AR6081 - THESIS 2020

THESIS
SYNOPSIS

I. ECOTOURISM PARK, NELLIYAMPATHY

Special study – Biomimetic Engineering and Climate Responsive Architecture

II. AYURVEDIC VILLAGE WITH SPIRITUAL WELLNESS AND HERITAGE CENTER, NELLIYAMPATHY

Special study – Vernacular architecture for a Holistic Environment

III. INDIAN INSTITUTE OF MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES

Special study – Parametric Design and Mathematical Patterns in Architecture

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I. ECOTOURISM PARK

1. Project Introduction

Ecotourism is a form of tourism involving visiting fragile, pristine, and relatively undisturbed
natural areas, intended as a low-impact and often small scale alternative to standard commercial
mass tourism. It means responsible travel to natural areas, conserving the environment, and
improving the well-being of the local people.

Its purpose may be to educate the traveler, to provide funds for ecological conservation, to directly
benefit the economic development and political empowerment of local communities, or to foster
respect for different cultures and for human rights. Since the 1980s, ecotourism has been considered
a critical endeavor by environmentalists, so that future generations may experience destinations
relatively untouched by human intervention.

Biomimetics or biomimicry is the imitation of the models, systems, and elements of nature for
the purpose of solving complex human problems. Living organisms have evolved well-adapted
structures and materials over geological time through natural selection.

Biomimetics has given rise to new technologies inspired by biological solutions at macro and
nanoscales. Humans have looked at nature for answers to problems throughout our existence.
Nature has solved engineering problems such as self-healing abilities, environmental exposure
tolerance and resistance, hydrophobicity, self-assembly, and harnessing solar energy.

2. Broad Typology of Thesis

The Thesis is to be a study and design based one. The concept of biomimicry is relatively vast,
and hence will require a lot of research and analysis. The project cannot be purely theoretical
however, as it will require sketches and models to explain the nuances of the project.

The study part will include case studies, literature study and net studies. It will include the functioning
and designing of an ecotourism park, but will focus more on the application of biomimetic

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architecture to tackle the problems of designing an eco-park, without damaging the surroundings.
The design part will include conceptual sketches, plans, sections, elevations, 2D and 3D models. It will
require these resources to fully articulate the intent of the project.

The broad theme of the Thesis will fall under the category of „energy efficiency and sustainability‟.
Although, Biomimicry goes far beyond mere energy efficiency, and steps into the bounds of „energy
generating architecture‟.

3. Philosophy of Design and Theoretical Background

Biomimicry is one of the best solutions we have in our arsenal to deal with the impending
consequences of climate change and global warming. It is a philosophy of moving forwards to a
sustainable future by taking a close look at our past. Biomimicry is an approach to innovation that
seeks sustainable solutions to human challenges by emulating nature‟s time-tested patterns and
strategies.

Ecotourism is an activity that is the perfect mix of education, entertainment, and environment.
It enables tourists to learn about nature, and why they should take good care of her. It also enables
them to give back to nature through voluntary work, and helps spread the message of sustainability
far and wide. It is probably the most sustainable avenue for entertainment as well – the perfect mix of
adventure and nature, resulting in a tranquil and deeply spiritual experience.

The philosophy behind choosing to design an ecotourism park is based on my affinity towards nature,
and my desire to give back to the environment. My best memories have been when I have been in
direct contact with nature, without any barriers. I hope to help enable other people to experience
these emotions through the design.

The philosophy behind choosing biomimicry as a concept is based on my personal philosophy of

Darwinism – or of viewing life through an evolutionary lens or perspective. Biomimicry is the design
equivalent of Darwinism. It is my responsibility as an architect to design buildings that are sustainable
and eco-friendly. Biomimicry goes above and beyond the realm of mere energy efficiency and will
help design projects that are energy generating.

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4. Research Statement

The industry of architecture and construction contributes to around 40% of energy

consumption, waste production, and emission of greenhouse gases. The problem of how to solve the
consequences of global warming and climate change looms over the heads of all professionals,
especially architects.

Many governments throughout the world have proposed, and even passed legislations requiring
buildings to meet minimum energy efficiency standards. Some scientists believe that this should have
been done decades ago, and some doomsayers think it is too late now to reverse the changes of
global warming.

But some are more hopeful than others, and think that the changes to our climate are not
irreversible…yet. They are not fully optimistic however, and propose converting to zero energy
architecture, or ideally, energy generating architecture, as soon as possible.

An old proverb says “Education holds the key to all problems”. That is another hurdle in humanity‟s
quest towards a sustainable future – educating the public about the problems faced by humanity.

How to convince the public to adopt more sustainable lifestyles?

How to solve the problem of zero energy architecture and energy generating architecture?

Will we be able to reverse the effects of climate change in time?

These are a few of the questions I hope to address through the research and analysis of data
collected for the thesis and dissertation, allowing for the successful designing of the project.

5. Aim

To create a hotspot of ecotourism in the Nelliyampathy region of Kerala, by designing

ecotourism resorts and related facilities such as recreational areas, and by developing the
surrounding landscapes.

To solve the nuanced design problems that will inevitably arise using the concept of biomimetic
engineering and construction practices.

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6. Justification of the topic

As mentioned before, the industry of architecture and construction contributes to 40% of

energy consumption, waste production, and emission of greenhouse gases. It is our duty as architects
to design more sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives to current, conventional solutions.
Moreover, we have a social responsibility to educate the public about the consequences of our
actions, and propose a way forward.

The idea that biomimicry is the optimal answer to the problem of designing energy efficient
architecture is the current consensus amongst climate scientists. Biomimicry is standing on the
shoulders of literal giants such as the buttress tree, which provides one with the solution to build on
shallow soil – one only needs to take a closer look. The same example could be used to solve the
problem of building in flood affected regions, and regions prone to landslides and strong winds, such
as the Nelliyampathy region of Kerala.

Ecotourism is an industry quickly gaining popularity worldwide, especially in India, and rightly so. An
ecotourism park in Nelliyampathy would help in educating tourists about sustainability, and help in
boosting the tourism of the Nelliyampathy region. This would in turn help generate employment, and
would provide some much needed help for the region‟s economy.

There is a live project currently on the Kerala tourism website that proposes the construction of an
ecotourism park in Nelliyampathy, Kerala.

7. Objectives

i. To design an ecotourism park and all related structures necessary for the same.
ii. To apply the concepts of biomimicry in making the project adhere to the criteria of green
rating guidelines such as GRIHA, BREEAM, or LEED.
iii. To figure out innovative and unique solutions to the problems of designing in a hilly region such
as Nelliyampathy.
iv. To optimize the interaction between user and nature.

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8. Scope and limitations (Program and site)

The scope of this project is limited to the design of an ecotourism park, and structures involved for
such a project, like resorts, food courts etc. It does not involve creating drastic changes to the
existing natural conditions of the place. In fact, that would be at cross purposes to the aim of the
project, which is to build a low impact design on the hills of Nelliyampathy.

 Program/Design Brief: The Park will include eco resorts, recreational activities, and structures
that enable convenient circulation.
 Recreational centers include workshops, adventure, spiritual centre, sports and museum.
 The resort will include reception & lobby, bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, dining, study,
balconies and patios.
 Other structures will include bridges, walkways, and art installations.

 Site Statement: The site is located in Nelliyampathy, Kerala. It is about 50 acres in area. It is a
highly contoured site, and will require careful planning to design. It is a forest area, and the
aim is to design a low impact project. The site is on a hill station, and so will be difficult to
transport materials, and will require almost exclusive use of local materials.
 The project will be a part of the Kerala tourism board initiative. It will be a Public-Private
Partnership project, as the land belongs to the government of Kerala, but will require the help
of private entities to run and maintain the project in a proper manner.

9. Methodology

i. Literature Study (Standards)

ii. Live Case Study (National)
iii. Net Case Study (International)
iv. Initial Site Visit (Documentation)
v. Zoning through Bubble Diagrams
vi. Zoning through Proximity Charts
vii. Conceptual Drawings
viii. Single line plans
ix. Double line plans
x. Sections
xi. Elevations

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xii. 2D digital models

xiii. 3D physical models
xiv. Renders and walkthroughs
xv. Final Sheets

10. Case studies

a. Net Case Studies

i. Areias do Seixo - Santa Cruz, Portugal

ii. Asilia Carbon Neutral Lodges – Tanzania
iii. Lapa Rios Eco Resort - Costa Rica
iv. Ecotourism Centre - Fontainebleau, France
v. Blue Clay Country Spa - Latvia

b. Live Case Studies

i. Andaman and Nicobar Islands

ii. Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
iii. Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
iv. Tsomoriri Wetland Conservation Reserve, Ladakh
v. Great Himalayan National Park, Himachal Pradesh
vi. Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Uttarakhand
vii. Namdapha National Park, Arunachal Pradesh
viii. Jotsoma village in Kohima, Nagaland
ix. Mawlynnong, Meghalaya
x. Majuli, Assam
xi. Kaziranga National Park, Assam
xii. Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve, Sikkim
xiii. Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal
xiv. Chilika, Odisha
xv. Maredumilli, Andhra Pradesh
xvi. Tyda, Andhra Pradesh
xvii. Galgibaga Beach, Goa
xviii. Bandipur National Park, Karnataka
xix. Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka

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xx. Coorg, Karnataka

xxi. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
xxii. Periyar National Park, Kerala
xxiii. Eravikulam National Park, Kerala
xxiv. Thodupuzha, Kerala
xxv. Thenmala, Kerala
xxvi. Munnar, Kerala
xxvii. Kerala Backwaters, Alapuzha

11. Conclusion and Inferences

An arising issue that concerns all fields of research is climate change and its impact on the
environment. A major reason for this phenomenon is human intervention. “it is extremely unlikely that
global climate change of the past 50 years can be explained without external forces and that it is
due to known natural causes alone.”

Environmental degradation is the deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources

such as air, water and soil; the destruction of ecosystems and the extinction of wildlife. It is defined as
any change or disturbance to the environment perceived to be deleterious or undesirable.
Resources simply become depleted due to overuse.

The fields of engineering and architecture are major contributors to this phenomenon. In the process
of creating and designing architectural and urban prodigies inspired by machines and utilizing up to
date technologies the environment which we live in was unintentionally harmed and contributed to
climate change which in turn caused environmental degradation.

Hence architects and engineers started to cooperate with other fields to create living spaces with
minimal impacts on the environments and terms such as green, sustainable, zero energy architecture
amongst others started emerging.

The need to save the environment became the priority and the concept that all buildings are
designed with. Returning to nature, creating living buildings that adapt like any living organism to the
surrounding environment without affecting the natural equilibrium became an aspiration in which all
knowledge and technologies utilized and merged into the design process. One of the concepts that
rely on this principle is Biomimicry.

Biomimicry is a new discipline that studies nature's best ideas and then imitates these designs and
processes to solve human problems. Studying a leaf to invent a better solar cell is an example. Like
any discipline Biomimicry has a set of principles, potentials and constraints. Biomimicry is not only
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concerned with energy conservation but also form, structural systems etc. and it is a discipline that is
not exclusive to engineers and architects but an array of various fields like medicine ,transportation,
business etc.

However, this paper will discuss Biomimicry as an environmental concept and some of the
architectural examples that utilize biomimetic techniques to conserve energy and create sustainable
buildings, and how far they mimic nature and to what extent they are successful.

Biomimicry is still an unfulfilled approach towards design due to its recentness. The ability to fully
mimic a living organism or ecosystem might still not be attainable due to the highly articulate designs
of nature that even with the technologies provided nowadays could not assist in imitating them
entirely. However by collaborating with biologists an architect can come up with passive techniques
that are not mechanically aided. Thus the designer solves a design problem that usually uses up
energy and natural resources or contributes to the emission of greenhouse gases with biomimetic
passive techniques. It is a process that needs the collaboration of various fields, plenty of research
work but will result in an environmentally sound design.

One of the greatest challenges of our time is being able to experience and interact with nature
without creating a negative footprint on the environment. With the looming challenges of climate
change and global warming, it has become imperative to weave sustainability practices into
activities such as infrastructure design and development. One of the time-tested and recently
accepted means of achieving the trade-off lies with biomimicry and biomimetic practices. It is with
deeply felt personal motivation and a professional responsibility that I have chosen the topic of eco-
tourism.

12. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Michael Pawlyn

Biomimicry in Architecture

Janine m. benyus

Innovation Inspired by Nature

Magali Bodart

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Architecture and Sustainable development

Pedersen maibritt

biomimetic approaches to architectural design for increased sustainability

Pétur Örn Arnarson

Biomimicry, Reykjavík University

V. Bezemer

sustainable buildings by imitating nature cooling techniques, November 2009

Yiming dong

Biomimetics, sustainability module, university of Edinburgh, march 2011

WEBLIOGRAPHY

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_degradation

http://biomimicryinstitute.org

www.asknature.com

http://inhabitat.com/ch2-australias-greenest-building

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http://www.mero-structures.com

www.biomimeticarchitecture.com

http://www.robaid.com/bionics/green-architecture-qatar-cacti-biomimicry.htm

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/hydrological

http://www.metropolismag.com

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II. AYURVEDIC VILLAGE WITH SPIRITUAL WELLNESS AND HERITAGE CENTER, NELLIYAMPATHY

1. Project Introduction

An Ayurvedic village is a place isolated from the city, where people travel to receive holistic
healing – of the mind and body. It is a place where people can truly connect with nature, and heal
themselves through nature. An Ayurvedic village should be designed to facilitate a natural
experience. It should maximize the use of natural lighting and ventilation. It should utilize local
materials almost exclusively, and should rely on natural construction practices to create a
comfortable space. For example, it should implement courtyards, solar shading devices, and
vegetation, so on and so forth, for natural ventilation, illumination, and cooling of the structure.

Apart from an Ayurvedic hospital for diagnosis and treatment, an Ayurvedic village should include a
center for spiritual wellness and healing as well. Ideally, it should also include a heritage and culture
museum to attract tourists as well as patients. The spiritual center will educate patients about yoga,
meditation, and breathing exercises (also called Pranayama). The culture and heritage center will
enable visitors to gain a deeper understanding about Ayurveda, and also about the rich history of
the region.

2. Broad Typology of Thesis

The Thesis is to be a study and design based one. The concept of traditional and vernacular
architecture is quite vast, and hence will require a lot of research and analysis. The project cannot be
purely theoretical as it will require sketches and models to be explain the nuances of the project.

The study will include case studies, literature study and net studies. It will include the functioning and
designing of an Ayurveda village, but will focus more on the application of traditional architecture to
create an environment conducive to healing, without damaging the surroundings. The design part
will include conceptual sketches, plans, sections, elevations, 2D and 3D models. It will require these
resources to fully articulate the intent of the project.

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The broad theme of the Thesis will fall under the category of „energy efficiency and sustainability‟, as
well as „heritage and conservation‟.

3. Philosophy of Design and Theoretical Background

Vernacular architecture is architecture characterized by the use of local materials and

knowledge, usually without the supervision of professional architects. Vernacular buildings are
typically simple and practical, whether residential houses or built for other purposes.

Although it encompasses 95% of the world's built environment, vernacular architecture tends to be
overlooked in traditional histories of design. It is not one specific style, so it cannot be distilled into a
series of easy-to-digest patterns, materials, or elements. Because of the use of traditional building
methods and local builders, vernacular buildings are considered part of a regional culture.

Vernacular architecture can be contrasted against elite or polite architecture, which is

characterized by stylistic elements of design intentionally incorporated for aesthetic purposes which
go beyond a building's functional requirements. This thesis also covers the term traditional
architecture, which exists somewhere between the two extremes yet still is based upon authentic
themes.

Environment, construction elements and materials

The local environment and the construction materials it can provide, govern many aspects of
vernacular architecture. Areas rich in trees will develop a wooden vernacular, while areas without
much wood may use mud or stone. In early California redwood water towers supporting redwood
tanks and enclosed by redwood siding (tank houses) were part of a self-contained wind-powered
domestic water system. In the Far East it is common to use bamboo, as it is both plentiful and
versatile. Vernacular, almost by definition, is sustainable, and will not exhaust the local resources. If it is
not sustainable, it is not suitable for its local context, and cannot be vernacular.

Construction elements and materials frequently found in vernacular buildings include:

 Adobe - a type of mud brick, often covered with white-wash, commonly used in Spain and
Spanish colonies

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 Bad girs -a type of chimney used to provide natural ventilation, commonly found in Iran, Iraq
and other parts of the Middle-East
 Cob - a type of plaster made from subsoil with the addition of fibrous material to give added
strength
 Mashrabiya - (also known as shanashol in Iraq) - a type of oriel window with timber lattice-
work, designed to allow ventilation, commonly found in Iraq and Egypt in upper-class homes
 Mud bricks - loam or sand mixed with water and vegetable matter such as straw
 Rammed earth often used in foundations
 Thatch - dry vegetation used as roofing material
 Wychert - a blend of white earth and clay

4. Research Statement

The industry of architecture and construction contributes to around 40% of energy

consumption, waste production, and emission of greenhouse gases. The problem of how to solve the
consequences of global warming and climate change looms over the heads of all professionals,
including architects.

Many governments throughout the world have proposed, and even passed legislations requiring
buildings to meet minimum energy efficiency standards. Some scientists believe that this should have
been done decades ago, and some doomsayers think it is too late now to reverse the changes of
global warming.

But some are more hopeful than others, and think that the changes to our climate are not
irreversible…yet. They are not fully optimistic however, and propose converting to zero energy
architecture, or ideally, energy generating architecture, as soon as possible.

Even though the field of medicine is evolving faster than ever, more and more people develop poor
physical and mental health issues for a variety of reasons. Mainly, increasing medical costs and
complexities involved with medical insurance and coverage, coupled with decreasing knowledge
and practice of Ayurveda, or other traditional, alternative healthcare methods such as pranayama
and yoga.

Similarly, the architectural profession and the construction industry are developing faster than ever,
yet there is a tradeoff between efficiency, sustainability and aesthetics. Polls show that most people
prefer the aesthetics of vernacular architecture to that of modern structures, and feel more
comfortable in and around vernacular buildings. The tradeoff being that older buildings lack modern
services and utilities, and hence are less functional and efficient.

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Therefore, the questions that we face today are of how to combine the efficiency of modern
buildings with the aesthetic and sustainable elements of vernacular architecture.

How to spread awareness about sustainability, and how to convince the public to switch over to
more sustainable lifestyles?

How to revive the dying arts of Ayurveda and vernacular architecture?

5. Aim

To create a retreat from the stressors of daily life. To create an abode of healing, and a
conduit for connecting with nature. To enable visitors to learn about the history of Ayurveda and
about the rich culture & heritage of Nelliyampathy.

To utilize and implement vernacular architecture to tackle the problems that will inevitably arise from
such a project. To create a low impact project, that is both sustainable and low cost.

6. Justification of the topic

As mentioned before, the industry of architecture and construction contributes to 40% of

energy consumption, waste production, and emission of greenhouse gases. It is our duty as architects
to design more sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives to current, conventional solutions.
Moreover, we have a social responsibility to educate the public about the consequences of our
actions, and propose a way forward.

The stream of alternative Indian medicine or Ayurveda is rising in popularity across the globe, drawing
in millions of visitors each year to our nation. There is a demand for such retreats and a limited supply
to meet the requirements.

This is also a chance to bring back awareness of the art of Ayurveda, as most of our youth gravitate
towards western medicine because of its financial attractiveness. Ayurveda is more than just
medicine; it is also a way of life. It is a philosophy of living with nature, and learning to control both
our minds, and our bodies. Such a philosophy is desperately required in today‟s stressful world; to
teach people about mindfulness and discipline, through breathing, eating right, exercising, and
connecting with nature.

The reasoning behind doing a special study on vernacular architecture is to bring awareness back to
these age old design practices. Most architects today gravitate towards post-modern, cookie cutter

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architecture, which has thrown away a lot of wisdom of the old architects. Most modern buildings are
aesthetically inferior, but functionally superior to vernacular architecture, according to a majority of
people on online and physical polls.

Designing such a project will bring back interest in these dying design practices, which we as
architects have a duty to pass on to future generations. It is a dying art, and there is a lot of wisdom
to be gleaned from it.

7. Objectives

i. To design an Ayurveda village and all related structures necessary for the same.
ii. To apply the concepts of vernacular architecture in making the project adhere to the
criteria of green rating guidelines such as GRIHA, BREEAM, or LEED.
iii. To figure out innovative and unique solutions to the problems of designing in a hilly region
such as Nelliyampathy.
iv. To optimize the interaction between user and nature.

8. Scope and limitations (Program and site)

The scope of this project is limited to the design of an ecotourism park, and structures involved for
such a project, like resorts, food courts etc. It does not involve creating drastic changes to the
existing natural conditions of the place. In fact, that would be at cross purposes to the aim of the
project, which is to build a low impact design on the hills of Nelliyampathy.

 Program/Design Brief: The Park will include eco resorts, recreational activities, and structures
that enable convenient circulation.
 Recreational centers include workshops, adventure, spiritual centre, sports and museum.
 The resort will include reception & lobby, bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, dining, study,
balconies and patios.
 Other structures will include bridges, walkways, and art installations.

 Site Statement: The site is located in Nelliyampathy, Kerala. It is about 50 acres in area. It is a
highly contoured site, and will require careful planning to design. It is a forest area, and the

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aim is to design a low impact project. The site is on a hill station, and so will be difficult to
transport materials, and will require almost exclusive use of local materials.
 The project will be a part of the Kerala tourism board initiative. It will be a Public-Private
Partnership project, as the land belongs to the government of Kerala, but will require the help
of private entities to run and maintain the project in a proper manner.

9. Methodology

xvi. Literature Study (Standards)

xvii. Live Case Study (National)
xviii. Net Case Study (International)
xix. Initial Site Visit (Documentation)
xx. Zoning through Bubble Diagrams
xxi. Zoning through Proximity Charts
xxii. Conceptual Drawings
xxiii. Single line plans
xxiv. Double line plans
xxv. Sections
xxvi. Elevations
xxvii. 2D digital models
xxviii. 3D physical models
xxix. Renders and walkthroughs
xxx. Final Sheets

10. Case studies

a. Net Case Studies

i. Auroville, Pondicherry
ii. Shri Bhima Kali Temple, Himachal Pradesh
iii. Punarnava Bamboo Lagoon Ayurveda Village

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b. Live Case Studies

i. Vaidyagramam, Coimbatore
ii. Ahalia Ayurveda Medical College Hospital, Kanjikode
iii. Kairali - The Ayurvedic Healing Village, Kodumbu

11. Conclusion and Inferences

An arising issue that concerns all fields of research is climate change and its impact on the
environment. A major reason for this phenomenon is human intervention. “it is extremely unlikely that
global climate change of the past 50 years can be explained without external forces and that it is
due to known natural causes alone.”

The fields of engineering and architecture are major contributors to this phenomenon. In the process
of creating and designing architectural and urban prodigies inspired by machines and utilizing up to
date technologies the environment which we live in was unintentionally harmed and contributed to
climate change which in turn caused environmental degradation.

Environmental degradation is the deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources

such as air, water and soil; the destruction of ecosystems and the extinction of wildlife. It is defined as
any change or disturbance to the environment perceived to be deleterious or undesirable.
Resources simply become depleted due to overuse

Hence architects and engineers started to cooperate with other fields to create living spaces with
minimal impacts on the environments and terms such as green, sustainable, zero energy architecture
amongst others started emerging.

The need to save the environment became the priority and the concept that any building is
designed with. Returning to nature, creating living buildings that adapt like any living organism to the
surrounding environment without affecting the natural equilibrium became an aspiration in which all
knowledge and technologies utilized and merged into the design process to achieve.

Like any discipline traditional architecture has a set of principles, potentials and constraints.
Vernacular architecture is not only concerned with energy conservation but also form, structural
systems etc.

However, this paper will discuss vernacular architecture as an environmental concept and some of
the architectural examples that utilize traditional techniques to conserve energy and create

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sustainable buildings, and how far they are oriented towards nature and to what extent they are
successful.

One of the greatest challenges of our time is being able to experience and interact with nature
without creating a negative footprint on the environment. With the looming challenges of climate
change and global warming, it has become imperative to weave sustainability practices in activities
such as infrastructure design and development. Vernacular, almost by definition, is sustainable, and
will not exhaust the local resources. If it is not sustainable, it is not suitable for its local context, and
cannot be vernacular.

As architects, it is our duty to conserve our national heritage and culture. This includes the ancient art
of Ayurveda, yoga and pranayama. It is our duty, first and foremost, to conserve the practices of
vernacular architecture, which has been slowly dying for various reasons. Lack of skilled craftsmen,
lack of financial incentives, change in architectural trends etc…

12. Bibliography

Magali Bodart

Architecture and Sustainable development

V. Bezemer

sustainable buildings by imitating nature cooling techniques, November 2009

Webliography

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vernacular_Architecture

http://biomimicryinstitute.org

www.asknature.com

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http://inhabitat.com/ch2-australias-greenest-building

http://www.mero-structures.com

http://www.robaid.com/bionics/green-architecture-qatar-cacti-biomimicry.htm

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/vernacular

http://www.metropolismag.com

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III. INDIAN INSTITUTE OF MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES

1. Project Introduction

Mathematics and architecture are related, since, as with other arts, architects use
mathematics for several reasons. Apart from the mathematics needed when engineering buildings,
architects use geometry: to define the spatial form of a building; from the Pythagoreans of the sixth
century BC onwards, to create forms considered harmonious, and thus to lay out buildings and their
surroundings according to mathematical, aesthetic and sometimes religious principles; to decorate
buildings with mathematical objects such as tessellations; and to meet environmental goals, such as
to minimise wind speeds around the bases of tall buildings.

In ancient Egypt, ancient Greece, India, and the Islamic world, buildings including pyramids, temples,
mosques, palaces and mausoleums were laid out with specific proportions for religious reasons. In
Islamic architecture, geometric shapes and geometric tiling patterns are used to decorate buildings,
both inside and outside. Some Hindu temples have a fractal-like structure where parts resemble the
whole, conveying a message about the infinite in Hindu cosmology. In Chinese architecture, the
tulou of Fujian province are circular, communal defensive structures. In the twenty-first century,
mathematical ornamentation is again being used to cover public buildings.

In Renaissance architecture, symmetry and proportion were deliberately emphasized by architects

such as Leon Battista Alberti, Sebastiano Serlio and Andrea Palladio, influenced by Vitruvius's De
architectura from ancient Rome and the arithmetic of the Pythagoreans from ancient Greece. At
the end of the nineteenth century, Vladimir Shukhov in Russia and Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona
pioneered the use of hyperboloid structures; in the Sagrada Família, Gaudí also incorporated
hyperbolic paraboloids, tessellations, catenary arches, catenoids, helicoids, and ruled surfaces. In the
twentieth century, styles such as modern architecture and Deconstructivism explored different
geometries to achieve desired effects. Minimal surfaces have been exploited in tent-like roof
coverings as at Denver International Airport, while Richard Buckminster Fuller pioneered the use of the
strong thin-shell structures known as geodesic domes.

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2. Broad Typology of Thesis

The Thesis is to be a study and design based one. The concept of mathematics in architecture
is relatively vast, and hence will require a lot of research and analysis. The project cannot be purely
theoretical however, as it will require sketches and models to explain the nuances of the project.

The study part will include case studies, literature study and net studies. It will include the functioning
and designing of an Indian institute, but will focus more on the application of mathematics in
architecture to tackle the problems of designing an institute. The design part will include conceptual
sketches, plans, sections, elevations, 2D and 3D models. It will require these resources to fully
articulate the intent of the project.

The broad theme of the Thesis will fall under the category of „Spatial politics and manifestation‟.

3. Philosophy of Design and Theoretical Background

Mathematics has been increasing in popularity in architectural design, especially with the rise
of architectural 2D and 3D softwares. Special plugins such as grasshopper for rhino, and dynamo for
revit enable designers to utilize parametric designs, a rising trend in architecture.

Mathematics is also utilized in architecture in the form of modular co-ordination, grid systems, ratios,
such as the golden ratio, used for proportioning, and for parametric designs.

Parametric design is a process based on algorithmic thinking that enables the expression of
parameters and rules that, together, define, encode and clarify the relationship between design
intent and design response.Parametric design is a paradigm in design where the relationship
between elements is used to manipulate and inform the design of complex geometries and
structures.

The term parametric originates from mathematics (parametric equation) and refers to the use of
certain parameters or variables that can be edited to manipulate or alter the end result of an
equation or system. While today the term is used in reference to computational design systems, there
are precedents for these modern systems in the works of architects such as Antoni Gaudí, who used
analog models to explore design space.

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Parametric modeling systems can be divided into two main types:

 Propagation-based systems where one computes from known to unknowns with a dataflow
model.
 Constraint systems which solve sets of continuous and discrete constraints.

Form-finding is one of the strategies implemented through propagation-based systems. The idea
behind form-finding is to optimize certain design goals against a set of design constraints.

4. Research Statement

How to utilize futuristic trends in architecture, such as parametric designs, without alienating the users
of a building?

How can these types of buildings fit in the existing cityscape?

How can we design such buildings in a cost effective and efficient manner?

5. Aim

To create an Indian institute of mathematical sciences in the heart of Kochi, one of the fastest
growing cities in south India. To utilize and implement certain concepts of mathematics in
architecture, to tackle and solve the problems that will inevitably arise during such a complex
project.

6. Justification of the topic

The only constant in life is change. Therefore, we must either spearhead the change, or
embrace it, lest we fall into obsolescence. Because, unfortunately, time waits for none. So we are
forced to haste in being up to date with the fast changing trends in architecture in order to stay
relevant.

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The project will spark an interest in Kochi‟s educational sector, which has been stagnant for many
years. The most famous college in Cochin is CUSAT. This has been the case for some time now, and
the city desperately requires some competition to spice things up.

Architects may also select the form of a building to meet environmental goals. For example, Foster
and Partners' 30 St Mary Axe, London, known as "The Gherkin" for its cucumber-like shape, is a solid of
revolution designed using parametric modelling. Its geometry was chosen not purely for aesthetic
reasons, but to minimise whirling air currents at its base. Despite the building's apparently curved
surface, all the panels of glass forming its skin are flat, except for the lens at the top. Most of the
panels are quadrilaterals, as they can be cut from rectangular glass with less wastage than triangular
panels.

The traditional yakhchal (ice pit) of Persia functioned as an evaporative cooler. Above ground, the
structure had a domed shape, but had a subterranean storage space for ice and sometimes food as
well. The subterranean space and the thick heat-resistant construction insulated the storage space
year round. The internal space was often further cooled with windcatchers. The ice was available in
the summer to make the frozen dessert faloodeh.

7. Objectives

v. To design an institute for mathematical sciences and all related structures necessary for the
same.
vi. To apply the concepts of mathematics in making the project adhere to the criteria of green
rating guidelines such as GRIHA, BREEAM, or LEED.
vii. To figure out innovative and unique solutions to the problems of designing in a crowded region
such as Cochin.
viii. To optimize the efficiency of the structure using math, and balancing form, function, and
sustainability with each other.
ix. To apply parametric design for the architectural facades, and to implement mathematical
patterns in designing and planning of the institute.

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8. Scope and limitations (Program and site)

The scope of this project is limited to the design of an Indian Institute of Mathematical Science, and
structures involved for such a project, like hostels, classrooms etc. It involves basic designing of
interiors and landscapes, and does not attempt to design these elements 100%.

 Program/Design Brief: The Park will include the campus, classrooms, hostels, recreational areas,
and other facilities required for a functioning institute.
 Recreational centers include grounds for football and cricket, courts for basketball and tennis,
Open Air Theatres etc.
 Other structures will include installations, atms, security kiosks etc.

 Site Statement: The site is located in Kochi, Kerala. It is about 50 acres in area. The aim is to
design a low impact project.
 The project will be a part of the Kerala education board initiative. It will be designed to
international standards.

9. Methodology

xxxi. Literature Study (Standards)

xxxii. Live Case Study (National)
xxxiii. Net Case Study (International)
xxxiv. Initial Site Visit (Documentation)
xxxv. Zoning through Bubble Diagrams
xxxvi. Zoning through Proximity Charts
xxxvii. Conceptual Drawings
xxxviii. Single line plans
xxxix. Double line plans
xl. Sections
xli. Elevations
xlii. 2D digital models
xliii. 3D physical models
xliv. Renders and walkthroughs
xlv. Final Sheets

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10. Case studies

a. Net Case Studies

Pantheon, Greece

Santa Maria Novella, Florence

b. Live Case Studies

Indian Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Chennai

CEPT university, Ahmedabad

11. Conclusion and Inferences

Nature has always served as inspiration for architects and designers. Computer technology has given
designers and architects the tools to analyse and simulate the complexity observed in nature and
apply it to structural building shapes and urban organizational patterns. In the 1980s architects and
designers started using computers running software developed for the aerospace and moving
picture industries to "animate form".

One of the first architects and theorists that used computers to generate architecture was Greg Lynn.
His blob and fold architecture is some of the early examples of computer generated architecture.
Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport's new Terminal 3, finished in 2013, designed by Italian architect
Massimiliano Fuksas, with parametric design support by the engineering firm Knippers Helbig, is an
example for the use of parametric design and production technologies in a large scale building.

Architects may also select the form of a building to meet environmental goals. For example, Foster
and Partners' 30 St Mary Axe, London, known as "The Gherkin" for its cucumber-like shape, is a solid of
revolution designed using parametric modelling. Its geometry was chosen not purely for aesthetic
reasons, but to minimise whirling air currents at its base. Despite the building's apparently curved
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surface, all the panels of glass forming its skin are flat, except for the lens at the top. Most of the
panels are quadrilaterals, as they can be cut from rectangular glass with less wastage than triangular
panels.

The traditional yakhchal (ice pit) of Persia functioned as an evaporative cooler. Above ground, the
structure had a domed shape, but had a subterranean storage space for ice and sometimes food as
well. The subterranean space and the thick heat-resistant construction insulated the storage space
year round. The internal space was often further cooled with windcatchers. The ice was available in
the summer to make the frozen dessert faloodeh.

12. Bibliography

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parametric_design

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mathematics_and_architecture

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