Jaya's vision

These were ideas that came from the experience of the site itself (from photographs) and an understanding of the new cityscape of this part of Vasant Kunj.

This is a special site.

It is part of the Delhi Ridge, which is the single most important feature of Delhi’s environmental heritage. It guards Delhi against the heat traveling from the west. It is also regarded as the most bird-enriched area in Delhi. Being part of the ancient Aravalli range of mountains, it links this part of the country all the way to the Rajasthan in the west. 

There is further interest on the site in the form of the canyon, where the natural rock formation has been ‘ravaged’ by human intervention, creating a depression.

Consider the perspective that this site is part of a prominent feature of this city. This may be built upon but the city must still have access to it and it must continue to replenish this part of the city.

There is a Vedic philosophy that lays down the different experiences that a student would benefit from; these have been considered these in determining the experiences that this site and programme could benefit from. The Vedic philosophy also states that if a student is not happy with his teacher, he/she may reject the teacher and search for a new one. I like this concept in view of the ‘open source’ philosophy!

The Street - For all stakeholders - Interaction/ Integration

Everyone uses the street to get about and therefore everyone takes ownership of it, it is a public area connecting other public activities (auditorium, library, café, etc.). It offers transparency, visibility and connectivity. On a practical level, it would offer a comfortable shaded area protected from the mid-day summer sun and is oriented so as to catch the summer winds.

The pedestrian entry to site to positioned so as...?

The street shall of course be enclosed by a built fabric, this will be:

The terraced houses - For some stakeholders students/faculty – Areas of individual occupation and creation

These are envisioned as the areas for the architectural and planning departments separated by the street.

The Orchard (canyon) – For All stakeholders – Revival, replenishment, an area for contemplation

This shall be a sunken garden, a lawn of tree-tops. Consider the unique pleasure this feature offers. It is a rare experience to be looking down upon lush green tree tops and the life that inhabits it – birds and possibly butterflies. A visual pivot for the site, for all.

In short, it will be a complete ecosystem

The canyon shall be bridged over with a lightweight bouncy structure to heighten the experience, a connection with the street and public areas to one bank and the private residential area on the other bank.

The Shared Areas – For most stakeholders – Culmination, Presentation, Performance.

The auditorium, building centre, café, library, workshops.

Workshops/ building centre envisioned at the south end overlooking the ‘ghats’ of the canyon.