Legislature parliament : Architecture of Democracy, kamerotaar Saurav Shrestha
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 parliament has been taken as a place where architecture meets democracy. The parliament 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 parliament and public spaces with the creative use of light, spatial qualities and balancing act between need for security and openness along with public realm.
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Legislature parliament : Architecture of Democracy, kamerotaar Saurav Shrestha
Contents 1.1. CONTEXT ....................................................................................... 3 1.2. INTRODUCUTION .......................................................................... 4 1.2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION ................................................................. 7 1.4. JUSTIFICATION .............................................................................. 8 1.5. SCOPE, VALIDITY & LIMITATIONS ................................................. 9 1.6. OBJECTIVES /PURPOSE: ................................................................ 9 1.7. OUTPUT ENVISAGED: .................................................................... 9 1.8. METHODOLOGY ......................................................................... 10 1.9. ORGANISATION OF REPORT ...................................................... 10 1.10 PROGRAM FORMULATION ........................................................ 11 CHAPTER 2: THEORTICAL EXPLORATION ................................................ 15 2.1 ARCHITECTURE & POLITICS .......................................................... 16 2.2 URBAN PUBLIC SPACE .................................................................. 19 CHAPTER 3: LITERATURE REVIEW ............................................................ 22 3.1. ASSEMBLY SPACES ...................................................................... 23 3.2. FUNCTIONAL SPACES .................................................................. 34 3.3. SERVICE SPACES .......................................................................... 44 3.4. UNIVERSAL DESIGN ..................................................................... 47 CHAPTER 4: CASE STUDIES ..................................................................... 51 4.1. EXISTING PARLIAMENT IN SINGHADURBAR ............................... 52 4.2. GOVERNMENT PROPOSALS ON PARLIAMENT BUILDING .......... 57 4.3. CASE STUDY ICC COMPLEX, NEW BANESWOR ......................... 61 4.2. CASE STUDY OF NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, DHAKA ......................... 66 4.3. CASE STUDY VIDHAN BHAWAN, CHANDIGARH ......................... 71 4.4. CASE STUDY VIDHAN BHAWAN, BHOPAL .................................. 76 4.5. CASE STUDY PARLIAMENT LIBRARY, NEW DELHI ......................... 83 4.6. CASE STUDY: SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT, EDINBURG ...................... 90 4.7. CASE STUDY OF REICHSTAG, BERLIN .......................................... 96 4.8. CASE STUDY OF SENEDD, CARDIFF .......................................... 100 CHAPTER 5: SITE & CONTEXT STUDIES ................................................ 108 CHAPTER 6: CONCEPT & DESIGN DEVELOPMENT ................................ 112 6.1 DESIGN PROCESS ....................................................................... 113 6.2 DESIGN DEVELOPMENT OF MASTERPLAN................................. 120 6.3 DESIGN DEVELOPMENT OF INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS .......... 121 6.4 DESIGN DEVELOPMENT OF ELEVATIONS AND SECTIONS ......... 123 6.5 OTHER CONSIDERATION: ........................................................... 124 CHAPTER 7: FINAL DESIGN & PRESENTATIONS .................................... 126 7.1 CASE STUDY PRESENTATION PANELS .......................................... 127 7.2 FINAL DESIGN & PRESENTATION ................................................ 128 7.3 PHOTOGRAPHS OF MODEL ....................................................... 129 BIBILOGRAPHY ...................................................................................... 130
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Legislature parliament : Architecture of Democracy, kamerotaar Saurav Shrestha
CHAPTER 1: PROPOSAL & OBJECTIVES 1.1. CONTEXT Only after end of feudal Rana Regime and introduction of democratic system in 1951AD, the country had first experience of Parliamentary system. However there was no parliament building for assembly functions. Before 1951, the assembly functions were used to be held in open spaces or courtyard of palaces. The democratic system of governance couldnt last long and Panchayat autocracy was introduced which had Rastriya Panchayat as a legislature. In 1970 AD, government felt the need of legislature building to hold assemblies and thus design competition was held for design of Rastriya Panchayat building. The design of Ar. G.D.Bhatta was approved and works were carried out but never completed due to various social, economic and political factors. Moreover, after advent of multiparty democracy, the political scenario was changed and the project was abandoned. After restoration of multiparty democracy in 1991 AD, The old Rana building was adaptively reused to hold assembly functions. Though political scenario changed in Nepal but the assembly functions were continued to be held in neoclassical Rana building, which was built as a theatre for dance and drama in 1898. Despite all the functional setbacks, the government still managed to conduct legislative affairs in same building. But then after the recent political change in 2063, the old parliament building could no longer be adapted and thus there was need for new building to assembly function. Thus government came up with temporary solution of holding assem bly functions in International convention center while its secretariat and official spaces are still scattered in Singh Durbar. Hence, there is indeed an urgent need of new legislature parliament building with sound functional requirements
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Legislature parliament : Architecture of Democracy, kamerotaar Saurav Shrestha
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 Par- liament: 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 5
Legislature parliament : Architecture of Democracy, kamerotaar Saurav Shrestha
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.
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Legislature parliament : Architecture of Democracy, kamerotaar Saurav Shrestha
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 are 7
Legislature parliament : Architecture of Democracy, kamerotaar Saurav Shrestha
frequently 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 decision- making 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:
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Legislature parliament : Architecture of Democracy, kamerotaar Saurav Shrestha
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.
Debating chamber secretariat Infirmary library Technica l rooms Party offices Committee offices Public spaces Canteen 9
Legislature parliament : Architecture of Democracy, kamerotaar Saurav Shrestha
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).
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Legislature parliament : Architecture of Democracy, kamerotaar Saurav Shrestha
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 .
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Legislature parliament : Architecture of Democracy, kamerotaar Saurav Shrestha
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
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Legislature parliament : Architecture of Democracy, kamerotaar Saurav Shrestha
SN. Category of user (LOWER HOUSE) Seats/ rooms Unit area Total area (sq.m) 1. Member of parliament 600 2.4 1440 2. Diplomats/ officials 200 2 400 3. Guests 200 2 400 4. journalist 150 1.8 270 5. public 150 1.8 270 TOTAL 1350 2870 6. Lounge for head of state 1 35 35 7 Lounge for deputy head of state 1 35 35 8 Lounge for speaker 1 35 35 9. Lounge for vice speaker 1 35 35 10. Lounge for PM 1 35 35 11 Lounge for deputy PM 1 35 35 12 Lounge for ministers 1 75 75 13 Lounge for diplomat 1 75 75 14 Lounge for MPs 600 2.5 1500 15. Lounge for public 1 75 75 16 Marshall area (office +lounge) 50 2 100 17. Press conference 150 1.5 225 19. Multiuse conference 120 1.5 180 20. Information section 1 200 200 21. Public relation section 1 200 200 22. Interpreter room 10 2 20 23 Sound control room 1 20 20 24. TV & broadcasting room 1 50 50 25 Infirmary 1 100 100 26. Assembly supporting staff office 1 200 200 27 ac room 1 20 20 28 lights room 1 20 20 29 Pantry 1 20 20 6160 SN. Category of user (UPPER HOUSE) Seats/ rooms Unit area Total area (sq.m) 1. Member of parliament 250 2.4 600 2. Diplomats 75 1.8 135 3. Guests 75 1.5 112.5 4. Journalists 75 1.5 112.5 5. Public 75 1.5 112.5 Total 550 1072.5 6. Lounge for head of state 1 35 35 7 Lounge for deputy head of state 1 35 35 8 Lounge for PM 1 35 35 9. Lounge for ministers 1 70 70 10. Lounge for diplomats 1 80 80 11 Lounge for parliament members 200 2.5 500 12 lounge for chairman 1 35 35 13 lounge for vice chairman 1 35 35 14 Marshall office (office + lounge) 30 2 60 15. Broadcasting room 1 10 10 16 Interpreter room 10 2 20 17. Tv room 1 20 20 19. Maintainence room 1 20 20 20. Staff office 1 45 45 21. Sound control room 1 20 20 22. Lights room 1 20 20 23 Ac room 1 20 20 24 Information section 1 100 100 25 Press conference 100 1.5 150 2347.5 13
Legislature parliament : Architecture of Democracy, kamerotaar Saurav Shrestha
SN. Category of user (PARLIAMENT SECRETARIAT) rooms Unit area Total area (sq.m) 1. LH Speakers office PA room + waiting Meeting hall Toilet 1 1 1 1 40 30 40 4 40 30 40 4 2. LH vice speakers office PA room + waiting Meeting hall toilet 1 1 1 1 40 30 40 4 40 30 40 4 3. UH chairpersons office 1 104 104 4. UH vice chairpersons office 1 104 104 5. General secretary office 1 104 104 6. Secretary sections office 1 104 104 7. Legal section Section officer PA+ Waiting Workspace Meeting room
1 1 1 1
40 35 110 40
40 35 110 40 8. Account section 225 9. Computer section 225 10. Marshal section 225 11. Parliamentary facility section 225 12. Documentation section 225 SN. Category of user (PARLIAMENT SECRETARIAT) rooms Unit area Total area (sq.m) 13. Medical section 225 14. Technical section 225 15. Maintainence section 225 16. Internal administration section 225 17 Bank & travel agency section 225 18. Parliament facility section 225 19. Main Meeting hall Meeting area + store
Legislature parliament : Architecture of Democracy, kamerotaar Saurav Shrestha
Total area = 6160+2347.5+3444+2100+3810+4300=22161sq.m total floor area = 22161sq.m Circulation consideration= 1/3 x floor area = 7387sq.m Structural consideration= 10% of floor area= 2216.1sq.m Total built up area= 22161+7387+2216.1=31764.1 sq.m FAR= 2.5 Total land required =794102.5 sq.m = 156 ropani.
SN. Category of user (party offices) rooms Unit area Total area (sq.m) 1. Party chairperson 1 30 30 2 Personal assistant 1 15 15 3. Chief whip 1 30 30 4 Lounge for MPs 30 1.5 45 5. Staff room 10 4.5 45 6. Meeting hall 1 1.5 45 210 Provision for 10 party offices: 10 210 2100 SN. Category of user (Committee offices) rooms Unit area Total area (sq.m) 1. Finance committee Chairmans office Chairmans PA Secretary PAs secretary Committee member Staff room Meeting hall(15-30)
1 1 1 1 14 4 1
30 15 30 15 4 4.5 90
30 15 30 15 56 18 90 254 2. Provision for 15 committee 15 254 3810 SN. Category of user SERVICE SPACES rooms Unit area Total area (sq.m) 1. Libray with lockers, periodcials section, reference section, computer section Documentation etc 2000 2000 2. Cafeteria Seat for VIPs Seats for staffs Kitchen +store
300 100 1
1.5 1.5 200
450 150 200 3. Other services Boiler Panel boord Air condition Filtration pump Office 1500 1500 4300 15
Legislature parliament : Architecture of Democracy, kamerotaar Saurav Shrestha
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.
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Legislature parliament : Architecture of Democracy, kamerotaar Saurav Shrestha
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.
Parliament Hill, Canberra Legislative Assembly, Chandigarh Reichstag, Berlin National Assembly, Dhaka Parliament Hill, Canberra 17
Legislature parliament : Architecture of Democracy, kamerotaar Saurav Shrestha
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
National Congress of Brasilia Government Building In India eoples alace of 8omanla 18
Legislature parliament : Architecture of Democracy, kamerotaar Saurav Shrestha
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 one- family 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.
Model of roposed clLy of Cermanla as PlLlers world caplLal 19
Legislature parliament : Architecture of Democracy, kamerotaar Saurav Shrestha
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 20
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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 middle- classes 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
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PUBLIC SPACE IN NEPALESE CONTEXT Newar towns have had public spaces for centuries as a durbar squares or temple squares in larger scale while in smaller scale we have Bahals , chowks , public resthouses , sattals , dhungedhara and chautaris were people could gather and interact . community life was highly priortized in planning of old towns where the community public spaces serves as place for interaction during evenings , drying of agricultural crops and place of gathering during festivals . Likewise the durbar squares or town squares were present in crossing of two main streets creating a public realm. The series of different forms of temple with high plinth with Dabalis creating the space that could be used for various performances and series of steps that could be used by viewers. Since the ceremonial festival procession routes passes through these squares, the squares became center for cultural activities and recreation as well. Moreover, the squares were used for agricultural activities and economic activities as well. The squares were such places which were accessible to everyone and all people can gather, interact and entertain themselves. Interestingly, unlike palace complex of other parts of world in medieval times which were grander in scale expressing the absolute power , the Nepalese palace square adjoining public space also depicts the democratic nature of civic life .The palace complex doesnt is not grander in scale than surrounding counterparts and only the richness of decorative details distinguishes the status. Hence, architecture has been more focus to relate with public level . At present context, though public spaces like parks , malls have come up in the town but still no other place has been able to supersede the durbar squares. The durbar square is still the main public space for city dwellers. One can still find souvenirs being sold to tourists, old and young people in groups having chitchats and many other activities.
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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
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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. 24
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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.
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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:
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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 27
Legislature parliament : Architecture of Democracy, kamerotaar Saurav Shrestha
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 28
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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 parallel- uninterrupted 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.
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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 dome- shaped (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.
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Fig: Reflection studies from ceiling panels 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 Fig: Distributed Loudspeaker system
Fig: Poor loudspeaker placement can mean ineffective sound reinforcement
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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. 32
Legislature parliament : Architecture of Democracy, kamerotaar Saurav Shrestha
Fig: Good sight line yields good direct me 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.
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INTERPRETATION BOOTHS There are all kinds of simultaneous interpretation booths. For proper functioning, they must be properly designed. For most International multi- lingual conferences, the design norms must satisfy the ISO Standard 2063 on built-in simultaneous interpretation booths, to make them places where the interpreters can do their best Job. There are two international standards that contain the requirements for built-in simultaneous booths and equipment. They are ISO 60914:1998- Conference Systems- Electrical and Audio Requirements (International Electro-technical Commission) ISO 2603:1998- Booths for Simultaneous Interpretation- General Characteristics and Equipment deals with the following guidelines in designing simultaneous interpretation booths. They are
The Conference Hall and the Location of Booths in the Hall The booths need to be included in the design of any conference hall at the initial planning stage. A basic check list dealing with usage, frequency of use, type of hall function, numbers of languages must be clearly known. The preferred location of booths in tile hall is, I. At the rear of the room, facing the rostrum/screen: The distance from the booths to the rostrum or screen should not be over 30 m (20-25 is preferable) or it may be difficult to read. II. Along the side of the room: The minimum angle sideways at which a screen can be read is 30-35 degrees.
a. The booth area and minimum dimensions All booths should be placed in a separate area so they do not open directly onto a public area. This segregation allows for smooth functioning. Minimum booth dimensions (interior) are: Width: 2.5 m , Depth: 2.4 m & Height: 2.3 m b. Communication with sound technician from each booth To deal with any spontaneous problems, a qualified technician must be present at all times hence a sound control booth and console for the technician must be provided. c. Visibility from the booth There should be unobstructed view of the assembly proceedings from the booth. Windows should be made of non- reflective glass (40 mm thick multiplex glass or permanently sealed double glazing mounted on Aluminum panes) so that the view is clear. d. The workspace and fighting in the booth The table should run the entire length of the booth, should be sound absorbent not reflect light and should have shelves. Table lamps are essential while overhead fluorescent tubes are not suitable. e. Sound proofing and acoustics in the booth Sound proofing in all windows, doors, walls, ceiling to prevent interference between, booths, interpreter and sound control and booths and control loom f. Climate control in the booth Provision for intake of' fresh air and some form of air decompression before it enters the booth. g. The interpreter's control panel It should comprise of channels, microphones and other items (related to sound control/quality mechanisms). h. The sound system Mainly comprises of earphones. 34
Legislature parliament : Architecture of Democracy, kamerotaar Saurav Shrestha
3.2. FUNCTIONAL SPACES Functional spaces include Secretariat, committee offices, party offices and library spaces. Office spaces is one of the most important aspects of parliament complex. As secretariat is integral part of complex , offices and related aspect is very necessary to be studied.
Proper Planning, design and management of work place is a key to the success of any organization. Today, productivity is the key word and it is widely accepted that the employees working environment directly effects his level of comfort and thereby his performance output. Irrespective of the strength of its relationship to performance, worker satisfaction with the workplace is important to the well-being of office workers and to the health of the organization. Satisfaction with office space can have a positive influence on perceptions of the job, the organization, and other life satisfactions. Users satisfaction depends on human factors such as : Natural light Privacy comfort
With the change in work and working processes there has been gradual but dramatic shift in a way office space are designed. Owing to extensive use of computer technology, there is need of delivering maximum connectivity. In any office employees need to work collaborately, so office design must promote interaction between coworkers. The introduction of new technologies and an increased concern for energy efficiency, growth, and change have added and will add new dimensions to the set of intersecting subsystems that constitute the work environment. In responding to these new forces, office designers and management personnel have increasingly focused on three issues of office design. 1. Lighting 2. Air quality 3. Office space planning
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3.2.1. LIGHTING Lighting is a factor with which most office workers express satisfaction. However, lighting is also an area with some of the greatest potential for cost savings in energy usage. Maximum utilization of natural light and efficient artificial lighting not only saves extra energy used for lighting, but also reduces cooling load in a building. Workers prefer lighting schemes with multiple-source, directional light as compared to uniform lighting. Higher levels of satisfaction appear with the ambient and indirect up-lighting schemes than with direct overhead illumination. Productivity and accuracy increase with higher illumination levels. Low energy fluorescent lamps are preferred compare to high-pressure sodium lighting. Natural light is important to workers, independent of its contribution to task visibility. The variation of natural light, its soft texture, the color, the temperature, and its ambience are important factors to be considered. Natural light is important to workers to be in contact with the time of day, weather conditions, other aspects of the outside world and distant views provide eye muscle relaxation and visual relief. Because of the high positive value associated with natural light, workers evaluations of the overall quality of their lighting are more positive.
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3.2.2. Indoor Air Quality: When we talk about pollution, we are particularly concerned about the outdoor environmental pollutions. When we are inside a building, we feel very safe. But, this may not always be true. An indoor environment can be more hazardous than outdoor environment in the absence of proper light and ventilation. If the supply of exterior air in inadequate, the percentage of oxygen in the interior air declines. The perceived freshness of air is of concern to many office workers. Poor air quality can result in health effects ranging from fatigue, head-aches, and irritation of the eyes, ears and throat, to nausea, colds, bronchitis, and long term respiratory diseases. Indoor air is generally polluted by the presence of volatile organic compounds and other pollutant gases which results in Sick Building Syndrome. Adequate natural light and ventilation and properly designed indoor gardens can be the solution to solve these problems.
3.2.3. Office space planning: A major area of controversy in office planning and design concerns the effectiveness of open-office systems. The use of the open plan the concept of the office landscape evolved in response to technological advances in office building design and the need for greater flexibility and compatibility of office systems. Today open planning is used for a number of reasons. - Better flexibility in planning work stations. - Better natural lighting and ventilation. - Requires 20% fewer light fixtures - Energy consumption is reduced by 40%. - Construction cost is 50% less than conventional planning as it eliminates partition cost. - Better communication and flow of work. - Higher efficiency: usable space as high as 80-90% - Issues of visual and aural privacy and status of staffs are as the shortcomings of open-planning. Creative use of foliage plants can solve the problem of visual and aural privacy to some extent.
Efficiency of Office Buildings: Efficiency of office buildings is the ratio of the total rentable space to the total space in the building. Average efficiency of the office building is 70%, and with well-organized planning the efficiency can go as high as 85%. The remaining area is non rentable space which includes elevators, stairs, toilets, lobbies, corridors, ducts, janitor and closets. These facilities are usually planned in a compact unit called service core.
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Office Planning Module: Office layout is often based on a module derived with reference to common furniture, equipment s and necessary clearances. For large general offices, the planning unit or module is based upon one desk and chair and is thus about 5 by 6 feet. Since this dimension is also satisfactory for aisles between rows of desks the module can be used to form a regular grid for the planning of large office areas. In the layout of private offices the controlling factors are the minimum practical office layout with the wall and window design. A planning module of 4 to 5 ft works reasonably well for this purpose. With this module the smallest office would be 8 to 10 ft wide, and a convenient range of office size is provided in increment of one module. Planning module for layout of general office spaces 5' 6' Two windows 8-10' 3 windows 12-15' 4 windows 16-20' 5 windows 20-25' Private office widths using a module of Fig: Private office widths using a module of 4ft. to 5ft. with continuous windows Fig: Planning module for layout of general office spaces 38
Legislature parliament : Architecture of Democracy, kamerotaar Saurav Shrestha
General Space Requirements: - Space per person: 8m 2 to 13m 2 (optimum 10m 2 ) - Typical President's office or Chairman of the Board: 23.22 to 37.16m 2 (4 to 5 windows in length) - Typical Vice-President's Office: 13.93 to 23.22m 2 (3 to 4 windows in length) - Typical Executive's Office: 9.29 to 13.93m 2 (2 windows in length) - Partitioned Open Space: Clerical Supervisor or Manager 7.43 to 10.2 m 2
- Open Space : Clerical or Secretary 5 to 10.2m 2
- Conference Rooms: 1.39 m 2 per person: theater style 2.32 to 2.78m 2 per person: conference seating - Mail Room : 2400 to 2700 mm. wide with 762 mm counters on either side. Length depends upon amount of usage - Reception Area 11.61 to 18.58 m 2 Receptionist and 2 - 4 people 18.58 to 27.8 m 2 Receptionist and 6 - 8 people - File Room :0.65 sq. m per file with a 900 mm to 1200 mm aisle width - Library: Allow 305 mm for bookshelf width 16.2 to 41.8m 2 with seating for 4 - 6 - Clerical Pool Areas:7.43 to 9.29 m 2 per person - Area per floor: 450m 2 to 540m 2 (No need of doubling the no of lifts, escape routes and lavatories) - Most commonly used column spacing: 25ft; min. 20ft. - Floor to floor height: 12ft. (11ft. to 14ft.) - Finished ceiling height: 8ft. to 8.5ft. - Elevators: one per every 25000 ft. 2 . - Minimum width of elevator lobbies: 6 to 9 ft. - Maximum distance from the employee desk to nearest exit: 150ft. - Maximum distance from desk to rest rooms and drinking fountains: 150ft. - Corridors 20%-25% of the total usable areas for executive offices, reception rooms, open clerical areas, conference rooms, libraries, file, mail and storage rooms, computer rooms. Suggested corridor widths (minimum) are 1500 mm for principal office corridor, 1800 mm for public corridor, 1100 mm to 1350 min for secondary interior corridor. - Water Coolers/Drinking Fountains: 1 unit per 75 employees. - Lighting requirements: o Corridors: 200 lux. o Conference and reception: 300 to 400 lux. o General office: 400 to 600 lux.
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2.7 DESIGN STANDARDS:
Space standards at feasibility stage: (Office spaces) Absolute min. area per person
3.7 to 4.2 m 2 (including aisles, filing cabinets and desk space). But this is too low for individual offices. Min. area for reasonable conditions.
Additional spaces for visitors.
Recommended allowance for completely integrated office with all activities under one roof. Completely integrated office plus eating and lounge facilities. Proportion of total area to be aimed at for office working space. 4.2 to 6 m 2 min. floor area per person. 11.3 m 2 min. room capacity per person. Allow min. 1.8 m 2 extra for visitors.
Average of 9.3 m 2 to 11.6 m 2 per person excluding circulation, w.c.s etc.
Min. 14 m 2 per person.
Nearly 80% of gross internal floor area.
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Legal minimum number of water closets for men. Number of men Number of water closets Number of urinals 1-15 16-20 21-30 31-45 46-60
61-75 76-90 91-100 Over 100
1 1 2 2 3
3 4 4 4
1 1 2 2 3
3 4 4 Plus 1 closet for every 25 persons (or fractions of 25) in excess of 100. Every fourth additional closet may be replaced by a urinal.
Legal minimum number of water closets for women. Numbers regularly employed at any time Number of water closets 1-15 16-30 31-50
51-75 76-100 Over 100
1 2 3
4 5 5 Plus on additional closet for every 25 persons in excess of 100.
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2.8 Fire Safety Regulations: The requirements for means of escape are summarized as follows: Maximum travel distance with escape, possible in one direction only- 12.2m except for on the ground and first floors when it may be 30.5m if the following requirements are met: Opening in all offices 840mm X 535mm minimum. Lower level of opening light not more than 3800mm above ground and 915mm above floor level. Ground beneath window free of obstruction for 1830mm from building. Maximum travel distance with escape possible in alternative direction- 46m, with no point in an office more than 12.2m to nearest exit door unless second exit door provided. Maximum distance between two adjacent exits from a storey- 61m. Fire fight stair- at least one fire-fighting stair is required in building with floors over 18.3m above ground level which should: Be continuous throughout building. Have access at ground level direct to open air. Have openable windows at each landing level. Have permanent ventilation at the top enclosure of min 5% of enclosed area. Have protected and ventilate lobby at each floor. Fire exhaust fans become very important incase of atrium buildings. Fire detection alarms and reserved water tanks for fire fighting are important aspect of fire safe
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Courtyard: The courtyard is a very traditional, design element. It can also be used in the contemporary architecture. In official buildings, courtyard has a distinct advantage, which is the ability to create a kind of captive environment. With all the offices related to the courtyard, whether it is linear or vertical, they can be easily accessed. The climate is controlled and the ambience is pleasant, making working a pleasure and thereby increasing efficiency. Although there are many reasons for the current resurgence of courtyard buildings, none is more significant than the inherent energy potential of this spatial type. A courtyard contributes to passive heating, is useful in an overall ventilation and cooling strategy, and always makes daylight more available to the spaces which surround it. To design a courtyard building without making advantage of its inherent energy value is truly to miss an opportunity to create a more complete architecture. Thus, the courtyard is one of the generic strategies available to architects and engineers in their quest to provide more energy-efficient and environmentally suitable buildings. Other option to the court yard is the atrium buildings. An atrium designed for energy efficiency should make maximum use of passive energy flows alone or in concert with mechanical energy systems. The passive techniques are: a. Day-lighting: Effective transmission of natural light and balanced distribution is the key. The value of day-lighting is universal to good architecture. The courtyard and atrium concept allows the innovative exploration of day-lighting by bringing natural light into the centers of building, thus eliminating deep, dark spaces. The generated interior facades, in tandem with the exterior facades, serve to balance the distribution of daylight within the occupied zones. The use of day-lighting, a free energy source, can offset the cost of electricity, the most expensive energy source. This is particularly appropriate in official, commercial and institutional buildings where high light levels are required during the daytime. Each unit of artificial lighting energy utilized requires the expenditure of an additional one-half unit of energy for air conditioning to offset the heat generated by the lights, thus compounding the energy usage. b. Passive cooling: Most atrium buildings are thermally heavy (high internal heat gains) and used during the hottest part of the day, making cooling a very important concern. Cooling requires a higher level of energy expenditure per degree of temperature reduction than does heating per degree of temperature increase. There are potentially four passive cooling techniques available for use in atrium buildings. They are: 1. Control of solar heat gain through shading. 2. Use of thermal mass. 3. Radiative cooling, and 4. Convective cooling based on stack effect. c. Ventilation: Cross-ventilation and vertical, both natural and mechanically aided is important to maintain required indoor air quality and convective cooling. The location and sizing of vents is the same for thermally driven and wind-induced convection. Exhaust vents should always be at the highest point in the atrium, on the leeward side. Raising the roof of the atrium above the surrounding roofs gives a location for these vents and creates a hot air reservoir which is above the occupied zones. The cool-air intake should be as low as possible and approximately one-third to one-half the area of the exhaust vent. d. Microclimates: Historical notions about the atrium as garden or courtyard have influenced many contemporary design schemes. Controlling the microclimates at the occupied levels can produce cooling effects. Plants and trees absorb heat and light. Tree canopies produce shade and hold cool air near the ground. Water features such as pools 43
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and fountains produce evaporative and radiative cooling in their proximity. These effects can be measured as temperature changes and air movements although in actuality they minute. More significant are the psychological effects, the associations between greenery and water and cool gardens or courtyards. e. Passive heating: The atrium can contribute to the heating function of the building it serves through passive solar heating. In most commercial, institutional and office buildings, heating is not as significant concern as lighting and cooling because these buildings have a heavy thermal load with large amounts of heat generated by occupants, artificial lighting and office machines. Thus, heating consideration plays tertiary role in the design of atria. An atrium must have south facing glazing in order to contribute to passive solar heating. Skylights are not optimal for they favor the high-angled summer sun. Besides, sunspace can be most effective mode of passive solar heating in the design of atria. Courtyard and Atrium are an important design element in a building, considering its functional, aesthetical and energy values. The design must also address the context. It needs to be evaluated in terms of maximizing access and use, making it visible by giving it exterior expression, providing recreational amenities in the form of seating, services, exhibitions, landscaping, and artwork.
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3.3. SERVICE SPACES 3.3.1CAFETERIA Cafeterias needed for the parliament complex as number of people visit the complex and also the number of people work there. Thus an eating facility is must in the complex. Cafeterias mainly consists of kitchen area, counter , dining area, toilets , store , dish washing area etc. major issues to be dealt with are : 1. Functions and spaces 2. Furniture layout 3. Standards
1. FUNCTIONAL SPACES Functional layout should be simple and easy whilst accommodating variety of seating layouts . Theres need of two separate entrances i.e, one for public use and another for service use. Ambience can be created through decoration, lighting, creating smaller more intimate spaces, level differences, etc. Functional spaces includes kitchen , bar , waiters space, storage and eating areas. Kitchen and wash-up are preferably at the same level as dining space. Good natural ventilation to the kitchen. Kitchen area is divided into dry and wash-up areas.
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2. FURNITURE LAYOUT Different shapes can be used for the dinner such as square rectangle circle etc and number of diner can also vary . Tables can be arranged in different patterns such as rectangular pattern, diagonal pattern ,etc but it diagonal pattern occupies less space and seems more convenient.
STANDARDS
1. Minimum width of service aisle
0.9-1.35m. 2. Waiter station 1 per 20-30 seats. 3. Dining area per seat:
1.5-2.15m2. 4. Kitchen area per seat
0.4-0.6m2. 5. Net kitchen area
15-25%. 6. Ratio of service area to total area
-1/2 46
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3.3.2. PARKING FACILITY Vehicle dimensions In parliament complex different kinds of vehicles should be considered for proper design of roads and parking spaces . vehicles , are available in different size and variety , so it is necessary to know about various standard sizes of the vehicles . SN. TYPES OF VEHICLE LENGTH(m)
BREADTH(m) HEIGHT(m) 1. Bicycle 1.7-1.9 0.6 2.05-2.1 2. Motorcycle 2.25 0.75 1.8 3. Car Mini Vw golf Audi 100
3.05 3.99 4.6
1.41 1.68 1.62
1.35 1.42 1.42 4. Van Pickup van VW (high roof) kombi Long wheel base 5- door
4.37 4.57 4.56
1.64 1.65 1.7
1.9 2.37 1.92 Turning and parking Width and quality of the road is governed by the size of the vehicle , number of vehicles adequate clear area should be provided along the outer edge of the road for safety Parking can be a big issue if it is not properly designed . in the parking area different factors have to be considered such as the demarcation of the area for the vehicle to park or the parking limits . for this paints and guide rails can be used . signs or barriers can be provided to guide proper parking of the vehicles . parking can be done in various ways: some of them are as follows: 0 degree or parallel to road entry and exit to the parking area difficult so this type of parking is suitable for narrow streets. 30 degree parking easy entry and exit and used where large parking spaces can be provided 45 degree parking- good entry and exit , normal type of layout and small space is used 60 degree parking this type is often used , good entry and exit can be achieved in less area 90 degree parking- (parking space 2.5m) sharp turn needed and used for compact planning Parking spaces should be outlined by white or yellow colored painted lines Stop rails or buffers should be provided as shown in figure 6 Guide rails can be provided Parking spaces can be sunken and planting can also be provided.
Types of vehicles Length (m) Breadth (m) Height (m) Turning radius Circle (m) 1. Motorcycle 2.2 0.7 1 1 2. Car Standard Small Large
4.7 3.6 5
1.75 1.6 1.9
1.5 1.5 1.5
5.75 5 6 47
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3.4. UNIVERSAL DESIGN Universal design is an approach to architectural design that considers the entire range of capacities and potentials of people and how they use buildings and products throughout their lives. The approach goes beyond technical standards that provide only minimal accessibility in compliance with regulations and extends design to increase the capacities of men, women and children of all ages and abilities. Universal design refers to broad-spectrum ideas meant to produce buildings, products and environments that are inherently accessible to both people without disabilities and people with disabilities. Universal design emerged from slightly earlier barrier-free concepts, the broader accessibility movement, and adaptive and assistive technology and also seeks to blend aesthetics into these core considerations. As life expectancy rises and modern medicine increases the survival rate of those with significant injuries, illnesses, and birth defects, there is a growing interest in universal design. There are many industries in which universal design is having strong market penetration but there are many others in which it has not yet been adapted to any great extent. Universal design is also being applied to the design of technology, instruction, services, and other products and environments. Curb cuts or sidewalk ramps, essential for people in wheelchairs but also used by all, are a common example. Color-contrast dishware with steep sides that assists those with visual or dexterity problems is another. There are also cabinets with pull-out shelves, kitchen counters at several heights to accommodate different tasks and postures, and, amidst many of the world's public transit systems, low-floor buses that "kneel" (bring their front end to ground level to eliminate gap) and/or are equipped with ramps rather than on-board lifts.
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GUIDELINES FOR UNIVERSAL DESIGN The following principles describe guidelines for universal design developed by the Center for Universal Design (1995), whose web page listed in the additional references illustrates applications. The guidelines offer criteria to use in design, or in evaluating designs: Simple and intuitive use: Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the users experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level. Equitable use: The design does not disadvantage or stigmatize any group of users. Perceptible information: The design communicates necessary in- formation effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the users sensory abilities. Tolerance for error: The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended fatigue. Flexibility in use: The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities. Low physical effort: The design can be used efficiently and comfortably and with a minimum of fatigue. Size and space for approach and use: Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use, regardless of the users body size, posture, or mobility. Henry Dreyfuss Associates (1993) provides a number of templates for ergonomic analysis of hand and body for design of furniture and environmental settings.
Accessibility standards have simplified this overwhelming diversity down to three main groups of conditions shown below with the related component of the environment. By understanding the physical implications of these broad groups of disabling conditions designers can understand the criteria in the building codes and standards. Sensory impairments: Design of information systems. This includes vision, hearing and speech impairments including total and partial loss of function and leads us to the design recommendation for redundancy of communication media to insure that everyone can receive information and express themselves over communication systems. For example, reinforcing both lighting and circulation cues, way finding can be enhanced. Or by 49
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providing both audible and visual alarms, everyone will be able to know when an emergency occurs. Dexterity impairments: Design of operating controls and hardware. This includes people with limitations in the use of their hands and fingers and suggests the closed fist rule, testing selection of equipment controls and hardware by operating it with a closed fist. In addition, this addresses the location of equipment and controls so that they are within the range of reach of people who use wheelchairs and those who are of short stature. Mobility impairments: Space and circulation systems. This includes people who use walkers, crutches, canes and wheelchairs plus those who have difficulty climbing stairs or going long distances. The T-turn and 5 ft. (1.52 m) diameter turning area provide key plan evaluation criteria here. These concepts and the accessible route of travel insure that all people have accessible and safe passage from the perimeter of a site to and through all areas of a facility
Universal design reviews undertaken at critical early and evolving phases of the design process are opportunities to improve any design, eliminate errors, improve its user friendliness and at the same time involve and thus satisfy the special needs of owners and occupants of the resulting building. Because no one person can anticipate all possible perceptions and needs, a design should be given broad discussion and review, with input from many points of view. Designers must listen to and hear from perceptive spokespeople who can articulate the needs and response People of all stages of life, from the point of view of the youngster whose eye level is half that of adults to elders and others who have difficulty with mobility, lighting distractions and disorientation at transition points in a building. Wheel-chair users and people with other physical differences, which can be a common as left- and right-handedness. People with visual and aural impairments. Persons who maintain and service our buildings, carrying heavy loads or other potential impediments to safe travel. All people under conditions of emergency.
This requir es that the process of universal design be broadly representative, user responsive and participatory. Because many lay persons cannot visualize actual conditions from plans or drawings, universal designing reviews may require alternative media including three- dimensional models, virtual reality simulations, and, in some cases, full scale mock up prototypes, whereby all can experience, critically evaluate and offer ways to 50
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improve a design in process. The more diverse the group, the better. It is only in this way that designers can keep up with and come to understand how our changing culture will be using our environments and products in the 21st century.
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CHAPTER 4: CASE STUDIES This study aims to know about the parliament buildings and architectural features of it. The absence of similar designed building complex within Nepal made it absolute necessity to study similar building located at other countries. However, for sake of understanding of contextual need and issues , the case studies of existing adaptively reused parliament and supporting structures has been studied . In addition to that, study of prosed Rastriya Panchayat building and recently proposed parliament building by government has also been included. OBJECTIVES OF STUDY - To understand functional and spatial relationship in parliament - To understand parliament buildings response to the context. - To study circulation and planning in parliament - To study issues and challenges in design problem
SELECTION CRITERIA The study of examples of the parliaments is done regarding different criteria. The criteria are the location of the site , the form , the context and design idea of the complex.
The following case studies have been done which are categorized in terms of context and functional need: 1. Local context. 1.1 Existing parliament in singhadurbar 1.2. Government proposed Parliament 1.3. International convention center 2. Regional context 2.1 National Assembly , Dhaka 2.2 Legislative Assembly, Chandigarh 2.3 Vidhan Bhawan , Bhopal 2.4 Parliament library, New Delhi 3. Global context 3.1 Reichstag , Berlin 3.2 Wales Assembly , Cardiff 3.3 Scottish parliament, Edinburg
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4.1. EXISTING PARLIAMENT IN SINGHADURBAR SELECTION CRITERIA: Existing parliament complex and practical application of parliamentary affairs in local context
OBJECTIVES OF STUDY: To understand the existing flow and circulation To understand and study the practical application To understand and study the required spaces for area assessment To interact with the user of parliament complex GENERAL INFORMATION Location : singha durbar, Kathmandu Total site area : 33 ropani Total built up area : 12 ropani Ground coverage : 36% Circulation : different components scattered
FUNCTIONAL SPACES 1. Parliament secretariat 2. Lower house 3. Upper house 4. Party offices 5. Library
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1. PARLIAMENT SECRETARIAT: Secretariat is the vital part of the parliamentary functions. In the parliamentary affairs. The secretariat is main supporting organization which is established under the constitution of the country in order to perform parliamentary tasks, including the operation of legislative procedure, orienting new legislators, providing advice , setting framework for the debates, interpreting and transmitting the opinion of executive to the members and so on. In our context secretariat provides all legislative, administrative , legal and information services . secretariat is headed by general secretary assisted by secretaries and related staff members . it is also responsible for the different permanent and special committees . in present context , 257 staff members work in the secretariat though 343 area available Building description: The secretariat comprises of two new RCC structures and few number of one strorey structure constructed and few number of one storey wooden structures was also present. RCC framed structure is four storey high and has double corridor system with offices on the either side . all the new construction in the area have typical planning but few changes have been done in the interior part for the functional purpose. Provision of two staircase is there in the secretariat building . There are 24 committes which holds office in this complex. In addition to that there is small clinic with provision of doctor and nurse , conference hall for 200-300 people and small printing press
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2. LOWER HOUSE :
The lower house building was originally built for purpose of staging dance and dramas for ranas. Later it was converted into the lower house. It is a neoclassical building with stepped foundation and has the following features. Decorative columns used in exterior Combination of timber and mud brick wall Suspended floor with voids for air circulation and prevention from dampness Consideration of thermal aspects ( thick mud wall) Centrally highlighted pediment
The ground floor today is used for storage purposes the first floor holds the main assembly proceedings . it has capacity of 350-400 parliament members and extra number of VIP guests, public , journalists, government officials, etc provided for the technical personnel for sound recording and for reporting. Middle portion of hall is for parliament members. The side space is for VIP government official , public and press. Artificial lighting has been provided . various entrance have been provided with security check . lobby space is also used as lounge for members as well as for voting purpose of parliament in case any problem occurs during law formulation process. The lobby is between the office area and the hall. Offices for prime minister, speaker , etc. have been provided in this floor . services like drinking water , toilets have been provided .
The building is 107 years old and as such has the following drawbacks Congested and suffocating during the proceedings There was no provision of future growth The layout not appropriate for holding debates Absence of supporting services for example, tv transmission, press box etc. Week structural strength for mass gathering. Lacks adequate lighting , acoustics ,heating and cooling system Security a questionable due to not defined circulation Same entrance for all type of users.
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3. UPPER HOUSE It is two storied framed building with sloping roof, attached to the north of lower house building , although this is new building and the assembly functions have been adopted into this building . similar to the lower house building , here too the ground floor is used for storage . ground floor consists of cafeteria and toilets while the upper floor holds the assembly functions . it has capacity of 60 members . also seats for journalists, diplomats , public , technical personnel .
4. PARTY OFFICES This block holds around party offices of various parties which have representation in parliament. A party office has offices for different leaders and members with meeting area as well. The exiting nature of these building demands proper relocation through proper planning . 5. LIBRARY The beginning of present day parliament library dates back to 1953 when it started as a record keeping section . in 1960 it was changed to advisory assembly and later known as Rastriya Panchayat library until 1990, with the establishment of the parliament the libray was designated as research and library section , opening doors of different acess to research in library operation and information sharing library and information sharing technology. The present library is accessible to all members of parliament officials and officals from various other ministries and researchers that took for different field of studies. Books documents and important information have been computerized since 1991. In general there are about 12000 books in Nepali, English , Hindi and other languages . internet facility for 10 is also present . the library is supported by a total of 3 permanent staff.
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CONCLUSION: The existing parliament complex within singhadurbar is actually an adaptively reused building with some additional temporary wooden structures to meet the needs. Thus there are functional and circulation problems in the complex. Moreover after 2008 AD , the old rana building that was use for assembly purpose wasnt able to hold assembly of constitution assembly and thus had to shifted to ICC,Baneswor. Since then parliamentary assembly were held in Baneswor while secretariat service being held at singhadurbar . this scenario had lead to functional problems and in long run also has affected the working of nation. INFERENCES: The old building could be adaptively reused with well thought of planning. Additional structure should go in harmony with the setting without disrupting the existing flow and circulation. The executive (national secretariat & PMO) is very dominant architecturally inside singhadurbar complex while legislature (parliament building) seems to lost its separate identity in the complex.
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4.2. GOVERNMENT PROPOSALS ON PARLIAMENT BUILDING SELECTION CRITERIA: Government proposed parliament has been briefly studied for requirement assessment. INTRODUCTION: Government came up with plans to proposal to construct new parliament building during in 1970s for the first time when design competition was held for Rastriya Panchayat building which was won by Architect G D Bhatta . All drawings including structural were completed however the project could not be realized due to various factors. After the advent of multiparty democracy , again the need of new parliament building was realized and since then government has been revising the plans of GD bhatta in their proposals to accommodate current needs. SITE Total land area for proposed parliament is 151 ropanis (about 7.75 hectares) and is to be located in the north east end of singha durbar .. The main entrance has been proposed from the north anamnagar side. However it is connected at points to the rest of the premises inorder to have easy and quick acess to and from the ministries. ACESS & CIRCULATION The main entrance has been proposed at the middle of the northern side of the plot. the road leading from it to the parliament building divides both sides equally into beautifully landscaped lawns. there is a circular fountain a bit farther which regulates the incoming and out going traffic . parkings has been planned on either side of the fountain , the capacity of which is about 350. service lanes are from the back side of the building another parking lot for the officialservice and other vehicles have been planned on the back side of the blocks.
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Legislature parliament : Architecture of Democracy, kamerotaar Saurav Shrestha
COMPONENTS Seven major blocks namely 1. maiin assembly hall 2. upper house building 3. library block 4. committee offices block 5. parliamentary party offices 6. secretariat building 7. service units
SECRETARIAT BUILDING it's design concept is compatiable to the existing secretariate building , but bigger in size and accomodates future needs. it is a four storyerd building and its total plinth area is approximately 35000 sq. ft.. LIBRARY It is exactly of the same outer design as that of upper house building and having the same internal dimensions, ground floor of this building comprise of library and reading room hall, restaurant, press room and speaker's office. Computer facilities, documentation rooms and deputy speakers office have been adjusted on the first floor. as this block is caters for both the houses , it has been linked to all the blocks through corridors . General accesses and service accesses have been kept separate to avoid intermingling UPPER HOUSE BUILDING It is also a dome shaped building similar to lower house assembly but smaller in size. it is situated symmetrically and opposite to the library hall. it's floor area is approximately 15500sq.ft. Internal diameter of the plan is 56'0" and ceiling to floor radius is 35 ft. in view of the present as well as future expansion possibility the seating arrangements for MPs have been proposed to be 94 seats. llikewise 220 seats have been provided for general public, 50 for press and journalist , speacial dignitories 30, diplomats 25, governmental officials 25. guests 45 and guests of Mps 45 There are altogether three types of accesses to the main hall. all the accesses are approached by a 12'0" wide corridor which encircles the building all around . one type of acess is exclusively used for MPs . all the main offices , press rooms and rest rooms are in the ground floor under the gallery and are encircled by the same corridor. PARLIAMENTARY PARTY OFFICES The outer facade and size of this building is exactly similar to the parliament committee building . it is situated symmetrically on one side of the main corriodor connecting main assembly hall to the secretariat building. proper working space for almost all national level political parties has been worked out with extra sapce for future requirements. COMMITTEE OFFICE BLOCK Present number of parliamentary comittees of both houses combined is about sixteen. visualising increasing activities of the parliament day by day and subsequent possibility of future increase in number of such committees the new proposed building has been designed to accomodate such committees. It is square shaped four-storeyed building with a sky open courtyard at the centre , 80'x80' size . the total plinth area of this building is approximately 77260sq. ft 59
Legislature parliament : Architecture of Democracy, kamerotaar Saurav Shrestha
ASSEMBLY HALL Main assembly hall is the most dominant among the other blocks and is centrally located . the stricking feature of which is that while fulfilling all the basic requirements and facilities of a modern assembly hall, it relates to buddhist type stupa capped with a nepales style pagoda. It's a circular dome with diameter of 90 ft. it's height is about 50 ft, the well of the hall meant exclusively for seating of MPs has a capacity of 386. it is so designed as to accomodate total members of both the houses during joint session of parliament , which together amounts to 265 at present plus future increase in number of MPs in order to allow clear visiblity of the podium , the well grandally rises backward , after seating rows.The Dias for head of the state has been kept higher and farther than the Dias for speaker and deputy speaker . similarly stand for orator member has been kept a bit lower and closer than the Dias of the speaker . in front of the podium , in the well, space for parliament secretariat has been planned. During session , movement of MPs to and from their respective allocated seats has been made easier . ample space for movement has been kept from behind the seating rows thus not disturbing anyone. Altogether there are 4 accesses to the house , out of which one is exclusively designed for head of the state and the rest for MPs and others. Access to the galleries has been kept separate and the complete flow of all the visitors and that of MPs has been designed to avoid intersections. all the visitors inclusive of dignitaries, VIPs diplomats, invited guests, press and general public have been allocated seats on the gallery SERVICE UNITS These units comprise of generator and boiler house, water treatment pplant , kitchen , stires , offices for marshalls, security guard rooms, cctv control rooms, machine rooms , 24 hour fire preparedness units, medicare units , double storeyed care parking service etc.
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CONCLUSIONS: Government proposed parliament building since the inception of proposal back to 1970s has been attempted to create new Nepalese architecture in modern context. Use of stupa capped with pagoda structure in the assembly hall does expresses it architecturally. However with time, after series of revision it has opted neoclassical addition around the assembly hall to relate with context of neoclassical edifice of singhadurbar complex. Series of government proposals also justifies the need of parliament complex in Nepal. INFERENCES: Parliament building should meet all the functional requirements of present and should also be flexible enough to meet the future needs of atleast around 50 years Need of national representation is ever present in case of national building as such.
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4.3. CASE STUDY ICC COMPLEX, NEW BANESWOR
SELECTION CRITERIA: Existing assembly functions are held in main hall of this complex.
OBJECTIVES: - to understand circulation and flow system - to understand technical details of acoustics in halls - to understand and study practical application of assembly hall
INTRODUCTION: ICC is a center with three storied structure and open spaces designed to serve the excellent business, professional and government leaders by combing modern efficiency with traditional Nepalese hospitability. It is the best-equipped venue in Nepal. It was constructed with aid given gratis by the Peoples Republic of China. It was built in 1993 A.D. ICC is the ideal venue for international conventions, seminars, exhibitions and concerts
SITE & SURROUNDING LOCATION Located at New Baneshwor, BICC stands by the main 14m wide highway in the south and is close to Tribhuwan International Airport in the east, and near the Everest Hotel in the east. It is also easily accessible from all parts of the valley.
DESCRIPTION There are three entrances on the surrounding wall of BICC. The main gate is in the south and the two gates in the west side are for the use of logistic personnel and the transportation vehicles in and out. On the back, there are garages and offices for the use of management personnel. Main building comprises of three parts: Auditorium in the middle, medium sized 62
Legislature parliament : Architecture of Democracy, kamerotaar Saurav Shrestha
hall, small meeting rooms and VIP chamber in the east and Multi- functional Hall in the west. There are seven large, medium and small size halls in the complex. The main auditorium with 1201 sq. m. area holds 1044 seats that are available for 80 countries representatives. The main purpose of the Hall is to host international conference and can be used for theatrical performances and movies as well. The auditorium is also assisted by lounges and other facilities such as bank, post office, bar, small shop, phone booth. The multi-functional hall with an area of 480 sq. m. serves for medium sized International conference, banquet and exhibitions. It is provided by 250 sets of moveable chairs and tables arrangement or 450 seats in chair arrangement. There are two seminar halls each with a capacity of 100 and 200 removable seats. The VIP chamber is comprised of five rooms where the national leaders can receive foreign guests. The two sides of the main building in the first floor are lounges and offices for the journalists. On the second floor is the exhibition hall with an area of 308 sq.m . For all kinds of exhibition purpose.
Entrance foyer peakers dlas ln maln hall Multifunctional hall Small auditorium VIP chambers/ lounge Sound control exteriors Landscape Sound control interiors 63
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SERVICES The parking lot that can hold more than 400 vehicles flanks the main building. The affiliated construction include substation, freezing plant , boiler , underground fuel depot ,water treatment plant , water storage pool, pump house , water tower , guard house . The A/C rooms are at the backside of the stage at basement. All 15 air- conditioning systems inside the main building consists of 17 large A/C equipment and 52 sets of ventilation units to meet the requirement of sending cool or warm air to kept the inside temperature at 24-26 Centigrade in summer and 20-22 Centigrade in the winter . The cooling source is from the freezing plant, which comprises four centrifugal cold- water generators. The A/C pipes are all insulated by glass wool with aluminum foil. All public offices, communal, pantry, toilets and store rooms are equipped with warn air supply originating from hot water generated by two boilers. .The underground fuel storage, which has an area of 2 x 15 cu. m., is enough for five days consumption of the boilers. There are soundproofing doors, double layered windows glass and silencers for the A/C and freezing equipment rooms to prevent the noise transmission. BICC takes advantage of city water supply with UV ray sterilization and special medical treatment for purifying the water. It has four underground water tanks with capacities of 2x250 T and 2x400t respectively, a water tower with volume of 50 sq. m. and at the height of 30m., an underground pump house with 11 sets of water pumps and capacity of 285.5 cu.m/day. The water towers and tanks are automatic monitored. All hot water pipes are copper pipes or G.I. Pipes. The sewerage and downspout system adopts current diversion.
Heating and cooling units in service block Service blocks & water tank 64
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MATERIAL AND TECHNOLOGY The main hall of the BICC is equipped with simultaneous interpretation system of six languages from which the representatives can freely choice. Voting and impromptu speech systems are offered too. For voting, a bottom at the side of the table needs to be pressed and the results of the voting can be shown on the indicating panel in the rostrum, and at same time, the result can be printed in another room. Language tuner and voting system at the chairs of BICC Moveable tables and chairs provide the seminar halls. The rooms are decorated with anti-fire treated silk and wooden wall fabrics. The communal is roofed by porous steel roof truss inlaid with sound absorption board of mineral wool. The walls and floor is covered with reflective granite from Beijing. The main gate at the south can be automatically operated. With reference to the geological and seismic treatment, all structures are designed to bear an earthquake of nine magnitudes in Richter scale. The convention center area is divided into four fire-fighting sections as the entrance hall section, the multi- function hall section and medium and small conference halls sections. Each of this section is separated from the other by fire resistance gates, metallic fire resistance rolling doors and fire resistant walls. It is also equipped by automatic fire alarm and control system. There are ionic smoke sensors in each hall and main rooms, which is capable of indicating the exact place of fire in time. Manual alarm bottoms are installed at some of the exits. The water nozzles, fire hydrants and pumps from the fire control panel are used for fire fighting. Two independent power transmission lines do electricity supply. One is for normal use whereas the other is standby line. Alternative supply of 250 Kw diesel generators is available in case of emergency. The stage and audience seats are equipped with automatic smoke ventilators, which are generally closed. They are opened automatically only by fire alarm system for smoke ventilation. Fire hydrants at maximum intervals of 50m distance are installed at roofs along with fire detective devices, which adopt 68 degree Celsius quarts glass ball sprinklers head.
Office area Granite clad walls Chair with voting & impromptu Desk with votin Sprinkler system with ac inlets 65
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CONCLUSIONS: International convention center is only building in Nepal that can hold conventions of international scale. Currently it is being used by constitutional assembly for parliamentary assembly purpose. Architecturally, the symmetric and monumental building capped with pagoda resembling the tiered temples attempts to represent Nepalese architecture in modern age. It has created itself as one of the landmark building of the town. INFERENCES: The assembly hall and auditoriums should be functional and acoustics design should be taken great care. Need of intermediate and open space as spill out area Services and technical spaces needs to be well designed for proper function
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4.2. CASE STUDY OF NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, DHAKA SELECTION CRITERIA: Similar building situation in regional context Architectural masterpiece by great architect GENERAL INTRODUCTION: Architect Louis I kahn Location Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka Total built up area 40.6 ropani Site area 1710 ropani Ground coverage 2.37% Number of users 900 Circulation Circumambulatory path around assembly hall SITE COMPONENTS The national assembly building is located within the sher-e-bangla nagar. It is located within the site covering 1710 ropani of land . it is not the only building within the site. But shares it along with the following government building and structures namely : 1. Citadel of assembly 2. President square 3. Hostel for ministers 4. Hostel for secretaries 5. Hostels for the members of assembly 6. Dining hall for members of assembly 7. Lake FUNCTIONAL SPACES 1. Entrance hall (common for all) 2. Assembly hall ( 354 seats) 3. Galleries (500 for other people) 4. Press chamber ( 100 people) 5. Meeting room 6. Post office 7. Library 8. Bank 9. Administrative offices 10. Ministers lounge 11. Dining and recreation 12. Ablution court ( for ceremonial washing of hands and face before prayer) 13. Prayer hall
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ARCHITECTURAL EXPRESSION Kahns key design philosophy optimizes the use of space while representing Bangladeshi heritage and culture . External lines are deeply recessed by porticos with huge openings of regular geometric shapes on their exterior shaping the buildings overall visual impact Monumentality: The main characteristic of the national assembly building is its monumentality. The mass of concrete lined with marble strips, the outer wall punctuated by pure geometric openings and the dominating circular and rectangular concrete masses impart a supreme monumentality to the building quite suited to its noble function. form and shape : octagonal shape with eight sectors eight octagonal outerblock and ninth inner block which forms assembly itself. planning : Consists of nine individual blocks : the eight peripheral blocks rise to a height of 110 while central octagonal block rises to a height of 155. All nine blocks include different groups of functional spaces and have different levels, interlinked horizontally and vertically by corridors, lifts, stairs, light courts and circular areas. circulation : seven storied high ambulatory , with light coming from the roof, surrounds the assembly hall like circumambulatory path around the deity. Elaborate circulation system with series of different types of stairs. Landscape and plaza : The building has a waterbody of artificial lake touching its walls on all sides and the north and south plaza tie it to the site. The edifice appears to rise out of water Approach : The approach is through grand plaza on the south and through presidential square from the north with gardens of green grass and eucalyptus trees. The northern approach has an amphitheater where state functions are held. Further north across the north plaza there is a road by the side of crescent lake
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MATERIALS & CONSTRUCTION It is made of Rough shuttered fair faded cement concrete inlaid with bands of white marble which also masks the construction joints .Other buildings like hostels etc are made of reinforced brick masonry bearing wall constructionCement marble and aluminium hardwood for windows and external internal planning . there is not a single column in the building. It is like concrete mass carved and sculptured into a superbly functional entity . the construction material used is concrete and cast concrete forms both interior and exterior. LIGHTING THE SPACES Lighting has been achieved by combination of diffused natural light and artificial light; light from the roof illuminates different spaces including the circulation spaces. CLIMATIC CONSIDERATION The building is not only protected from sun and rain but circulation of air is also ensured by the huge geometric openings at the outer faade in the form of triangles , rectangles , full and segmented circles and flat arches. It avoided conventional method of placing windows in the exterior and disadvantage of monumental composition was removed by provision of core walls with small gaps in between.
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CONCLUSION: 70
Legislature parliament : Architecture of Democracy, kamerotaar Saurav Shrestha
National assembly building is one of the masterpiece of master architect Louis I Kahn. The principled design with monumental appearance, symmetry, geometric clarity and enormous scale along with interplay of lights on interiors with mass and voids .It is one of the mega structure in the region and architectural masterpiece that has and will inspire generation of architects. National assembly building is still functioning well despite some climatic problems. Though architect has made climatic consideration some problems still exists . Moreover due to use of concrete as material, The maintenance cost is high and due to monumental scale there are acoustic problems inside .
INFERENCES: Has successfully given a contemporary image to the capitol of Bangladesh . It incorporated different functions within one complex. By virtue of its unique and great architecture , it has created an overall awareness of innovation composition and design in the country. Since all the materials for construction were imported there has been cost overrun in maintenance . Extensive use of concrete in the assembly has resulted fungus growth due to hot , humid climate.. Maintaining constant illumination by achieving a balance between the artificial and natural has been a problem. Echoes and reverberation have been cited problematic in the chamber due to shape of space and lack of sound absorbing materials. Intricate vertical and horizontal arrangements including the complex circulation has been confusing to some
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4.3. CASE STUDY VIDHAN BHAWAN, CHANDIGARH
SELECTION CRITERIA: Similar building situation in regional context Expression of aspiration of Modern India in architecture
OBJECTIVES OF STUDY: To understand the flow, circulation and functional spaces To understand and study the design ideas in manifestation of national aspirations GENERAL INTRODUCTION: Architect : Le Corbusier Location : Chandigarh Site area : 100 hectares Master plan: asymmetric symbolic Circulation : circumambulatory path around the assembly hall SITE: The capitol complex is situated at the foothills of the shivalik hills. the master plan is assymetrical in nature. Its main components are the secretariat , the assembly hall and the high court , the governers palace and other monuments. Later the governers palace was converted to museum of knowledge . pedestrian and the vehicular movement are segregated by arranging the site in two levels i.e , the pedestrian plaza and the roads and the parking areas, pools are provided in the complex for the cooling and recreational purpose . ramps are provided for the people of different buildings which also enhance the beauty of the building and good view can be experienced while walking
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PLANNING: All the legislative proceedings are conducted here. The hall has the square plan and is located opposite the high court across 400m wide capitol plaza. The building has square planning but the main hall has circular planning. The offices are spread on the three sides of the building .The entrance portico is at fourth side facing the high court. FORM: The assembly chamber is in the form of the hyperbolic shell and is surrounded by a ceremonial space. The circulation space in the building is of a triple height columned hall and is for the informal meetings and the discussion. On the roof we can see three distinct interrelated parts , they are a hyperbolic shell , a pyramid and a lift tower . the hyperbolic shell is designed for illuminating the assembly hall and the pyramid for the council chamber. The hyperbolic form is derived from the cooling tower of the Sabarmati power plant in Ahmedabad. The interesting form of the hyperbolic shell indicates the importance of the assembly in the democratic country.
MATERIALS: In the complex the buildings are constructed mainly with the reinforced concrete which can be regarded as the style of master architect le Corbusier. The buildings are constructed with framed structure system. Different treatment had been done in the building for their aesthetic and functional purpose
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DESIGN CONCEPTS: Master plan conceived as analogous to human body with clearly defined head (the capitol complex). The rest of city divided into 4 zones i.e., political, industrial, commercial and educational Le Corbusier acknowledged Indias spiritual and artistic tradition without lapsing into superficial imitation or ornamentalisation of Indias culture, its root, myth and meanings then transforming the substructures into modern symbolic forms. Conceptually the building was designed as horizontal rectilinear structure square in plan with a monumental front portico. On the urban level, the portico sets the dialogue with the corresponding entrance to the justice palace on axis with the assembly across the main plaza. Separate patterns of use: Separate entrance for principal users i.e Legislators, Office workers and Public visitors. Symbolically assembly represents a coming together of all citizens in practice , however building seems an elaborately contrived means of keeping them separated. - Evenson Architecture within architecture Design of assembly came out of desire to establish a set of relationship across space between symbolic elements Architecture not restricted to an entrance nor to a faade but to the functions of the program and to a very last space within the building itself. The two legislative chambers i.e curvilinear assembly hall & pyramidal governors council enclosed within as free standing structure within rectilinear shell. Legislative chamber lie with an enclosed interior space , the forum, which is bounded by three sides by 4 storey office blocks. The forum was designed not only as a circulation area for various building users but also as a space for delegates to hold informal meetings and discussion.The forum was designed not only as a circulation area for various building users , but also as a space for delegates to hold informal meetings and discussion. Silhouette against mountains and the sky Architect has attempted to relate / combine public iconography with an abstraction permitting several layers of reading and a formal presence and the Real impact of complex lies in rather in the relation of building masses to one another and to distant mountains.
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Breaking through the roof lines Upper portion of the assembly chamber (contained with hyperboloid) and the pyramidal skylight of the governors council were allowed to extend beyond the roofline .The breaking of the silhouette of the building and adding the structural elements to the roofline which then play against the jagged forms of surrounding mountains. Additionally a small maintenance tower with Access Bridge was added in order to service the skylight atop the assembly chamber Unity in concrete: One single material employed i.e RCC.Concrete chosen because it was cost effective as labor was cheap in India and establishes bold forms sensitive to the light and shade gives the building quality of ancient building. Small bas-reliefs of animal , abstract designs and the modular figure are found in the concrete columns of the portico and other wall surface. Symbolic forms: The portico of the building was meant to reassemble a section of aqueducts resting on its support while the hyperboloid assembly chair reflects the shape of industrial cooling tower.3 office facades kept simpler in order to contrast with the rest of the building Protecting the building from harsh sunlight: Vertical concrete fins (brise-soliel) are used to shade the interior of the 3 office buildings. In contrast the two assembly chambers are lit with skylights (side lighting vs. top lighting)The roof of the hyperboloid is penetrated by 3 openings which are meant to let direct light in on particular days (equinox, solstice)There is also some artificial lighting equipments in the top portion. The forum is meant to be a dark artificially lit hall leading to the bright and colorful assembly chambers. Naturally ventilated There is no central heating or air conditioning in any of the buildings. Cross ventilation is created by the portico with its inverted shell the parasol An overhanging protective roof held up on slender supports providing shade and protection from rain and sun. The pools of water and landscaping help to cool the interior. The upper part of the hyperboloid does contain some ventilating equipment. Despite these efforts, the building is ill ventilated . the concrete absorbs and retains heat. Leaving the offices and court room hot in summer and cold in the winter. Climatic consideration in terms of hot breezes and monsoons also not considered
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CONCLUSIONS: The legislative assembly of Chandigarh was designed as main building of the city of Chandigarh. Master architect le Corbusier was commissioned for design to meet the vision of then Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru who focused on creating modern city with modern architecture without any trace of past. Thus architect has taken modern form into use in case of assembly building as well. The climatic consideration has been prime focus and similarly symbolic references are made to relate with democracy and people.
INFERENCES: Unlike general perception of need of national iconic representation, the parliament building can take also take representation of aspiration as its main focus. Climatic consideration in working areas can lead to successful design however the concrete sun shading devices hasnt worked as it has been anticipated due to retention of heat by concrete. Symbolic references with use of light and interplay of mass and void can also be another design perspective
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4.4. CASE STUDY VIDHAN BHAWAN, BHOPAL SELECTION CRITERIA: Similar building situation in regional context Distillation of ancient architectural heritage in contemporary usage. OBJECTIVES OF STUDY: To understand and study the flow, planning and circulation of similar building situation. To understand and study the design evolution and concepts involved. GENERAL INFORMATION: Architect: Charles Correa Location: Arera hill. Bhopal Total site area: 85000sq.m Total ground floor area: 11000sq.m Total built up area: 32000sq.m Ground coverage: 13% No of users: 366 SITE LOCATION: The site chosen for the building is indeed a monumental one. It is in the center of the Capital Complex, at the highest point on Arera Hill, overlooking the city of Bhopal. It is obvious that the shape of the building needs to reflect this unique location, with a form that is "Readable" from many different vantage points. Such clarity is difficult to achieve on this site with square or rectangular forms since the angle of the main access road is not constant, but swings considerably in relation to the building. Thus was gradually developed the circular form. The Arera Hill is flanked by a large lake on one side and greenery on the other. Other government buildings are down the hill on the lakeside whereas government residences are behind the green zone. The buildings site is cleared but there is an old template in a distance.
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FUNCTIONAL SPACES
1 Upper house 2% 2. Lower house 6.5% 3. Combined hall 4% 4. Library 7% 5. Speaker of the house office 2% 6. Chief secretary & staff offices 9.5% 7. Chief minister office 1% 8. Ministers and PA offices 13 % 9 Services and utilities 6.5% 10.Circulation area 48.5%
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DESIGN CONCEPTS: The building although designed on contemporary base uses traditional architecture as well. Use of local material also makes it an outstanding blend of contemporary and traditional architecture. The building features various philosophical features from traditional, mythological to contemporary. Navagraha Concept is one of them. It divides the whole building into nine blocks on the basis of nine planets according to Hindu mythology. The same way, plan of Vidhan Sabha is divided into nine blocks and each block is defined by use and purpose. The shape of building being circular incorporates another philosophy. The architect has given a hierarchy to the shape starting from shape of earth, then shape of parliament and as the legislative assembly comes below; it is also given a circular shape. The resemblance of shapes in hierarchy would easily relate the building to a democratic structure. The plan of building being circular is derived from conceptual and mythological theories. According to Hindu mythology, the earth is considered to be resting on Sheshnag; the same is symbolized in Vidhan Bhavan. If we have a look at plan of the building and imagine it to be elevation, then the building would symbolize earth and pond attached to it would symbolize Sheshnag. This would give a feeling of earth resting on Sheshnag. As already mentioned, the building is a blend of traditional and contemporary philosophies. The traditional and mythological philosophies like Navagraha Concept and Earth on Sheshnag are incorporated brilliantly in the building. But, even after the strong application of mythological philosophies, the contemporary philosophies do not lose their existence. One of these is building within building. The Vidhan Bhavan itself is an independent and functioning unit but due to open spaces, the building instead of a whole looks as if divided into blocks. So to make these blocks bind in form of a building a boundary is provided at its circumference. This makes the building look like placed into another building, the philosophy of using two buildings one in one is termed by the architect as building within building. A similar philosophy garden within garden is also applied. A few courtyards are provided inside the building for sitting. Because these sitting spaces are open to air, they can be termed as floored gardens. Also, the building is surrounded by garden on all sides hence the architect terms these spaces as garden within garden.
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PHILOSOPHY AND HISTORIC REFERENCES: Blue ribbon from Gwalior fort : The exterior of Gwalior fort is marked with lines made of blue ink. This is used in Vidhan Sabha Bhavan to associate it with skyline and give an outline to the building. The Gwalior fort being witness of victories and celebrations share these characteristics with Vidhan Sabha Bhavan dome from sanchi stupa Sanchi Stupa, a very famous and known structure has a hemi-spherical dome at top. This dome represents the earth surface. The Stupa is symbol of Lord Buddha which resides on the top of dome. Hence, in a way it represents heaven or god above earth covering it. The dome is used in Vidhan Sabha Bhavan to represent god covering earth or heaven above earth. courtyard pattern from Islamnagar The forts of Islamnagar have arched gateways leading to three palaces; Chaman mahal, Rani mahal & Gond mahal. Rani mahal has square garden, Chaman mahal has charbagh with pools, fountains and hamams. The same hamam pattern is used in courtyard of Vidhan Bhavan which is connected by four pathways. Ghats at shipra river from ujjain Ghats at Shipra River which crosses past Ujjain have a very interesting flow pattern. The same flow pattern is used in steps of public courtyard which goes up and down from end to end. This associates the public courtyard to Shipra River and the entering public feels as if walking along the river. bhil painting Bhil paintings are made by the tribes of Madhya Pradesh. Using these in the Vidhan Bhavan would associate the building to the people of the state. Also the general public entering the building would feel closeness with the building and the paintings would give a traditional touch to the building. Narmada River Narmada River has always served Madhya Pradesh for its water needs. It can be considered the lifeline or mother goddess of the state. In the building, a statue of Narmada is standing in the pond of Madhya Pradeshs shape. The hairs of statue are untied which signifies flow and progression. A crocodile is also shown signifying submergence. Overall, the use of Narmadas statue in the building reminds every one of the gifts endowed to the state and how the river has helped Madhya Pradesh in its progress. Drainage system of Mandu Mandu has always been a place of pride for Madhya Pradesh. The fort of Mandu is known very much for its architecture and excellent drainage system. The same drainage system is used in Vidhan Bhavan because of its beautiful pattern and brilliant efficiency. The use of drainage system in building would relate the building with higher efficiency and beauty in every aspect.
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DESIGNING AND PLANNING The program for the State Legislative Assembly specifies four main functions: the Vidhan Sabha (Lower House), the Vidhan Parishad (Upper House), the Combined Hall and the Library. It also contains a host of other facilities: offices for 70 State Ministers (together with their supporting office staff), Committee meeting rooms, office suites for the Speaker of the house and his staff, offices for the Opposition Parties, for the Chief Secretary of the Government, for the Chief Minister and Cabinet Room, as well as Cafeterias and Common Rooms for the Members of the Legislative Assembly, the Administration and the Security Staff, etc. These requirements have to be organized so as to provide independent access to three separate categories of users: the Legislators, the VIPs, and the General Public- who, for reasons of the security, need to have an independent path. The building is located on a hill in the center of Bhopal. Since the main access road is not axial, but swings towards the site in a rather casual manner, the plan of the building developed as a circle, so that it could have an autonomous unity and presence, regardless of the direction from which one approached it. This circular form was reinforced by other cultural and historical references as well- i.e., the Parliament Building in New Delhi, and the earliest Buddhist Stupa nearby at Sanchi.
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The Vidhan Bhavan is divided into nine compartments of squares each enclosing in it a pattern of gardens within gardens. The five Central squares form hall and courtyards which are not only assemblage points but also house the various offices of the Vidhan Bhavan Secretariat and support services which a legislature need. The four corner squares are occupied by structures given over to specialized function. I.e. the Vidhan Sabha or Lower House, the Vidhan Parishad or upper House, the combined hall for joint session of both houses and any other non- Legislative function which might be organized by the Vidhan Bhavan and a cabinet room and the offices of the Chief Minister and other Ministers. Entry to the building is through three main gates or 'dwars', one for people at large through the kund, one for member of the legislature and minister and one for the Speaker of the House. There is also a smaller entrance for the Chief Minister and Ministers attending cabinet meeting. The whole building is circular in shape of 140m diameter, located at a height of 573.25m from sea level. It is centrally air-conditioned and divided into six sectors. Building consist of a hall for legislative council in addition to the legislative assembly situated in sector 1, having seating capacity of 90 members. It has facility of official galleries, media galleries and visitors galleries. It is 20 m. high, square in plan having roof of space truss. It has facility of natural light. Its furniture is made of sadar wood. The assembly hall formerly had capacity for seating 366 members, which after separation of Chattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh was reduced to 250. Next to the assembly hall are chambers of speaker, deputy speaker and secretary of Vidhan Sabha. A central hall; 11m high and 10000ft2 in areas is located in sector 4 at center of the building with roof resting over four pillars. The hall is center point of the building and is a connector of all four directions and has excellent settings for natural light. Bank, post office, railway reservation counter and ayurvedic clinic are in vicinity to the central hall. 82
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MATERIALS Faade-White and colored Indian marble, granite, Red sand stone and local red stone Walls - Bricks, Cladding - Dholpur sandstone Paints - Polyurethane paints Borders - Hand made ceramic tiles Plastering - Cement plaster for Acoustics and insulation - Gypsum and cement particle boards Roof RCC, transparent polycarbonate sheets Skylight Fiber glass CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY Foundation of the whole complex is made from reinforced concrete cement. The structural system used is framed structure and structural elements are: Cast in situ RCC frame structure, Slabs, beam, column , Domes, Shell roofs, Flat slabs Cast in situ reinforced concrete construction is used for construction. All material testing done on site. Concrete pouring, form work, reinforcement fabrication done at site manually. All the other works like plumbing, electrical, HVAC executed at site with manual labour.
CONCLUSION Vidhan Bhawan of Bhopal is another architectural landmark by architect Charles Correa. Architect has been successful enough to represent Madhya Pradesh with philosophical and historical references. Application of ancient Vedic architecture in terms of modern context was a great challenge and design has indeed surpass that challenge and created itself as a new edifice that identifies with Madhya Pradesh. INFERENCES: Various historical references of various places could be used and combined in one form in design concepts for representation. Ancient architectural tradition can also be used in modern approach to create distinct architectural style
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4.5. CASE STUDY PARLIAMENT LIBRARY, NEW DELHI SELECTION CRITERIA: Similar building situation in regional context
OBJECTIVES OF STUDY : To understand design process of similar building To foresee challenges and issues of regional context To understand ways to represent ideals of national identity and democracy via design
INTRODUCTION: Architect : Raj Rewal associates Location : New Delhi Site area : 39916sq.m Ground floor area : 13.380sq.m Total area coverage : 60460sq.m
The building contains basic library functions, parliamentary services and related facilities over four floors, two of them below ground. All public spaces on the upper floors are covered by structural lattices of different patterns, surmounted by shallow bubble domes that create a sculptural landscape on the roof. Inspirations from ancient temples and palaces have been distilled into a contemporary vocabulary that is shaped and textured by the memory of places and the geometry of latticework.
SITE AND SURROUNDINGS:
The Parliament Library of India is located at the heart of Lutyens urban design for New Delhi, to the northwest of Bakers Parliament House. Within the imposing context of imperial edifices, an implicit expectation was to embody a message of cultural identity and vigour and to represent the democratic ideals of an independent India. Responding to the Parliaments giant colonnade, the Library features a meticulously ordered cluster of circular forms, organized cross-axially, and configuring an incomplete square.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION : The complex has four levels, two above and two below ground. The upper floors contain public functions and atrium spaces; the basement floors are mainly for library stacks, archives and services, including underground parking for 212 cars. Each of the major functions has its own legibility, and can be identified by a domical roof. Outer ring (clockwise, starting with VIP Entrance) Bureau of Parliamentary Studies (BPST), Scholars Library, Auditorium, Reception/Cafeteria above, Digital Library/Museum, Press Centre Inner ring (clockwise, around the Focal Centre): MPs Reading Room, Research and Archives (two spaces), Committee Room/Banquet Hall above 84
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DESIGN CONCEPTS
1. Response to user requirements: The complex has three main components: Library functions a main reading room equipped with modern facilities; audio-visual and digital library; microfilm reader room; reference, research and computer divisions; conservation laboratory for restoring old and rare documents; bindery unit and archival room with temperature below freezing point Parliamentary functions the Bureau of Parliamentary Studies and Training (BPST), Library Committee Room, Parliament Museum and Archives; a Media Centre equipped with telecommunication facilities, press and public relations and press briefing room Meeting halls lecture and conference rooms; a 1,100-seat auditorium as well as a small auditorium with multi-media facilities
3. Response to physical constraints The site posed difficulties in terms of volumetric constraints imposed by Bakers Parliament building: the height restriction, and the relation to an introvert circular form. The problem was solved wisely. To use the architects metaphor, the Library speaks to the Parliament as a guru gives advice to the king. The building features a cluster of circular and semicircular forms organized cross-axially, configuring an incomplete square. Both the Parliament and Library buildings have triangular sites; in contrast to the formers circular occupation of the triangle, the latter takes up the challenge to square it. The measures differ slightly; the square outline of the Library can be inscribed in the circle of the Parliament.The central hall of the Parliament is virtually linked to the core of the Library on an axis. The VIP entrance of the Library is on this axis, aligned with one of the three main approaches to the Parliament. Apart from this entrance on the southeast facade, the Library is accessed from three more locations. Scholars enter from the southwest, the public from the northwest. The MPs entrance was initially planned from the southwest, next to the VIP entrance, but this 85
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was later moved to the southwest corner next to the car parking for security reasons. The complex is surrounded by high walls, so there are only limited views of the circular forms from the adjacent roads.
4. purely formal aspects: Formal relation with Parliament and other historic buildings: Despite shared formalities and a shared central axis, the Library reverses the order of the Parliament; in contrast to Bakers dense round form, the new complex embodies interplay of open and closed volumes, with a roofline composed of low-profile bubble domes. From the roof garden of the Parliament, a dramatic landscape of domical forms complements the silhouettes of high masonry domes nearby. Viewed from this level, the Parliament and other stately buildings appear less domineering and much more accessible. Reconciliation of orthogonal and circular plans: The difficulty raised by the different geometries of the lower and the upper structures is resolved by making the square forms diagonally along the perimeters. This formal articulation helps reduce roof spans, break up the mass of the exterior, and maximize exposure to the outside so as to bring more daylight and natural ventilation into the volumes. Harmony of parts and the whole: A complex sense of unity is attained, with parts contributing to the harmony of the whole. Circular forms are connected by a continuous, curvilinear entablature carried by slender columns detached from the mass on the outer periphery (steel columns clad with sandstone). Inspirations and influences: Critics analyzing the building have written most eloquently on the models that the Library draws on. Setting aside deferential gestures to the surrounding classical buildings. The plan typology, where the central core is set among courtyards, owes a debt to the Jain temple Adinatha in Ranakpur and the Datia Palace in Madhya Pradesh. The former especially sets an example with its use of natural light filtered through the open spaces between a central block and the surrounding mass. The most obvious influence is the cosmological diagram of the Mandala; other references (Adinatha, Datia and Taj Mahal) share in fact the same point of departure. The atriums and staircases are likened in many ways to the octagonal underground shafts of the medieval step-wells of Adalaj in Gujarat. The stone balustrades around their galleries are reminiscent of the austere railings of the Buddhist stupas of Sanchi 5. Symbolic references Light is the defining theme of the project, symbolically representing the spirit of wisdom, enlightenment and democracy. Eyes are drawn upward, the architect observes, Fostering the sense of enlightenment with a secular light. The courtyards are meant to represent the various tenets of democracy. The court with the amphitheatre is symbolic of the liberty of thought and expression. The court with the Ahilyabai statue has a large tree symbolic of justice. The court with the pool enjoys the water element, traditionally symbolizing equality of status and opportunity. The profusion of such symbolism is engrained in Indian culture, both ancient and contemporary. The round form of the Parliament, for instance, is widely recognized as a symbol of national unity, while the positioning of its assembly hall as a central element represents the peoples power. Likewise, the composition of the Library in multiple focal points is found to be inherently pluralistic. With its low-lying, horizontally spaced complex, the Library is said to have replaced imperial grandeur with the ethos of a democratic republic. The visual connection of the building with the neighboring state buildings via the roof garden is emblematic too, given the symbolism of the garden as 86
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among the first spaces devoted to knowledge, learning, meeting and exchange of ideas. The open corner of the plan has given rise to multiple interpretations. Giordano Tirani sees deliberate intention to evoke incompleteness in the western angle of the building for instance, while for Arun Rewal it is a means to allow research and archives to encroach on the outside. Why the absolute composition is abandoned at one corner is open to argument. Besides the obvious withdrawing of the building from the existing trees, one may observe the expansion of the Scholars Library at the ground level, so that it unites with the inner core functions, and the resulting visual confrontation of the Scholars Library with the auditorium.
ARCHITECTS DESIGN INTENTIONS
To address its urban context and relate harmoniously to the adjacent Parliament building. To invest the building with an appropriate message, expressive of a cultural identity and vigour. To make the new building wholly subservient to the Parliament which had been designed to demonstrate the imperial power of the British, and was loaded with the memories of the colonial past
STRUCTURAL SYSTEM The sub-structure of the Library makes use of innovative foundation systems based on diaphragm walls that go to a depth of 14 metres below ground. The upper structure is a composite system with two distinct parts. The structure of standard floors is a reinforced concrete frame system with coffered concrete slabs, supported by circular reinforced concrete columns. Based on a grid of 1.2 metres, the spans go up to 10 metres in the lower floors, but vary between 15 and 35 metres in the large column-free spaces and atrium voids in the upper floors. Except for the Focal Centre, which is covered by a single glass dome, these spaces are covered by lattices of varying sizes, geometries and structural configurations.
There are five types of structural lattice, each designed to carry a cluster of shallow bubble domes made of lightweight concrete. Spanning five metres each (less in the auditorium), these domes are precast shell structures in fibro-cement, termed fibre-reinforced concrete (FRC) in the engineering reports. The lattices carrying the bubble domes function as subsidiary structures, supported on circular ring beams along the edges of each space. The glass dome on the Focal Centre has no subsidiary lattice structure as such; instead, a delicate open frame structure rests directly on the octagonal ring beam that runs along the edges of the space. There are twelve domical roofs in total, in six variations including
MATERIALS Columns are mostly concrete, except for the detached steel columns around the buildings periphery. The basic infill materials are brick and glass brick.Structural lattices are essentially made of tubular elements, with a combination of steel tubes, solid and hollow steel castings. Volumetric space lattices on larger spaces have high tensile bars in addition. The ring beams that carry the lattices are made of 12.5-millimetre-thick carbon steel pipes of457 millimetres outer diameter. Connected to the lattices by steel plates, these beams rise above the roof level on columns, allowing clerestory walls between the roof structure and the ring beam. The clerestories are generally filled with glass brick, though the central dome has glazed windows and doors providing access to the roof garden Walls and columns: Red/pink and white sandstone is used extensively for wall and column cladding as well as for mullions and patterned sunbreaks (jaali). Rough-cut sandstone surfaces are juxtaposed with finely chiseled bond stones, sills and lintels. Repellent. Interior walls and ceilings: Hand carved sandstone panels five centimeters thick conceal acoustical materials where necessary (for example in the walls and suspended ceilings of the foyer spaces of 87
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the auditorium). The auditorium is finished with thin plates of marble on the walls, and wood on the ceiling. The corridors have suspended metallic ceilings. Bubble domes: The domes are finished externally either in polished sandstone or in granite roof tiles. Interior surfaces are finished with acoustic panelling in terracotta or wood, in the form of tiles or battens. Types of wood used in the ceilings include Burma teak, Sheesham teak and cedar. The glass dome: The glazing over the Focal Centre consists of four layers of glass, combined in two pairs with an air gap in between: i) 13 millimeter heat-reflective laminated safety glass (comprising 5 millimeter heat-reflective glass and 8 millimeter clear float glass); ii) 6 millimeter laminated safety glass (comprising two layers of 3 millimeter clear float glass). Floor finishing and pavements: Marble is the prime material indoors, each space having varied floor patterns inscribed with different colors of marble. CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY Foundations: The diaphragm walls of the foundation were lowered and anchored to the bedrock by prestressed inclined rock anchors that enclose the periphery and retain the earth outside. Basements were also anchored with rock anchors to counter the uplift thrust due to high water- table. Steel lattices and bubble domes: Stainless steel pipes in a double- curved shape were made by a specially designed press located at the site. Steel castings were made for all the nodes of the ring beam and the lattice structures (a total of 348 different castings). To obtain high- performance and durable FRC domes, Larsen and Toubro designed an innovative pan mixer for precise weighing of the ingredients. Concrete was poured by tower cranes; sprinklers ensured non-stop curing. For each bubble dome, different joints (fixed, sliding and free) were provided. After curing, the bubble domes were moved by a tower crane from the yard to the roof and installed directly on the steel tube substructure. The precasting and placement of bubble domes in various locations was a most challenging activity. Glass dome in Focal Centre: The petals of the glass dome were assembled at the rooftop, since no crane could reach that location. The welding and connection to steel casting elements were accomplished using advanced engineering techniques. This dome was a cause of great concern to engineers, because of the heat loads for the air-conditioning system and because the required expertise was not readily available in India. Raj Rewal rejected a proposal to insert aluminium shading devices over the dome. In order to reduce heat gain to acceptable levels, reflective glass in two layers was added on structural glass panels, also in two layers. Stone cladding of columns: All steel and RC columns were encased in sandstone. The production of these composite columns of sandstone and concrete was a technological feat. A huge number of reinforced concrete columns (2,436 columns ranging from 40 to 75 centimetres in diameter) were clad with five-centimetre-thick red sandstone. As the stone had to be carved to a circular profile, with the inner surface rough and the outer surface finished, the contractor had to develop a lathe machine that could process column segments swiftly and efficiently. After the sandstone was carved on these custom-made lathes, it was attached to the concrete columns through a series of circular stainless steel rings. The stone-clad steel structural columns on the periphery of the building were reinforced with steel rods. Stone cladding of walls: Here the architect is said to have re- invented the traditional techniques of masonry construction by inserting a bond stone between alternating bands of cladding.This simple technique enables the stone to become an integral part of the brick infill, increasing its compressive strength and eliminating the need for expensive stainless steel dowels. Stone mullions and window lattice jaalis were done manually.
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. CONCLUSION: Conceived within the Indian tradition, built in a contemporary idiom, the Parliament Library relates quietly to its context - the heart of Sir Edward Lutyens urban design of Delhi. Its external facade, clad in red sandstone, goes in perfect harmony with the setting. Internally, the defining theme is light, admitted through three courtyards and twelve domes. The domes are of various sizes and are constructed of lightweight fiber cement, bright steel lattice and tensile cables, structural glass and glass bricks. A roof garden provides a gathering space for scholars and parliamentarians in the winter, and a thermal barrier in the summer.
INFERENCES: Ancient architecture tradition could be distilled into contemporary ways. Well-designed building can harmonise as well as mould the nature of setting of neighborhood. Unique design solution can be attained by consideration of various factors side by side.
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4.6. CASE STUDY: SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT, EDINBURG
SELECTION CRITERIA Similar building situation in European context. Abstract complexity and philosophical approach in design OBJECTIVES To understand flow, circulation and spatial relationship To understand philosophical approach in architecture INTRODUCTION Architects Enrich Miralles & Benedetta Tagliabue along with their Scottish partner RMJM Scotland won a competition to design a new building for Scottish parliament at holy rood. The team presented a series of charts showing where the design of Parliament: as a leaf and branch, with a strong symbolic meaning. This drew the attention of the jury and led to winning the proposal, although no one term to understand. SITE: The site, of the some 4 acres, with a perimeter of approximately 480m, located 1 km to the east of Edinburgh city Centre, within the UNESCO World Heritage site. It encompasses the former corporate headquarters of Scottish and new castle palace and also the former Queensberry house hospital.The building occupies an area of 1.45 hectares, which is added 1.86 acres of gardens. The building consists of a set of scattered units that form a whole.
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CONCEPT The design has a very strong symbolic basis: one thinks a building that reflects the land on which it arises. The study based its proposal on three points: the Scottish landscape, its people and its culture. That's why it is situated like a small town, with streets and buildings of varying scale, and allowed to go through different feelings while it runs. "we dont want to forget that the scottish parliament will be in edinburg, but will belong to scotland . The parliament should be able to reflect the land it represents. The building should arise from the sloping base of arthurs seat and arrive into the city almost surging out of the rock "- Enrich miralles Miirralles sought to design a parliament building that could represent and present identity. This intractably difficult question was tackled by displacing the question of identity into the language of Scotland. Non heirarchial organic collection of low lying buildings intended to allow views of and blend in with the surrounding rugged scenery and symbolises the connection between nature and the scottish people. The peotic approach with rampant complexity , iconography and layering of meaning and metaphor .
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FUNCTIONAL SPACES 1. PUBLIC ENTRANCE 2. PLAZA 3. POND 4 PRESS TOWERS 5. DEBATING CHAMBER 6. TOWER ONE 7. TOWER TWO 8. TOWER THREE 9. TOWER FOUR 10. TOWER FIVE CANNOGATE BUILDING 11. MAIN STAIRCASE 12. MSPs ENTRANCE 13. LOBBY 14. GARDEN 15. QUEENSBERRY ENTRANCE 16. MSP BUILDING 17. TURF ROOF 18. CAR PARK & VEHICULAR ENTRANCE 19. LANDSCAPE PARK
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The entrance building: Is located to the east. Contains information services (counters), restaurant and shops. The counter is made of wood and banana Scottish oak. Assembly building: Here are located the committee rooms and support services, which resolve most issues. The appearance of this building resembles a Scottish boats moored to the dock. The roofs with overhangs of double curvature, materialized with steel elements, creating an atmosphere in the church roof. Torres assembly: There are four towers in total and around the chamber of deputies. Towers 1 and 2 house parliamentary committees and staff offices. In the towers 3 and 4 provide ministries are located, his staff and the chair of Parliament. Their roofs are shaped like boats. Tower of media: It is located on the corner of Horse Wynd, the Canongate building and debating chamber. A building of 4 floors. The front conforms to boot-shaped pieces made of stone and oak. Canongate buildings: It is earmarked to finance and management offices. The outer wall is precast concrete elements. The building of parliamentarians: 6-storey linear building located in the West. Inside offices are located-cells manufactured with a vaulted ceiling. Each module has 15 m2 and weighs 18 tons. The facade is defined by 114 windows bay window (cantilever and provided with a seat). The form of these is based on the profile of a famous painting by Raeburn. The movement is located to the east, and overlooks a courtyard garden. The structure is concrete.
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STRUCTURE Each space has a different structure. The entrance building, endings are characterized by their high quality concrete and have three domes dotted with crosses (taking the image of the Scottish flag. The columns invade apparently arbitrarily. In the debating chamber, The roof consists of three large wooden trusses with 120 knots, and fabricated stainless steel connectors in Aberdeen especially for the building. The elements comprising the structure are laminated European oak compression elements and stainless steel for the elements in tension. The assembly buildings have been designed in prestressed concrete to get lights for more than 14 m The Canongate building have within a metallic structure. Finally, theMSPs building has MPs in the office sector, prefabricated cells with a vaulted ceiling and the concrete structure movement.
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MATERIALS It is used largely for banana timber Scottish European oak and banana, as well as concrete and stone. Although each sector has materials that characterize them: In the towers of the assembly, using reinforced concrete frames, covered Kemnay granite, from Aberdeenshire. There are decorative panels made of oak and black and gray granite. The roofs are covered with stainless steel. On the west side,the representative office,there are windows of stainless steel. Some of the windows have exterior design with a lattice of oak. In the debating chamber, all based coatings are made from European oak and banana. The western side of the camera has 1000 m2 of laminated glass panels. Each panel has a sheet of banana strips placed in horizontal layers between two glass and shaping the forms that mimic human forms. The furniture was held in banana and oak
CONCLUSION: Scottish parliament has been example of philosophical approach in design process where the architect tried to identify Scotland with use of Scottish material. The shape and form being perceived by upturn boats present in seashores of Scotland. Unique design solution has been obtained in terms of style and expression.
INFERENCES:. The use of local material or setting of the site can also represent the nation. Public space is vital in parliament of democratic society where there must be direct relation between electoral and electorate
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4.7. CASE STUDY OF REICHSTAG, BERLIN
SELECTION CRITERIA: Similar building situation in global context Intervention in existing building to create open publicly accessible structure. OBJECTIVES OF STUDY: To understand relation between public space and parliament To study representation of democratic ideals via architecture INTRODUCTION The Reichstag is a landmark that reflects Germany's history. Built in the 19th century for the purpose of seating Germany's parliament, it suffered the course of time, being mutilated by war and insensitive rebuilding. Having been hated and almost forgotten for four decades, the Reichstag lost its status of separation and instead became a place where reunification would be conceived, after the removal of its immediate neighbor The Berlin Wall. CONTEXT Following the decision to relocate the federal capital from Bonn to Berlin, were initiated various projects for the construction of new buildings to house the headquarters of the main institutions of the country's work was more emblematic of the complete remodeling inside story building, the Reichstag (Parliament German) as well as the restoration of its facade and the construction of a dome with a new modern design, markedly different from the original. 97
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It is one of the main symbols of the new Berlin, capable of communicating in a single glance, that communion between past and present that makes the German capital today to a laboratory for architecture and a true and proper exposure to opencast the dome Reichstag is the result of the ingenuity of Norman Foster, winner in 1993, the international convened with the aim of rebuilding the structure demolished in 1954. While the dome had been completely destroyed, the walls of the Reichstag had remained standing but heavily damaged. Intervention by the architect, responsible for providing new functionality to the entire structure, has been based on a number of points that can be summarized thus: transparency, respect for history and protection of the environment CONCEPT Transparency The principle has been inspiring, in fact, do more publicly accessible government action; of here, the choice of creating a single entry for the public and politicians, and predispose, on the first floor, a wall Glass, with direct view to the halls of parliament. Respect for history: Along with the relationship with the existing building, Foster has chosen to retain some traces of the past, that emerged during the demolition work and leave visible the relationship between new and old, respecting the installation of the original structure. Iconic new dome Completely different from the previous shift is in the new dome, a futuristic structure of glass and steel, inside which two tranches helical lead to an observation area, right in line with the Plenary Hall. SPACES The building has a main hall, 30 meters high, transparent and functional. From the Republic Square can see the west gate of the building. This is the entrance for visitors, that if they're not registered, they come directly to the terrace offering a panoramic view over the surrounding buildings and access to the dome. Nearby, on the north side were erected three buildings complementary, completing what is known as the parliamentary complex. ARCHITECTS INTENTIONS Norman Fosters approach to the Reichstags redesign was sensitive; however pushing the boundaries for a trend setting public building was always the core of his plan. His concept revolved around four key issues. These are his interpretations of them: Parliament: To understand the institute and its inner workings. History: How new should meet old? How scars can record its troubled past and how once revealed could be preserved as a living museum for future generations. Economics: How much will it cost? How can we reduce the running cost and ensure value for money in the long term? Ecology: Environmental control, invest in alternative sources of energy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The following were additional intentions identified: To lighten the spirit of the old heavy Reichstag building To reveal and preserve inscriptions and graffiti on the walls, as they play a key role in depicting the history of the building. To reveal and preserve inscriptions and graffiti on the walls, as they play a key role in depicting the history of the building. To make the building accessible to the public. To transform the Reichstag into an energy efficient building, thereby demonstrating the potential for a completely sustainable, basically non-polluting public building, by adopting new forms of energy supply.
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REDESIGN Transformation process: began with removal of the insensitive 1960s intervention while attention was paid to preserving the buildings 19th century structure and inscription. Avoidance in use of fossil fuels and reliance on use of natural and alternative sources of energy for lighting ventilation and heating. New service installation rely on refined vegetable oil, a renewable biofuel from plants that when burned in a cogenerator produce electricity. Daylight , solar power and natural ventilation facilitate lighting , hot water supply and control the warmth in winter and cooling in summer. Main feature of the design is the dome , which is known as the cupola. Cupola plays a key role in the buildings day lighting and energy efficiency strategies. The cupola which is constructed using modern technology and material , is symbolic of lightening and signifies the renewal of the old Reichstag Lighting is used to enhance the buildings nighttime image. High intensity lamps light up the cupola. On special occasion and german holidays . additional lighting is used to create stricking appearances . Entire roof of the building is demarcated as public space. Restaurants and viewing terraces form part of this space, which leads to the cupola where a spiral walkway leads to the highest viewing platform. The external facades were restored to their original finish.New elements were added to these facades in the form of aluminium fenestration and glass balustrades. These subtly depict how the new meets old and how the lightweight of the new comes through the heaviness of the old. Dome Supported by 12 columns of reinforced concrete, the structure has a diameter of 40 meters, a height of 23.5 meters and a total weight of 1,200 tons. The trunk of cone, which makes "light sculpture" has a lower base of 2.5 meters, while the top measured 16 meters. This endowed, in addition, a mobile screen that moves to prevent the penetration of heat and direct sunlight 99
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CONLUSIONS The Reichstag proved to be a highly successful project on its completion. The buildings popularity as a tourist attraction has increased tremendously. Not only are the tourists impressed by its redesign, but the German Parliament as well, and are extremely grateful for their new healthy working environment. Its architecture of power has been transformed by an architecture of freedom, thereby symbolizing Germanys vision of a democratic society. The Reichstags redesign has a lot of potential, and is now precedent for reuse of existing buildings in future.
DESIGN INFERENCES External facades should be restored to their original finish. This demonstrates sensitivity and respect toward the building. Modern materials and elements can be added to the facades to subtly depict the new coming through the old. Any additions to the building should preferably contrast the original design in terms of form and aesthetics. This illustrates architectures transformation over time, as well as a complementary gesture towards the old building. The buildings original footprint should be reinstated, specifically if previous interventions disrupted the original fabric. Any historical aspects of the building should be retained and preserved for future generations to observe. This conforms to being sensitive and having respect for the building and its past.
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4.8. CASE STUDY OF SENEDD, CARDIFF
SELECTION CRITERIA Similar building situation in global context OBJECTIVES OF STUDY To study public space within parliament building To study design approach INTRODUCTION Senedd, a main public building of national assembly is described as an inspirational and icon for wales. Richard Rogers and partners designed the complex with an approach to create an open space and inviting public space along with secured private areas for government ministers .Openness and transparency is the main idea behind the design while sculpted roof is most striking feature. It's built up area is 4000m2 SITE The existing site was originally part of the bristol channel foreshore some 200m south of the bank that prevents the tidal flooding. Later on these were drained by a system of orthogonal drainage before cardiff first dock the bute ship canal( later known as Bute West dock ) Bute East Dock was built in 1852 . By 1855, the future assembly site has been raised roughly to it's present level as the part of dock land construction which were gradually infilled in 1970s and 1980s.
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CONTEXT International design competition searching for a new building that was to be open and democratic , something that was appropriate for the new millennium. The jury looked at the design from six architects and choose Richard Rogers Partnership's concept. The design was described as symbol of wales looking with confidence to its future and as a new form of democracy of which the whole of wales could be proud of . The jury also stipulated that the building needed to be sustainable, use welsh materials when possible and last at least 100 years. DESIGN CONCEPT Architect's desire for an open building as the main idea behind the design. The building was not to be an insular , closed edifice . Rather it would be a transparent envelope, looking outwards to cardiff bay and beyond making visible the inner workings of the assembly and encouraging public participation in the democratic process. The public spaces were elevated in order to let light into the administrative areas, which connected the "electorate and the elected", The undulations in the lightweight roof define the purposes of the building .The roof line is broken by a wind cowl that naturally ventilates the debating chamber below. This cantilevered rippling roof makes the national assembly building which is of much smaller scale than the buildings around it, seem to hold on its own.
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FORMATION OF THE ROOF ROOF STRUCTURE 3D Animation sequence used to create the roof out of simple geometric forms where five of these undulations of the roof are the same. the sixth one , which supports the bell and lantern structure , is a little bit different . each interior module measures . 12m by 41.5m and the two end modules are 12m by 44m The two main arches of the roof structure are inclined at nearly 45 degrees with an arching ratio of roughly 1:8 to allow the structure to act as an offset tied arch in the transverse direction. The columns at the bottom of the arches help to withstand vertical thrust whereas angled struts that are attached to the arches by offset ties help fight against horizontal thrust. the cantilever of the roof, a distance of up to 15m , is also supported by these angled struts. the size of the building is small enough that the longitudinal members that form undulating roof can just span form arch to arch. the longitudinal members are all straight simply supported beams.
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STRUCTURE A series of pre stressed rods give the roof lateral stability. The braced roof structure performs as a diaphragm to shift lateral loads to stability members. the loads from the facade of the building are supported by " a series of props at the top of the facade mullions" that connect to the stability structure. the structure of the roof and facade and it's structure are independent of each other as they are separated by 2.5m CONSTRUCTION INFORMATION Roof (top) : Aluminum standing seem roof Roof (underside) : untreated red cedar soffit Structural columns : steel Frame : primarily steel Outer wall : mainly state and glass plinth : rcc & dark welsh state The concrete used for the structure of the building was cast in-situ and for environmental and architectural reasons, parts of it were left exposed. It was designed to resist blast, as it is a governmental building. The concrete also helps to control the temperature inside of building because of its thermal mass. A lightweight foamed concrete fills to save the upheaval and expense of future ground re-leveling was devised by the structural engineers so that the maintenance cost of the concrete could be reduced.
ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN Natural ventilation is the default mode. The cooling and heating are supplied by earth heat exchangers and rotating wind cowl ventilates the debating chamber via the funnel hung from the roof. The natural lighting is provided even in the chamber glazing beneath the cowl that admits daylight which is reflected down by an inverted conical mirror. The rainwater is stored in a basement tank for recycling.
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Conclusion: Richard Rogers has been able to create unique piece of architecture with which relates with people and nature of wales. Deviation from traditional style of architecture but use of local material gives the sense of identity furthermore extensive use of glass symbolizes the openness in democratic society. the way architect have created access to upper floor for the people and lower floors for MPs also symbolizes the peoples supremacy and likewise the assembly hall which can be viewed from upper level also creates the sense that we are being watched to the fellow elected. Moreover the addition of sustainability feature also makes it more successful. Inferences The use of certain elements like steps or certain material like glass can create a sense and symbolize the ideals. The use of local material or setting of the site can also represent the nation. Public space is vital in parliament of democratic society where there must be direct relation between electoral and electorate.
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CHAPTER 5: SITE & CONTEXT STUDIES
SITE JUSTIFICATION: With case study inferences, it become clear that site selection plays pivotal role in design of the building. Being a building of national importance the site has to have landmark potential with good accessibility and if possible could represent the national landscape. Site of Kamerotar somehow addresses above needs. It has landmark potential with its elevated landform and accessed by 6 lane highway. Its proximity to historic towns of madhyapur thimi and Bhaktapur gives it potential to be new city centre. In addition to that , site rises from flat land to elevated landform giving the view of mountains which in someway also represent Nepalese national landscape i.e terai, hill and Himalayas.l
SITE INFORMATION Total area: 112720sq.m (220 ropani approx.) Location: Kamerotaar o Site surroundings : elevated landform amidst open areas giving a landmark potential to the site separating it from residential area in north west and commercial development in south o North : residential area of thimi o South : 6 lane highway o East : residential area of thimi o West : historic town of Bhaktapur Ownership: Kamerotaar land pooling project Topography: elevation ranges from 1300 to 1324m with sloppy landscape and a plateau like space Vegetation : number of trees and bushes on site Hydrology : small ditches of water Geology : white clay found abundantly Shape : The site is irregular in shape Visibility : The raised landforms gives clear visibility Access : 6 lane highway & Purano thimi road Several arterial under construction works Circulation: The site is accessible from every corner. Dimensions: 248.5m long on south & 538.7m long on north Status: currently unused Services : basic services like electricity , water supply , telecommunication , drainage are present
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SWOT ANALYSIS STRENGTH Accessibility two main roads and other arterial roads Elevated landform giving visual clarity Landmark potential & 6 Lane highway WEAKNESS Infrastructure installation is underway Steep slope land becomes useless Distance from core city area OPPORTUNITIES Potentials for future expansion Area being a new development THREAT Some areas do have threat of landslides If not managed well the development can affect the nearby historic town
North east panorama of the site South east panorama from the site South east panorama of the site South west panorama from the site 110
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SITE INFERENCES Layout : orientation with east west axis `Openings : large openings 40-80% to allow light Spacing : open space for breezing peneteration Rainfall : protection of heavy rainfall needed Vegetation: trees and vegetation needed to be maintain BYE LAWS: According to the byelaws of Madhyapur Thimi Municipality , the site lies in the new residential zone. The site is surrounded by recently developing commercial zone in south, and residential zone in north. Following are the regulations for the project as per the bye-laws. R.O.W. + Set back: 10 + 1 m from the center of the road F.A.R.: 2.5 Ground Coverage: 50% .The ceiling height should not be less than 9-6. Openings in wall should be 3m away from the boundary line.
View from northern part of site View from southern part of site 111
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SOUTH NORTH WEST EAST 112
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CHAPTER 6: CONCEPT & DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
. . . A parliament building is a public building which should say something very powerful about democracy. It has to express the role it has to play and tell people that this is your city, this is your state and you must participate in it. Charles Correa Above quotation well describes the two major issue that comes across in design of parliament or legislative building i.e. expression of democracy and national representation through architecture. First and foremost the parliament itself being a strong symbol of democracy it has to speak of democracy and instead of being a closed monumental edifice it has to be relate with the people and at the same time it has bear some identity of the place . Moreover being a functional entity the project also needs to various functional requirements to be fulfilled for working of the building . likewise it is obvious that the slopy landscape of the site will somehow greatly impact the design direction. Hence to tackle with all the problems and to come up with solution , I needed a process with a methodology which will lead me to solution step by step solving all the possible issues on the way.
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6.1 DESIGN PROCESS Due to complexity of various intertwined issues and challenges along with functional requirements and volume of work the project demands, only one key concept couldnt meet the solution. I needed first find out issues and put them in hierarchical order and solve them step by step. Thus design approach has been devised in following steps : 6.1.1 Identification of key issues 6.1.2 Design intentions 6.1.3 Inferences from historic precedents 6.1.4 Perception of form 6.1.5 Site synergy and physical constraints 6.1.6 Response to user requirements 6.1.7. Symbolic references
First and foremost the key issues are ascertained which is followed by drawing of inferences from historic precedents which includes the study of palaces and traditional cityscape of Nepal to look for clue for point of departure in and then user requirements and functional requirements are fixed with spatial diagrams and thereafter master plan graphics is obtained by perception and which will go in development with respect to site synergy and symbolic references are taken for architectural expression.
6.1.1 Identification of key issues: The major issues are listed below: Nationality : representation of nation or national essence Workability : functional circulation and work environment Accountability: balancing transparency & security Accessibility : universal or barrier free accessibility Sensitivity : sensitivity towards the setting and the site Vitality : strength and stability of structure
6.1.2 Design intentions: After determining the major issues, I came up with setting some ground rules to orient myself in the process and I have laid out few design intentions which are: Issue of Expression of national image will be dealt not by imitation of traditional or vernacular style but by its essence which may be from planning , zoning or imagery Design approach will be modern so as to reflect the time in which Nepalis society Is at present .Architecture should speak of time Symbolic references will be used to present the ideals of democracy. Natural slope of site will not be altered as far as possible and design intends to go with the flow of site synergy
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6.1.3. Inferences from historic precedents: Normally places of medieval times were mostly closed grand edifices or heavily fortified structures. Unlike them, palaces of Nepalese architecture relate to the people in terms of scale and there are public squares in every palace. Ironically its only after 20 th century when totalitarian regime were replaced by democratic system, West started opting for public buildings that relates with people instead of monumental overpowering classical structures. Though democratic system of west are new to us however our architecture of medieval times does speak of democratic society that existed there where the ruler and ruled people are related through architecture. Hence this becomes the point of departure for my design where ideals democracy and national essence comes together. The sectional zoning idea derived from relationship between Public Square and temple while idea of elevation will look for relating with the image of Nepali city. Likewise , zoning in plan will be obtained from spatial relationship of durbar squares.
image of nepali cityscape ( mountain , temple & city) 115
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The above mentioned spatial relationship will be used in zoning of masterplan where the urban public space will be in front of parliament complex which intends to establish relation between elected and electorate and meanwhile
PALACE COMPLEX GARDEN GARDEN PALACE PUBLIC PUBLIC SQUARE PALACE GARDEN (PRIVATE) PALACE COURT (SEMI PUBLIC) SQUARE (PUBLIC) GARDEN or DEITY (PRIVATE) PUBLIC LANDSCAPE LANDSCAPE PARLIAMENT COMPLEX 116
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6.1.4. Perception of form
Perception process was applied to derrive the masterplan graphics and for that purpose I needed something that represent the nation to perceieved with and hence I took the image of national flag and perceieve it with series of diagrams which later on was further developed into sketches to create masterplan graphics. In this process, the waving flag has been abstracted into geometrical shapes where the two circles becomes dominant in foreground while other elements gets reduced in background and some also gets reduced to lines. After series of sketches a graphics was finalised which was then transferred to site and series of sketches were done considering site synergy.
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6.1.5. Site synergy and physical constraints
As site itself is very complex with elevation ranging from 1300m to 1324m , the contour lines also orientates the design in particular flow and thus the intial sketches had to be rotated and further sketches were created considering site synergies such as view , vegetation , wind direction, acess etc Due to difficult landforms the site had to be studied in model and thus study model was made to understand the site in totality . following conclusions were drawn: Minimum alteration is to be done to natural landform of the site. The building components needs to be placed along the contour lines and gradual slope areas could be used as acess areas
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6.1.6. Response to user requirements In this phase of design the user requirements are ascertained to make building more functional. Spatial relationships are understood via bubble diagrams.
The main functional relationship is expressed in above diagram where the assembly hall is in direct relation with public space while service and functional spaces is in different sphere . this diagram is the basic functional bubble diagram of project. The functional diagram of individual building components area given below
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6.1.7. Symbolic references
Symbolic references have been used so as to express democratic ideals .the sense of openness and transparency has been achieved. Likewise series of steps leading to the top symbolically denotes the path of progression the nation is following . likewise the connection of public space with roof of assembly hall by series of steps symbolic indicates Lhe peoples power and glves a message LhaL peoples represenLaLlve are being watched by the people every time. Likewise the flagpole made of 3 slender columns indicating the aspiration of peace progress and prosperity of Nepalese people and similarly the 3 level tired temple like structure represents the Nepalese democracy and lLs 3 sLages. Three major axis is maintained in the design where one links the public space with roof of assembly and then to library and caf block while another axis that runs from apex of lower house to upper house and then to flagpole. And another axis leads from public space to series of stairs giving the view of mounLalns and obllque approach of Lemple of democracy". 1hls axlal relaLlonshlp can be seen ln secLlonal drawlngs and perspective views.
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6.2 DESIGN DEVELOPMENT OF MASTERPLAN
POINT OF DEPARTURE ZONING & CIRCULATION SKETCH FROM PERCEPTION PRELIMINARY MASTER PLAN MASTER PLAN MASS STUDY VIA MODEL 121
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6.3 DESIGN DEVELOPMENT OF INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS
Circulation : circumambulatory around the assembly Layout : concentric assembly hall Approach: frontal giving symmetric view Accessibility : roof accessible to people directly Symbolizing peoples superiority Location : lower level and it connects elevated land with public space level
Circulation : circumambulatory around the assembly Layout : U shaped assembly hall Approach: oblique approach with perspective view Accessibility : roof is indirectly accessible Location : lies in upper level
LOWER HOUSE UPPER HOUSE 122
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Form : interpeneterating forms caf and library Circulation : axial corridor Approach: oblique approach with perspective view Accessibility : accessible to everyone Location : lies in upper level
Form : two functional components slide to form singular form Circulation : axial corridor Approach: oblique approach with perspective view Accessibility : accessible to everyone at different level s Location : lies in intermediate level of hill
Form : rotating forms Circulation : courtyard Approach: oblique approach with perspective view Accessibility : accessible to everyone at different level s Location : lies in upper level
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6.4 DESIGN DEVELOPMENT OF ELEVATIONS AND SECTIONS
PUBLIC SPACE
PARLIAMENT
CITYSCAPE ELEVATION SECTIONAL DRAWING 124
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6.5 OTHER CONSIDERATION: Concept for services : A . lighting system An energy management system has been proposed to minimize wasteful use of lights and make maximum use of natural light. This system can save up to 70% of lighting energy costs. In addition to that this sytem can enhance employee convenience and comfort.and comfort. Energy management system The system operates on the basis of presence detection coupled with daylight sensing systems. Lights switched on automatically when they are needed and off when they are not. This system may be programmed to switch luminaries in groups over nominated work zone. Some of the major features of this system are : Advanace presence detection system by passive infrared technology Photocell holds light off in bright ambient conditions when area becomes occupied . Regulating photocell adjusts luminaries output to maintain constant light levels. Off delay in minutes following the last observed movement after which lights switched off Building security level is enhanced The proposed lighting system is the combination of general glares free lighting and spot lighting using perfect glare control light fixtures considering the effect of daylighting.
b. Fire Hazard safety The danger of fire cannot be undermined in any building , in any place. In the design of building , fire hazard precaution is proposed to be taken by installation of fire hydrant system on each floor. A glass pane covered hose cabin box is proposed to be provided on every floor midlanding , on the lift wall with rubber nylone hose 15m every floor, with connection to the fire hydrant water supply line . a fire alarm system is also provided on each floor near the hydrant system , for immediate emergency management .emergency exist has been provided on every block. c. Proposed HVAC the proposed HVAC system is of invertor type multi split system which has the following features: a. Low energy consumption b. Low noise c. Environment friendly d. Aesthetically good e. Low maintenance d. earthquake alarm system a self-dc powdered earthquake alarm is proposed in different places of the office premise and assembly areas. d. structural analysis Nepal lies in seisemically sensitive zone and thus all architectural design and building activities are conducted with strict adherence to prevailing seismic principles as set by the national building code of Nepal. 125
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The structural design of proposed building is based referring on earthquake design parameters with return period of 50-100 years underwhich the structure shall remain to behave in the linear range with possible limited nonlinear deformation to individual elements of the system , which means a limited decrease in stiffness and dissipation of seismic energy with no nlinear deformations. The building structure layout and its main design principle are in consideration of seismic safety to withstand the intensity of earthquake of 1936 or equivalent. The basis of good seismic design is in minimizing irregularities in the building volume creating as close as possible to totally symmetrical footprint. In consideration of achieving the optimum degree of safety against earthquake , the layout of the building structural element is conducted in symmetric and regular intervals. The main structural system of the proposed building is reinforce concrete structure with infill masonry walls, which can be treated as reinforced concrete moment resisting frame (column and beam) . the foundation is solid raft at the base. The foundation mat area has to be determined based on assumption of 100KN/sq.m with the total depth sufficient to resist the diagonal shear and moment caused by the earthquake forces. The structural columns are assumed to be 450x450 and 600x600 mm with floor height of about 3.6m(offices) and 4.3m (assembly). The structural beam are kept 450x600mm according to grid consideration of achieving strong column and weak beam concept. The floor slabs are flat concrete slabs throught the storey, which behaves as a rigid diaphragm. Waffle slab cement mortar. The infill walls are proposed to be built with reinforcement in appropriate interval to avoid tensile cracks in the event of seismic action . expansion joints have been provided in the interval of 30m
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CHAPTER 7: FINAL DESIGN & PRESENTATIONS
7.1 CASE STUDY PRESENTATION PANELS 7.2 DRAWINGS 7.3 PHOTOGRAPHS OF MODEL
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7.1 CASE STUDY PRESENTATION PANELS
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7.2 FINAL DESIGN & PRESENTATION
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7.3 PHOTOGRAPHS OF MODEL
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BIBILOGRAPHY
Parliament library and information services of Nepal International association of conference interpreters (AIIC) designing and building booths for simulataneous interpretation, guidelines for architects Charles Correa, Architect in India , Hasan Uddin Khan Architectural acoustics David M. Egan ArchlLecLs daLa-Neufert Ernst People and places- design guidelines for urban open spaces, francis , Carolyn and Marcus , Clare Cooper , John Wiley and sons Global architecture-le Corbusier, the new capitol of Punjab, india Takasama Yoshizaka Thesis report : Swasti bhattrai ,2005, IOE, pulchowk campus Thesis report: Bineta Kansakar 2010, IOE, Pulchowk campus ArchlLecLs record of her-E Bangla Nagar Capitol Complex, Dhaka ArchlLecLs record of 8ldhan 8hawan, 8hopal , lndla National Assembly for Wales, Jamie Roudebush www.wikiarquitectura.com www.greatbuildingsonline.com www.archnet.com www.filedigg.com BBC documentary- Albert Speer-hlLlers archlLecL BBC documentary- Adventures of Architecture-Dan Cruickshank Documentary-architecture and politics Traditional architecture of Kathmandu valley, Wolfgang Korn
Conceptual Practice - Research and Pedagogy in Art, Design, Creative Industries, and Heritage - Vol. 1: Department of Art and Design, The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong