FLOODABLE MANDALA

Project Details

THEME : CLAY WORKSHOP

CATEGORY: SHORTLISTED

COLLABORATOR: HYSPALIT

DATE: 2016

During the academic year 2015/2016, the XI Aula Cerámica Hispalyt Competition revolved around the conception of a Ceramics Workshop in Sarkhej Roza, situated in Ahmedabad, within the state of Gujarat, India. The competition tasked participants with crafting a design that embraced the application of exposed brickwork, either as a structural element or as a defining enclosure. This design approach was undertaken with the overarching objective of achieving a seamless integration of the workshop within the Sarkhej Roza ensemble while preserving its distinctive contextual essence.

The challenge extended to imbuing the Ceramics Workshop with a multifaceted character that acknowledged both the functional and aesthetic aspects. It called for an astute synthesis of contemporary design paradigms and vernacular architectural principles.

The use of exposed brick as an architectural motif presented participants with a canvas to explore the interplay of light, shadow, and texture, thereby infusing the built environment with a dynamic visual allure.


symbolism behind

VASTU PURUSHA MANDALA: "Vastu," the consecrated place or the canvas of its operation in the ideal form of a square. "Purusha," the mediator or the formal principle. "Mandala" as a mechanism of application.

The MANDALA is a grid inscribed within the ideal form of a square, in which an amorphous PURUSHA, the cosmic man, becomes conditioned based on subdivisions related to governing deities, introducing complexity and flexibility into the linear geometry of the mandala grid.

ANTHROPOMETRIC RELATIONSHIP:
There exists a correlation between the functions assigned to the mandala's plots and the body part assigned by the purusha, providing a zoning map. The head as the place of worship, legs as carriers of important zones, navel as the neural node of Brahma.

SPATIAL ARRANGEMENT:
With the superposition of the Vastu grid and the factors influencing the design, functional needs, concentration of forces and volumes, etc., are obtained.

CORRESPONDENCE WITH NATURE:
The mandala as a reinterpreted place, with its lines as components of the site that it houses, a play of form and constructed space according to the forces of nature.

PRINCIPLES OF CONNECTION:
By applying the logic of all laws in the project, the transition of interstitial spaces around a central space is configured, acting as the nucleus of the system and concentrating all energies.

GROWTH AND FRAGMENTATION:
As the ensemble grows, the variation and division of spaces increase. A succession of interior/exterior experiences, light/shadow, public/private.

ADAPTED ORIENTATIONS:
The program does not adhere to a doctrine; it is configured based on climatic and lighting responses given by the fusion of the mandala and the purusha. Light as prosperity, water flow towards ascendance.

AYA FORMULA:
A system in which different social and productive strata are configured within the mandala grid based on the factors mentioned above.

CONNECTION AND CONFLICT:
Symmetry and antisymmetry. Configuration of openings according to orientation and structure requirements. Layanta or wealth to the east, Vitatha or life to the south with the lake, Pushpadanta or prosperity to the west. Bhakasta or possession to the north.

SEQUENCE OF SYMBOLIC ZONES:
An order is established that identifies the distinct spaces for sanctuary , spiritual space, mundane or human space, and residual space in contact with the exterior.


PROJECT DETAILS

SPATIAL COMPOSITION AND GEOMETRIC PRINCIPLES:
The project's spatial arrangement is underpinned by a meticulous adherence to the principles of the Vastu Purusha Mandala, a sacred design framework in Hindu architecture. The undertaking involves nine modules, each spanning nine meters, elegantly adhering to the geometric ideals of the mandala. This compositional strategy culminates in a harmonious ensemble that seamlessly converges with the ethos of the space. The "L"-shaped configuration of the production and workshop area, extending from the clay collection point by the adjacent lake to the pivotal kiln for firing, not only represents a functional trajectory but also imbues the space with an inherent narrative. The architectural intervention deftly integrates these modules, thus cultivating a spatial narrative that progresses organically while perpetuating a sense of connection and unity.

SPATIAL ORCHESTRATION AND FUNCTIONAL ENGAGEMENT:
The architectural ensemble unfolds within a meticulously designed spatial hierarchy, orchestrated to facilitate a dynamic and interactive experience for both users and visitors. The spatial organization ingeniously encompasses distinct zones of production, creation, and appreciation. The processional journey traverses the trajectory from raw material procurement to the transformational process within the kiln, all while offering glimpses into the artistic evolution and creative transformation. The seamless segue from production to a curated exhibition area is a strategic spatial maneuver that blurs the boundary between creation and consumption, fostering a cohesive narrative that engages the observer at every juncture.

CERAMIC ROOF AND STRUCTURAL AESTHETICS:
The roof structure of the facility is an architectural spectacle in its own right. Crafted from a network of triangulated wooden beams, this structural armature not only supports the building's load but also serves as a striking aesthetic feature. The roof's architectural composition forms the backdrop for an intricate interplay of light and shadow, fostering an evocative ambiance within the internal spaces. The ceramic enclosure, meticulously fashioned from conically sectioned ceramic pieces, plays a dual role as both functional and aesthetic components. These ceramic segments, arranged in a tessellated pattern, bestow a dynamic textural quality to the roof, evoking an organic and visually captivating surface.

INTEGRATED DESIGN AND ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE:
A hallmark of the project's design ethos lies in its seamless integration of form and function, where aesthetics harmonize with environmental performance. The inherent properties of ceramics are strategically harnessed for energy efficiency and climatic responsiveness. The interstitial spaces between the ceramic pieces are imbued with insulating mortar, culminating in a building envelope that effectively mitigates thermal exchanges. This intrinsic thermal insulation not only enhances energy efficiency but also contributes to the project's sustainable endeavors. Furthermore, the roof's intricate configuration facilitates passive cooling strategies, enabling natural cross-ventilation and convective heat dissipation, thus ameliorating the internal microclimate.

ARCHITECTURAL RESONANCE WITH TRADITION:
The project embodies a profound resonance with indigenous architectural traditions while embracing contemporary sensibilities. By employing locally sourced ceramics and traditional crafting techniques, the architecture becomes a testament to cultural continuity and vernacular expertise. This marriage of tradition and modernity is further accentuated through the utilization of the BARBOTINA technique in the creation of the ceramic lattice façade. The ingenious application of this technique results in hollow ceramic pieces that respond sensitively to the climatic context, enhancing thermal comfort and reducing the building's energy footprint. This artistic synthesis of tradition and innovation typifies the project's intrinsic architectural ethos, rendering it an exemplar of thoughtful and responsive design.