footprints in the valley
low cost housing - landscape design & natural resource management
Pune
11 acres
unbuilt
2017 - 2018
design team:
project architects:
Arjun Sharma, Gaurav Shetty
S+PS Architects, Mumbai
This project allowed us to work on a much larger site, where it was decided early on that the spatial structure of the site would dictate the floor space- land occupancy of the project.
The chakan region, where our site is located, is drained by the indrayani river. This river flows about 2 km south of our site and flows eastwards. The Indrayani river is fed by a network of ephemeral and perennial streams, which in turn shape the natural landscape (hillocks and valleys) around.
Our site is part of one such hill that sits beside a semi-perennial stream, draining into it. The stream beds produce two different types of landscape, based on the nature and size of the stream and the slope of the land.
The areas around smaller streams and steeper grounds tend to become a lush greenery occupied by pioneer community species. The beds on larger streams and flatter grounds tend to be used as fertile cultivable farmlands.
Initial idea
In our design proposal, the flat stream bed at the bottom is reinterpreted as a maidan; and the upstream river and its riparian corridor, is designated as a natural eco-system. The idea of these two landscape characters are used to structure the open spaces and building occupancy.
Flowing past the maidan (at the lowest level), out of the site, is the site’s ephemeral stream. This stream will collect monsoon water from most parts of the site (including excess roof water) and flow diagonally down the center of the site. There will be check dams at intervals to increase rainwater recharge and the moisture in the ground.
Along this stream will grow a perennial natural ecosystem dotted with small interactive spaces. This will make up the central spine of the project.
From this central spine a serial network of smaller, thematic open spaces will weave its way into the built environment. These spaces will be better suited for high intensity footfall and usage.
image credits:
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