HABITAT CENTRE

Idea projektu

This thesis explores the design and development of a Habitat Center at the Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, intended as a vibrant and inclusive space that reflects the region's cultural heritage while addressing the needs of a growing academic and public community. The project aims to bridge traditional Rajasthani architectural wisdom with contemporary sustainable practices, focusing on biophilic design, thermal comfort, material sensitivity, and social well-being.

Set within the arid landscape of Rajasthan, the design takes cues from local vernacular elements such as stepwells, courtyards, and sandstone construction, reinterpreting them through a modern architectural lens. With three underground levels and four floors above ground, the center is envisioned as a multifunctional public institution capable of hosting exhibitions, performances, learning events, and community gatherings.

The core objective is to create a resilient, LEED-compliant building that fosters interaction between people and place, enhances mental and emotional well-being, and promotes environmental stewardship. The Habitat Center is not just a structure—it is a spatial ecosystem where nature, culture, and innovation converge to serve the needs of today while preserving the legacy of the past.

Key Goals and Objectives:

To design a sustainable public building rooted in biophilic and climatic design principles.

To integrate traditional Rajasthani architecture and materials into a modern context.

To serve as a cultural and knowledge hub for IIT Jodhpur and the surrounding community.

To demonstrate low-impact construction and responsible land use through use of sandstone, stepwells, and passive strategies.

To enhance user experience by promoting accessibility, inclusivity, and sensory engagement.

Popis projektu

The thesis project proposes a comprehensive design solution for the Habitat Center at IIT Jodhpur, addressing multiple dimensions of architecture, sustainability, and human experience. The scope includes:

Climate-Responsive Design for Arid Regions
Creating an architectural response suitable for the harsh, dry climate of the Thar Desert using passive design strategies for thermal comfort and energy efficiency.

Integration of Biophilic Design for Well-being
Enhancing user engagement, mental health, and social interaction by embedding natural elements—such as courtyards, vegetation, water bodies, and daylight—into the spatial experience.

Development of a Multifunctional Cultural and Social Hub
Designing a flexible space that can host exhibitions, lectures, informal gatherings, workshops, and community events—catering to the diverse needs of students, faculty, and visitors.

Use of Local Materials and Vernacular Techniques
Employing regionally available sandstone, traditional stepwells, and courtyard planning to reduce environmental impact while reinforcing cultural identity.

Targeting Green Building Certification (LEED)
Aligning the design with environmental performance standards to aim for LEED certification, ensuring energy efficiency, water conservation, and responsible material usage.

Accessibility, Inclusivity & Adaptability
Ensuring that the design serves people of all abilities, age groups, and backgrounds, while remaining adaptable to future needs and technological integrations.

Technické informace

1. Site Details
Location: Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
Climatic Zone: Hot and Arid (as per ECBC classification)
Soil Type: Sandy with moderate bearing capacity

2. Building Typology
Use Type: Institutional + Cultural + Recreational
Occupancy: High footfall (students, faculty, visitors, public)
Structure: RCC framed structure with sandstone cladding
Basements: 3 levels (parking, services, archives)
Floors Above Ground: Ground + 3

3. Built-up Area
Area of the site      = 25,253 sq.m ( 6.24 Acres )
Ground Coverage = 30% = 7,776 sq.m
Built up area          = 43,921 sq.m
FAR Archived           = 1.73
Maximum Height  = 18m

4. Functional Zoning
Public Zone: Amphitheatre, café, multipurpose hall, exhibition space
Semi-Public Zone: Library, co-working lounges, seminar rooms
Service Zone: HVAC, mechanical rooms, washrooms, vertical cores
Open Spaces: Stepwells, landscaped courtyards, shaded walkways

5. Materials and Construction
Primary Materials:
Jodhpur sandstone (locally sourced)
RCC with thermal insulation
Terracotta tiles, lime plaster (for internal finishes)
Roofing: Flat roof with solar panels and insulation layers
Glazing: Double-glazed units with low-E coating
Flooring: Natural stone (interiors), Kota and sandstone (exteriors)

6. Sustainability Features
Passive Cooling: Wind towers, thermal massing, shaded courts
Rainwater Harvesting: Integrated into stepwell system
Solar Energy: Photovoltaic panels on roof
Water Recycling: STP and reuse in landscaping
Ventilation: Mixed-mode natural and mechanical systems

7. Structural System
Frame: Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC)
Foundation: Raft and isolated footing depending on load
Basement Construction: Waterproofed RCC with natural ventilation ducts

8. Building Services
Electrical: LED lighting, sensor-based systems
Mechanical: Central HVAC with VAV systems
Plumbing: Low-flow fixtures, greywater reuse
Fire Safety: Sprinklers, smoke detectors, emergency exits
Vertical Circulation: Lifts, staircases, and ramps (universal design)

9. Codes and Guidelines Followed
NBC 2016 (National Building Code)
ECBC (Energy Conservation Building Code)
LEED India Rating System
DSR 2023 for estimation and costing
UDCPR norms for building and zoning

Dokumentace

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