamentary architecture does have an impact on national life in longer
run. It is creation of system that creates a system by itself for future

1.2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The legislature parliament building being a place for national decisionmaking
which is a fomal institution for all legislative affairs . Legislative
affairs includes following major tasks :
1. making laws , plans , policies
2. Adapting budget
3. Debate and discuss issues
4. Special committee for special tasks
5. Formation of government ( in west minister model only)
Legislature parliament has a legislative assembly where peoples
representatives directly or indirectly elected or nominated to form a
assembly . These people are generally called member of parliaments or
legislators . Basically these legislators hold meetings where they interact
with each other and do their work . Likewise the supporting staffs are also
provided to assist the work and spaces for study and research and
contemplation is also seems vital .
Basic project components are enlisted below. Some spaces and
components might be added after inferences from case studies and
literature review:
A. ASSEMBLY SPACES Lower house assembly Upper house assembly
B. FUNCTIONAL SPACES
Parliament secretariat Committee offices Party offices library
C. SERVICE SPACE
Cafeteria Infirmary Technical rooms Parking area


1.4. JUSTIFICATION
In present context, Nepal is in crucial phase of history and decisions taken
in this period shall orient our future and redefine the nation as a whole.
Once the constitution assembly passes the constitution of country the
system will be created and thus infra- structures will be needed stabilize
and run the system. The three organs of state: Executive, Legislature and
Judiciary will be equally supreme and will function accordingly with the
power vested upon them by constitution. In past, infrastructures for
executive and legislature were confined to premises of Singh durbar
Complex whereas Supreme Court (judiciary) is adjacent to the premises.
Government has decided to bring all ministries and executive secretariats
within singha durbar complex and work is on a way to its completion.
However, we dont have a legislative or parliament building made for the
legislative purpose. The adapted old building for parliament has been
un- able to hold assembly and out of requirements while supporting space
for parliament have been scattered as a temporary wooden structures in
the complex. Moreover the ICC building which has been currently used as
constitution assembly building is a temporary solution and has functional
setbacks. So there is need of a new legislature parliament building to
institutionalize the legislature and enhance functional efficiency. In
addition to it, the context also demands a symbolic monument that
expresses the national aspirations and public realm. We are in the crucial
phase of history which shall determine the system and that system shall
determine our future. Hence, the peoples aspiration of peace prosperity
and progress which has brought the change is in political scenario and has
to be address. The drafting of constitution is addressing those aspirations
and converting it into law of nation and creating a system as a whole. In
this context, architecture can be tool of expression of peoples aspiration
and national symbol by creating the built forms that enables functional
efficiency and be a symbol of nation.

1.5. SCOPE, VALIDITY & LIMITATIONS
Any person who selects a goal in life which can be fully achieved, has
already defined his own limitations Cavett Robert.
As thesis is all about demonstration of ones ability and development to
pursue analytical investigations related to the design of a building and
its cultural, social, economic, material, climatic, scientific, technological
dimensions. The balance between research and design application
components is must along with proper identification of problems and
solution is to be achieved through architecture.
Legislature Parliament: Architecture of Democracy has been chosen as
topic as it possess enormous potential for fulfillment of thesis criteria
where research meets design as a solution to the problem identified.
Legislature parliament is not just an office building of government but it is
a place where representatives of people assemble together to express
ideas, discuss on them and come up with solutions. Thus the architecture of
legislature demands variety of spaces with different functions which are
held together by spatial relationship between them. Everything has
limitations but it is essential to know limitations so as to anticipate the
possibilities and focus on them. Being a part of an academic curriculum it
also has its own scope and limitations. Limitations should not always be
taken as an obstacle but can also be taken as something that keeps things
in track and preventing oneself from losing the real focus. Since the topic
being related with political science and sociology, lots of resources and
studies available but detail study of those sciences are beyond scope.
Only universal and contextual concepts have been taken. Details of
structural components and construction details wont be included
except when needed .In conclusion, the project being an academic
purpose will aim to fulfill the criteria of thesis requirements and yearn
for architectural possibilities within.

1.6. OBJECTIVES /PURPOSE:
Proposal aims on studying and designing a new legislature parliament
which is functionally sound, symbolically representative and aesthetically
pleasing. It also aims to identify the existing as well as possible
future problems with its analysis and finally arriving to a solution that
addresses the core issues. Furthermore, objectives of this proposal are
explained below below along with their key words:
Nationality: representing itself as a symbol of national significance. Functionality:
creating easy circulation with proper functions and
spatial relationships. Flexibility: enforcing the ability to grow and change with need of
time. Accountability: balancing between dichotomy of public and private
spaces. Sensibility: realizing the issues of public and its responsibility to the
people. Accessibility: enabling easy and barrier free access to differently
able and old aged citizens.
1.7. OUTPUT ENVISAGED:
Being a research based design , the design solution is sought to be based
on findings of research and analysis. The completed project is expected
to develop deep understanding between architecture and its symbolic
significance along with functional requirements. The research is aimed to
find out universally adapted ideas and principles of sciences related to
legislature. Likewise, research is expected to find out idea of nation in our
context and its symbolic representation in architecture via study of
parliamentary architecture. Moreover, design solution is expected to
fulfill Vitruvian criteria of utilitas , venustas and firmitas (utility,
aesthetics and stability).

1.8. METHODOLOGY
The following outlined methodology was followed for the thesis work.
A. Inception
- Definition of problem
- Requirement analysis and understanding
- Formulation of initial brief.
B. General data and Literature Survey
- Data collection / Literature studies
- Existing Building Survey
- Site Analysis
C. Case studies and Analysis
D. Formulation of Program
- Requirement finalization
- Concept design
- Design alternatives
- Final design proposal
- Drawings and presentation with models
E. Final submissions

1.9. ORGANISATION OF REPORT
The report is organized into six chapters supported by presentation
sheets and drawings/sketches. The first chapter contains the proposal
where the purpose , objectives , context, background , project description
and methodology are laid out . Second chapter includes theoretical
exploration where the fundamental area of research are included . third
chapter will include the literature review of design standards and fourth
chapter will include the case studies of similar building situations. Fifth
chapter is about site and context studies and finally in the last sixth
chapter includes the design evolution , concepts and development .

1.10 PROGRAM FORMULATION
Project has following building components as requirements:
1. Lower house assembly
2. Upper house assembly
3. Parliament secretariat
4. Committee office
5. Party office
6. Library
7. Canteen
8. Parking area
9. Other service areas

SEE PAGE NO. 12-14 IN PDF












CHAPTER 2: THEORTICAL EXPLORATION
As the thesis topic has been entitled as Legislature Parliament:
Architecture of Democracy. Hence the theoretical exploration has been
focused on exploration of ideas, concepts and theories that will attempt
to look for creation of democratic space. Architecture of Democracy can
also be understood as expression of democratic ideals in terms of
material matters through architecture. It can be a vague term but this
thesis will only focus on core idea and its expression in architecture. Since
Core concept of democracy being people centric thus the democratic
space is more about creating public spaces and other public buildings
that relates to people and creates public realm. Architecture of
legislature is its subset where relation between elected and electorate
becomes vital in architectural expression
This chapter deals with theoretical studies, analysis and synthesis of
related concepts that could be useful in drawing inferences to create
democratic spaces. Theoretical exploration has been focus on two main
areas i.e :
Architecture and politics Public space concept
Architecture and politics brief explains about relationship between
architecture and politics and ideologies as well as different meanings
that architecture conveys in terms of political matters. While latter one,
deals purely with creating a urban public space that relates to people.



2.1 ARCHITECTURE & POLITICS
Politics Itself is a pure beauty that had played the momentous role to
bring the civilization to this instant. It is about power, of governance and
authority for the goodness of the mankind. But often the practice of
politics turns the players intentions into obsession. The insatiability of this
obsessive desire of power often breaks the rules of the game. Its breaks
the very basic rule of sanity and ethical imperative, thus erase the
memory of ground values of goodness. One breaking of the rule
multiplies the breaking itself; chaotically. It is of no surprise that politicians
believe in an ideology and attempts to express it through material
matters and Architecture is not immune either. But it is indeed a
mesmerizing wonder how politicians often seize every inch of time and
space with the idiosyncrasy of accentuation and the dogmatic glorification
of a personality or an ideology beyond the limit of its own ground. This
greed explodes its boundary of its own state buildings and spill into the
public spaces. Starts from the forefront of the state palace with an
ostentatious effigy, advance through the road, the boulevards, to the
open space into the so called public building and even inside the private
realm of a Home. It is important to note that though politics and
architecture are each justifiable according to its intrinsic set of criteria, the
opposition between warring architectural views nowadays, is one which is
fought less on artistic grounds and more on political grounds. This
exploration is about how and why architecture is manifested to sing
political ideologies and power.


Manifestation in Space
The relationships between political ideologies and urban or architectural
design are significant, yet often unappreciated. There are two main ways
which ideology influences architecture. One is by law structures and
administrative directives. The second is direct, influences which range from
political to architectural ideologies. This study examines the latter way.
There are many points of view from which to examine the problems of
ideological aspects of architecture and space; for example, from
economical, Marxists, neo-Marxists, and gender perspectives. This study
tries to find a nonaligned perspective in purely architectural
vocabulary, a vantage for examination without ideological influences
.There are three main areas where one can find ideological manifestation
in space: Scale , formal shape and expression & face of the state.

SCALE IN CONTEXT
Scale is the most basic way of expressing the most fundamental meanings
like power or weakness. Through scale, buildings show the hierarchy of
importance in context.
Size (In Volume and Space): Larger the size means Larger the Power Height: Taller the
Object means higher the Authority Weight: More Weight (Heavy) means more Stability and
Domination Compatibility with surrounding: More Contrast means more the
Detachment & Peculiarity
FORMAL SHAPE AND EXPRESSION
Formal shape and formal language in buildings transform these
fundamental meanings of scale to a higher level of expression, like a
monumental neo-classical, totalitarian building trying to pass itself off as
a continuation of an ancient value.
Symbolic Representation: More Ornamentation means more it gets
idealized
Transparency and Visibility: More Opaque means more Mysterious
Complexity: More Abstract means less Clear
Spatial organization: Spatial organization is used to censor the existing
social structures; while using it if
Accessibility and Invitation: Definite access means more Segregation
Complexity: More complex means more Security
Flow: Formal flow means more Control





THE FACE OF THE STATE
There are significant intersections between architecture, space and power
to mask the face of the state in history. This happens when a political or
an artistic ideology present themselves as the inevitable, thus abuses
architecture by associating one of her traditions with their political
ideologies or aims, with the intention of masking their purposes. The
influence of political power and ideologies on architecture is obvious yet
the interpretation of it is not always clear. One case shall be common for
all. The deceptive syllogism of -
The more attractive the mask, the more appropriate the ideology.
The best known abuse in architecture is by Nazis. Nazi architecture
existed in three very different expressions: neo-classical (the best known),
semi-modernism (sometimes called as style of dictatorships), and
heimatarchitektur. Each of them was an important and official utopia
and real industrial state. Nazi architecture manifested itself quite
properly by developing different styles for different goals. The huge
neo-classical spaces were designed for political manifestations, but onefamily
houses, built in the heimatarchitektur style, were for average
people living average lifestyles. The heimatarchitektur style was very
indigenous and vernacular, using local forms and traditional materials. It
was strictly based on official catalogs and was formally and
architecturally reduced as well. Interestingly, the majority of Nazi projects
were designed for either crowds or for the family, and it seems that in
Nazi social philosophy there were no other structures.
Washington, New Delhi, Berlin, and the Soviet Union, concomitantly use
similar forms of classical architecture to represent their different political
ends. The replicas even stand in Nepal. A century reign of feudal Rana
Regime brought the same style from far west without any connotation to
ground realism. It is indeed a real example of extreme exploitation. The
masculine Doric columns and rhetorical olive petal on the surfaces is an
absolute satire to the context. The buildings stood as a mysterious solitary
who claims the authority of power and dominance in space through its
appearance, its huge size, texture and strange symbols that can be never
understudied by the general Nepalese at the time. This vast anonymity
disconnected the people and the state in isolation. In this notion, the
architecture can only be considered successful to the abusers intention if
they did mean it to the feudal ideology of segregation as a means to get
hold of power.







2.2 URBAN PUBLIC SPACE
Public spaces are a mirror of social values, customs and culture and are
a reflection of the interaction between physical, social, political and
economic realities. They symbolize the larger society or culture in which
they exist. Public spaces acquire meaning for people through the
different functions activities and roles in peoples life. In these spaces
people are able to exchange information, communicate local news and
also provide a context for political behavior. Public spaces encourage
social exchange, the formation and continuation of social groups and
enable the transmission and exchange of important public messages.
When public spaces and public life are missing in a community, residents
become isolated from each other and are less likely to offer mutual help
and support (Carr and Francis 1992).
Public spaces have been developed by different societies since ancient
times. From roman forums and Greek agoras to the Chautaris and durbar
squares of Nepal, they all have been important public spaces for
centuries. Every community needs a symbol of its existence, a center on
which to focus life. Public spaces can be such a symbol and pulse of the
city. They form nodes or focal points, symbolizing shared identity and
culture. A city is made up of many urban spaces. Public spaces are among
the most important of these. These are tangible spaces with some
intangible qualities where friends and strangers alike can come together,
communicate, recreate, transact business, work, stroll, relax, sit, or just
enjoy the sights and sounds of each other. Over the ages, the nature of
public spaces and peoples preference for one kind over another has
changed.
Urban public spaces are living organisms, which respond to the varying
socio-economic conditions and cultural patterns of cities. The meanings of
public spaces have varied with time, culture and context. Aristotle believed that an ideal
square was one where nothing was bought or
sold, instead ideas were exchanged and debates took place.
Public spaces, their origin and how they have evolved over time are
influenced by physical, cultural and political factors. The physical factors
are climate and topography. Cultural factors are social public life:
catering to the urge to meet, interact and socialize; functional public life:
catering to peoples everyday needs like buying groceries etc.; symbolic
public life: catering to the need of people to feel a sense of belonging
and being a part of a larger group. Besides the above three, technology
and economics are two other factors influencing public spaces. Technology
determines what can be accomplished by a society in terms of the
construction of a physical setting. In addition electronic devices like the
personal computer and the television are changing the way the middleclasses
live and work and the balance between private and public life.
Modern technology like computers, telephones and fax machines is
allowing people to work at home in isolation. Likewise television provides
entertainment for the family in the comfort and security of their home.
According to Carr, it is impossible to understand public life and space
without recognizing their political nature. Hence public life is one of the
most democratic rights. A public life has the potential of bringing diverse
groups together so that they learn from each other, perhaps the richest
quality of a multi-class, multicultural, heterogeneous society
According to Carr, Francis, Rivlin, Stone, three critical human dimensions
should guide the process of design and management of public space: the
users essential needs, their spatial rights, and the meanings they seek.
A space usually becomes meaningful when it truly meets peoples needs.
On the other hand a monumental public space not catering to peoples
basic needs and contriving a meaning does not facilitate any connections.
Ensuring basic needs and rights of users in a public space creates the
fundamental level of civility that prepares the way for the expression of
cultural meanings. Meanings change as spaces and functions change. For
a space to have a deeper and long lasting meaning it needs to be richly
embedded in its context. The sites natural setting is its primary context.
The history of the site and the region forms a secondary context, which
can lend a site deep meaning. According to the authors of Public Space
the most difficult, least developed, and potentially most rewarding
would be the development of qualities and associative meanings that are
special to our own time and place and the experience of our emerging
culture. Also the democratic management of a space goes a long way in
making people feel a sense of belonging, ownership and pride in a
space, and thus forging a connection with it. Meaningful elements and
events in public spaces should be introduced to retain users interest and
commitment to the place, qualities that are the foundation of meaning

PUBLIC SPACE IN uttarakhand CONTEXT













CHAPTER 3: LITERATURE REVIEW
This chapter deals with review of space standards and other technical
information which are essential guidelines to designing the proposed
spaces functionally. Relevant materials have been included and briefly
described under suitable subtitles. Although lot more of information were
collected, it is no practically possible to include everything in this report.
Hence the materials have been included on the basis of priority
Spaces and functions needed to be studied in details which are as
follows:
1. Assembly spaces
2. Functional spaces
3. Service spaces
4. Public spaces



3.1. ASSEMBLY SPACES
Assembly hall includes debating chamber and other supporting spaces.
These spaces are very important as it is in these places where peoples
representative debate, decide discuss and deliver legislations. While
designing assembly hall, following considerations should be taken :
3.1.1 SHAPE OF HALL
Different types of shapes are used to perform conventions, meeting
or conferences. Generally, square , rectangular , fan shaped ,
hexagonal shaped , oval shaped , circular shaped plans are used.
For large assembly purpose, circular or oval plan is recommended
mainly for assembly purpose . since the stage requirement is very
less and need of visibility of stage from every corner. In different
countries, shape of assembly hall is taken akin to type of
parliamentary politics practiced in that particular nation. For
example in west minster model of governance where there is strong
opposition in debate between two major parties , the rectangular
shapes and opposite seating layouts are preferred. Similarly in
consensus based inclusive democracy the circular or oval shape of
halls are preferred for more collaborative effort. From visibility and
greater accommodation point of view, circular shapes is most
appropriate .with circular shapes , there will be two alternates to the
inner seating layouts namely semi oval or semi-circular, the
appropriate shape can be chosen .
Space requirements:
From various studies and their inferences , the area standards have
been ascertained and it has been found that :
Area of 1.5 - 1.6 sq.m per user is adopted in the assembly hall.
Area of 0.05-1.2 sq.m per user is generally adopted in the general
seating gallery depending upon the type of user and requirement of
space .

OPPOSITE ARRANGEMENTS
Generally countries with parliamentary
systems like united kingdom have this kind of
seating arrangement . This type of
arrangement encourages face to face
debate . However this type of arrangement
also likely to bring unnecessary opposing
nature among the parliamentarians.
USHAPED ARRANGEMENTS
This type of arrangement encourages face to
face debate but less opposing in nature than
that of opposite seating arrangement. It is
reformed type of opposite seating type which
is more interactive in nature. Commonwealth
countries like Australia have this kind of
seating arrangements.
CONCENTRIC ARRANGEMENT
Seating arrangement is concentric and thus is
more interactive with greater visibility.
Moreover this type of arrangement is found to
be more cordial and less opposing . Such types
of seating arrangements are found in
Scandinavian countries where parliamentary
politics is mostly consensus based.



3.1.2 DESIGN CRITERIA
Stage height ranges from 800 to 1500 mm
Eye level when seated is usually taken as 750 - 1120 mm above the
floor measured through the central line at each row.
Vertical distance between the average viewer's eyes and top of
head is minimum 75mm.
Maximum vertical angle of elevated view from nearest seats to
avoid physical discomfort is 30 degrees.
The vertical angle down from steepest balcony to avoid vertigo
should not exceed 35 degrees.
Maximum number of seats normally ranges from 16-25 depending
upon the location, number and size of side aisles.
There should be one exit door 800 mm-1000 mm (min) per every
150 seats as emergency prerequisite.
The slope of the aisles should be around 1: 8.
The regular rows of seats in line the recommended vertical clearance
should be provided from one row to the next. Sightlines must be
continued over cross aisles and balconies.
Deep overhanging balconies should be avoided., if balconies have
to be used then either a flying balcony, a recessed one or one
complying with standard proportions avoiding sound shadows should
be used.
Seating arrangement, row spacing seating capacity should adhere
to standard norms.
The dimensions of steps, landing and the limits to the steepness of
inclines are also specified in detail in the standards.
The risers of steps in the aisles must be uniform unless they are
separated by a wide tread.
No steps are allowed to cross the aisles; they must be illuminated at
all times with 5 Lux.
To make the steps more distinctive, nosing should be in a contrasting
color and provided with step light.
The ceiling requirements must satisfy acoustic requirements, lighting
requirements, air-conditioning requirements, stage requirements, fire
control requirements and aesthetical requirements.


3.1.2. FLOOR LEVELS
When the audience is seated on one level, the sound is strongly absorbed
at a low grazing angle above and around the heads of the audience, in
addition to the view becoming obstructed. To some extent this can be
improved by raising the person speaking on a platform or stage.
Alternatively, the floor may be inclined and formed into a series of steps
to elevate successive rows of seats. To assess the situation, sightlines can
be drawn from representative seating positions in each row both across
the longitudinal section of the hall and from other side angles which might
experience obscuration. The main criteria employed in this graphical
analysis are:
Height of focal point on platform: Stage heights range from about
800 to 1100mm (2ft 6in to 3ft 6in). The focus is usually taken as
50mm (2in) above the furthest point of the acting area of the stage,
if this is to serve for multiple purposes. Allowance must be made for
any thrust stage. Temporary platforms may be 300mm (1ft 0in) high.
Eye level when seated: This is usually taken as 1120mm (3ft 8in)
above the floor measured through the central line each row. The
actual eye point will depend on seat dimensions and anthropometric
variations amongst audience groups.
Vertical distance between the average le viewer's eyes and top of
head. A minimum of 75mm (3in) in halls and preferably not less then
125mm (5in) in propose-designed auditoria is adopted for design
purposes.
Maximum vertical angle of elevated view from nearest seats
to avoid physical discomfort is 30. The vertical angle down from
steepest balcony to avoid vertigo should not exceed 35 and
preferably be no greater than 30.
Seating layout: For regular rows of seats in line the recommended
vertical clearance should be provided from one row to the next.
Where seats in successive rows are staggered out of line, this
clearance may be reduced to alternative rows However, in the latter
case, the width of view between heads should also he checked.
Sightlines must be continued over cross-aisles and balconies.
The theoretical floor rake produced by sightlines is a parabola. This
gives every member of the audience similar conditions whilst
minimizing the total rise front to back. A straight rake of equal steps
gives less satisfactory condition towards the rear and, by increasing
the angle, tends to produce excessive height and volume.
The seating density, floor slope, steps and cross-aisles are
governed by legal requirements ensuring satisfactory means of
escape in event of fire. Most authorities limit the slope of aisles to
1:10 but up to 1: 8 may be allowed in some areas. For disabled
users, the slope should not exceed 1:12. Steeper slopes must normally
have regular steps extending full aisle width and equal risers to meet
code requirements.


3.1.3. VIEWING CRITERIA
In addition to the requirements for good acoustics, the auditorium design
must ensure that each seated person has a good view of any projection
screens and other visual aids which may be used. The criteria for this
purpose may be summarized this:
Viewing angle for screen projection: This is defined as the angle
described at the center of the screen by the viewer's sight line and the
projection axis (B.S Code of Practice 412). For good- quality viewing, it is
better to take the extreme edge of the image rather than the center in
order to minimize distortion towards the far edge. The maximum viewing
angle is usually taken at 45, giving an image distortion ratio between
line and perceived image of 1.0:0.7.
Viewing distance: Assuming that the quality of projected material
satisfies standards of image brightness (depending on projection
equipment and screen characteristics) and legibility (mainly determined
by symbol and character size and proportions), the limits to viewing
distance are generally related to the width of the projected image:
Maximum viewing distance 6 times image width
Absolute minimum distance 1.4 times image width
(Preferably no nearer than 2 times image width)
The Optimum distance for seating is between three and five times the
image width.
Vertical angle
The vertical angle, measured from the horizontal at eye level to the top
of the screen should not exceed 35 from the nearest seats.


3.1.4. ACOUSTIC CRITERIA
Basic Concepts
Every building acoustics consideration can be thought of as a system of
sources, paths, and receivers of sound. For the most part the effective
control of the acoustical environment in buildings involves at least a
conceptual understanding of the basic properties of sound, how it is
propagated throughout typical building spaces, and how it is influenced
by various building material and construction systems. Such understanding
is essential for those concerned with the complete building design
construction process that will influence the fundamental decisions
concerning the building to be constructed. And as with the numerous other
disciplines involved in the overall building environment, thermal comfort,
lighting, energy conservation, and so forth, the solutions to the acoustics
problems require no small amount of experienced judgment and just plain
common sense. After all, people do not respond to just one aspect of their
environment. Acoustics, therefore, is rarely the most important aspect, but
is a significant part if that environment and its effective control will help
produce good buildings.
Noise control is fundamentally important to the success of any building for
listening. It can make the difference between excellent sound and the
usual mediocrity.
During a lecture or sermon, any audible sound not made by the speaker
is noise; during a performance, any audible sound not created by a
performer is noise. There are, of course, many aspects to excellent
acoustical design. However, in any space intended for listening, strict
control of noise is fundamental.
Sources of noise include traffic, airplanes, machinery, plumbing, lights,
and people in other spaces. In a space for listening, the worst offender is usually the heating,
ventilating, and conditioning system (HVAC).The
(undamaged) human ear is so sensitive that we can detect sounds that
displace the eardrum by roughly the diameter of a hydrogen molecule.
This means that background noise determines the softest sound that a
performer or speaker can effectively utilize. Even in spaces that most
people would consider quiet, the background noise level can be twenty to
thirty decibels above the threshold of heating.
Thus, one of the most important considerations while designing an
Assembly Hall is good acoustics. You can have the most effective space
design, but if it fail to provide good acoustics it will not be good.
Reverberation time for speech orientated hall ranges from 1.6-2.1
seconds. Reverberation is directly proportional to volume of the room thus
for the same number of people, a hall for speech to achieve hearing
comfort will have less than a hall with the same number of people but for
music. The reverberation time for music is greater than for speech.There
are different acoustic requirements for different types of Halls, since this
project deals with a hall used mainly for speech. The considerations have
been given below. The two main requirements are.

Power and Clarity
The Power of speech in such halls depends upon the following
1. Distance from speaker
2. Directional relationship to speaker
3. Audience absorption of direct sound
4. Reinforcement by reflectors
5. Reinforcement by loudspeakers
6. Sound shadows
On the other hand, the issue of clarity depends upon the following
1. Delayed reflections
2. Echoes
3. Near echoes
4. Reverberation
5. Intrusive noise
6. Ambient noise
7. Duplication of sound by loudspeakers
Loudness and Distribution
Sounds should be loud and uniformly distributed so that people in the
front as well in the back of the seating can receive the same amount of
sound. Adequate loudness and good distribution of sound depend on the
size, shape and surface finishes of the room and in some cases on carefully designed sound-
reinforcing equipment. In any listening situation
the better the sight line for vision, the better will be the hearing.
In moderate-sized auditoriums, if the space is designed carefully with
well-chosen material, the enclosure itself provides the needed sound
reinforcement and good distribution.
In the small conference or office, there may not be a problem of
loudness but there can be a problem of distribution because of the
concave walls or ceilings or the flutter of echoes between paralleluninterrupted
surfaces.
In large sports arena an amplified sound is needed for hearing
speech or music. T enclosure is treated in such a way that it is as
absorptive as possible to reduce troublesome echoes and unwanted
confusion.
Seating Arrangement
In the fig, we can see the distribution of sound to an audience seated on
level ground outdoors (or in a large sound-absorbing room). The spherical
sound waves radiate outward from the speaker, and the intensity of
sound in these wave decreases inversely as the square of the distance,
However, as it grazes over the clothing and hair of the sound-absorptive
audience, additional losses occur which can amount to as much as 2 dB
per row. This means that people seated near the back of an audience not
only receive less sound energy because they are far away from the
sound source, but they are also deprived of sound energy by the people
in front of them. Thus, in outdoor, flat audience area the loudness and
distribution requirements are poorly met. If the audience is placed in a
very steep angle as in fig, there will be very little energy loss in the
freely advancing sound wave, and until the audience is quite far away
from the source, there is no great difficulty in hearing, at least when
actors speak with raised voice.
Balcony
For good distribution and adequate loudness a listener must be
seated properly the auditorium so that he receives not only direct
sound from the source but also reflected sound from the ceiling and
walls. He must be able to see the ceiling and if he is seated deep
under a balcony and cannot receive this reflected sound from the
ceiling, he will hear poorly.
The problem that comes from using a deep balcony is shown in the
left fig.
If the balcony is handled as shown in the right fig, people under the
balcony will hear well.

Ceiling as a reflector
If the sound from the original source is reflected from a hard ceiling
surface over the audience, it appears to come to the audience from
the virtual image position overhead, and thus, does not experience
the grazing incidence losses of the original sound from the source fig.
The action of the ceiling as a reflector, bringing sounds down on top
of the audience, is extremely important in all auditorium situations.
This sound mirror (the ceiling) is probably the most important surface
in the room for determining good distribution and adequate loudness.
The walls are important too, especially where long reverberation time
is wanted.
Maximum height for sound-reflecting surfaces above the audience is
required for added loudness, clarity or definition of sound. The ceiling
of any room where hearing is important should be hard and sound
reflective and should never be treated with sound-absorbing
materials except in very special situations (e.g. large sports arena).
Uniform distribution of reflected sound can be obtained if the ceiling
is designed properly. Fig. illustrates some possible refinements in
ceiling design, which provide more uniform distribution to an
audience.
If the ceiling is made with concave sections, either barrel or domeshaped
(fig.), there will inevitably be concentrations of sound in
certain areas of the seating. The only solution is to make them highly
diffusing or to make them highly absorptive.

Sound Reinforcement Systems
In many situations, to obtain adequate loudness and good distribution of
sound, it is necessary to augment the natural transmission of sound from
source to listener by means of a sound system. In large sports arenas, in
airport terminal buildings, and in other noisy locations, it is almost always
necessary to provide sound reinforcement. Even in rooms where most
strong voiced speakers can be heard clearly, the weaker voices must be
amplified, and there is often the need to reproduce recorded material or
movie sound. In all cases, however, the design of the sound reinforcement
system must be carefully integrated with the design of the room and with
its acoustical characteristics.
There are two principal types of sound reinforcement systems: central and
distributed.
a. Central Loudspeaker System
The central system is the most popular sound reinforcement system. In this
system a loudspeaker (or cluster of loudspeakers) is located directly
above the actual source of sound. Only one loudspeaker position is used
in this system and it is capable of giving maximum realism. The listener
with his two ears is readily able to localize the direction of the source of
sound, and if the amplified signal comes from the same direction as the
original sound, he gets an impression merely of increased loudness or
clarity but not of artificial "amplified" sound as shown in fig.
If a loudspeaker system is to be used only for speech purposes,
the system need not have any low-frequency loudspeakers and can be
housed in a smaller space than a full-frequency-range system (used for
music). Usually, a speech system is cut off at approximately 300 HZ (i.e.
these loudspeakers do not amplify sounds below that frequency). The
grille in front of the loudspeaker must be completely transparent to sound
and must contain no large-scale elements. Microphones must be placed
near the sources of sound. If there are to be many sourced, as in a play,
there must be a sufficient number of microphones provided within the
acting area, concealed in the scenery. There is also the important problem
of feedback of sound energy from loudspeaker to microphone, and the
relative locations of microphones to loudspeakers must be carefully
considered to avoid the familiar squealing or howling of a the poorly
designed and operated system.
b. Distributed Loudspeaker System
In this system, a large number of loudspeakers are distributed uniformly
over the audience areas. With loudspeakers located overhead, this type
of system operates much like down lighting. Each listener receives sound
from only the closest loudspeakers. This type of system is used if the
ceiling height is inadequate to use a central system or where all listeners
cannot have "line of sight" on a central loudspeaker. It is also used in such
spaces as large convention rooms, where there must be a very flexible arrangement of the
space for amplifying sources of sound in any position
in the hall. The distributed system is a flexible system, and while it does
not give maximum realism in reinforcing live activities, it can be made to
provide high intelligibility in many difficult situations. Fig. In spaces with
very high ceilings or when other considerations will not permit mounting
the loudspeakers in the ceiling, loudspeakers in a distributed system can
be installed within the audience areas. They can be attached to the backs
of the seats in conference rooms, mounted in the desks in assembly rooms
or legislative chambers or installed in the backs of church pews.
In order to prevent feedback, a switching system is usually provided, so
that certain loudspeakers can be shut off when a source of sound is to be
placed immediately under one of the units in a space for flexible use.
Loudspeakers should never be located at two sides of the proscenium
opening for sound reinforcement fig. This always gives poor quality and
unrealistic amplification, disassociating the speaker's voice from his or her
visible location. The cross-fire from loudspeakers distributed along both
sides of a room, or in the four comers. Hearing conditions can almost
always be improved by shutting off such systems. This cross firing always
causes the listener to hear from many loudspeakers at the same time, with
multiple time delays reducing speech intelligibility.
In some places like church loudspeakers are located in the bottoms of
chandeliers or column loudspeakers can be located slightly above head
height, either on structural columns or along the side walls. This type of
system is especially effective in highly reverberant spaces where a
central cluster would only add loudness and confusion. When it is not
possible for all listeners to have direct lone-of sight on the central
loudspeaker cluster, nearby overhead loudspeakers can fill in. Even when
listeners in a large auditorium can see the central cluster, it is sometimes
better to cover a balcony area from auxiliary overhead units rather than
try to do the whole job from the central loudspeaker. This reduces the size
of the central unit and gives better control of distribution.
The most important characteristics of a good sound amplification system
are that it sounds natural and that the sound appears to come from the
live source. This can be done only with a system carefully designed for the
given space that has been properly installed and, most important of all,
intelligently and sensitively operated.

Acoustics in an Auditorium
For acoustical analysis of an auditorium the importance must be given to
the size of audiences and furnishings of the room. Seats, occupants and
furnishing also add to the absorption of the room and thus affect the
reverberation time. The absorption by the seats is computed per seat. The
same method is used in calculating the absorption of audience.
Auditoriums intended for conventions, concerts, plays, ballet, and every
other conceivable type of performance should not be designed to seat
more than 2,500 to 3,000 people.
Following points are considered for good acoustics in an auditorium.
Reverberation time: If concert music is an important part of the
program of use, the maximum desirable reverberation time of the
hall would be something like 2s at mid frequencies. The required
volume of the hall will then be uniquely determined by the
absorption provided by the audience and performers.
For musical and speech events, a less reverberant environment is
required as little as 1.4 s. This range of reverberation time can
be achieved with large areas of retractable draperies. The
reverberant time can only be decreased by adjustable devices
but cannot be increased beyond the upper limit set by the volume
and the sound absorbing audience.
Seating: seating should be arranged in a manner that the
audience is as near the stage as possible. For this diverging
sidewalls are preferred. Elevated seating is effective in
absorbing sound and the angle of elevation should not be less
than 8. Carpeted aisles, carpeted floor and heavy upholstered
chair help in preventing objectionable reflection and suppress
noise by tapping of feet.
Balcony: depth of balcony recess should not be more than two
times the height of opening. Reverberation time of balcony
recesses should be same as that of the main auditorium. Balcony
soffit should be made reflective. By tilting the concave surface of
the balcony front down-wards, the reflections can be utilized to
increase the sound level.
Orchestra: An orchestra or a chorus cannot be performed in the
usual stage houses full of sound-absorbing scenery and
draperies. So the enclosure for the stage must be made of heavy,
sound-reflecting material (plywood, steel etc.) It cannot be light
painted canvas and it must be so arranged that it can be put in
place and taken down with a minimum of effort.
Ceilings: ceiling in an auditorium should be reflective, thus highly
reflective materials should be used for ceiling purposes.
Depending upon the floor plan ratio, the ceiling height provided
should be one-third of the width of the room. The junction
between the ceiling and rear wall should be avoided: instead a
splay should be made in between the ceiling and the wall.
Layout of floor plan: floor plans with the ratio of length to width
2:1 are preferred than with ratio of 1: 1. Circular and elliptical
floor plans give rise to non-uniform distribution of sound and
echoes. Acoustical condition in these plans can be improved by
the addition of convex diffusing surfaces, which greatly reduce
the focusing, and creeping effects.
Walls: Sidewall should be able to direct sound to the rare wall.
Care should be taken that side walls not be parallel but should
be diverging or splayed as they results in proper diffusion of
sound and also avoids flitter echoes. Concave surface should be
avoided as they are the sources of echoes. This surface should be
treated with highly absorptive material and broken to distribute
the sound uniformly.
Stage: the stage floor should be raised to an extent, that it
provides good sight lines from all the seats. The stage should
have approximately the same reverberation time as the
auditorium.