Reclaiming History : An exploration towards an approach for adaptive reuse of historic subterranean structures
The design project focuses on crafting of spaces underground and hence dealing with the paradoxes and the complexities of it. The site chosen is an abandoned step well, situated in the dense city of Ahmedabad. The studio is about reviving the historic monument and restoring its lost glory through an adaptive reuse. The program would be a community space wherein each student will detail their individual program based on their interpretation of a suitable community space through various site studies dealing with the physical context, user group etc.
The core intent of the studio is to be able to design an introvert space underground complementing an existing historic structure , to be able to explore various solutions of fenestrations, inside-outside connections, controlling/ bringing in light, ventilation, etc. with an approach different from when designing above the ground. Explorations based on Light, Materials and Interior Details will form an integral part of the studio.
