Western Ghats Development Centre
architecture | design research | individual | karnataka, india | 2017
The mountain range of the Western Ghats represents geomorphic features of immense importance with unique biophysical and ecological processes. The vast biodiversity of the region which houses 25% of India’s flora and fauna species and a great source of natural resources is declining progressively. This project aims to create awareness of the conservation of biodiversity through the interaction of tourism and research.
My interest in the Western Ghats comes from my close interaction with this region throughout my childhood. My motivation for this academic project is drawn from the government proposal to set-up a hiking trail through the dense untouched forests of the Ghats. Claiming that the 25km trail will only be of interest to serious nature-enthusiasts, Eco-tourism is necessary to create awareness of this region, but the cost of disturbing the ecosystem through human intervention is in question.
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The intention of this ‘development program’ is to spread awareness among people and encourage conservation. This is translated into architectural spaces that help in the study and communication of the resources and treasures of the area. The two users identified for this space were Tourists and Biodiversity Researchers.
DESIGN RESEARCH
Understanding the Users, Site and Context
Research for this project involved visiting two forest research institutes and various interpretation centers in India. I could observe the work environment and interactions happening in those spaces. Interviews of scientists and researchers helped in understanding their typical day in a research center. Being a tourist myself and interviewing others in a new landscape helped in understanding the needs of one.
The proposed project site was selected in the tourism zone. The area zoning was taken from a research paper to ensure that the project can be built in the vicinity of the rain forests while also leaving the dense and semi-dense parts untouched.
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The site is located on a hill close to the backwaters of a reservoir. The altitude of the site allowed for viewing the surrounding landscapes easily.
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DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
Exploring Spatial Experiences
The design of the experience is explored through the following questions:
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How might we make research workspace more enjoyable?
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How might we create spaces that influence people to conserve?
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How might we create engaging conversations between tourists and researchers?
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How might we construct for a cause in an eco-sensitive area?
The planning of the design and planning of the development was in response to the insights gained from the study of climate, user circulation, zoning analysis, spatial requirements, materials, site conditions, and topography.
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The building and nodes part of the research and interpretation centre are placed such that they respond to the site contours and maximum site vegetation is untouched.
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The design process followed for the building blocks in the campus takes into consideration climate, topography and vegetation as major factors that influenced the form of the buildings.
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