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Swayamsiddh Dash

UR3005

Soundscaping : Designing through understanding Sound

The Soundscaping project aims to enhance the biophony of the Sant Sarovar Dam area in Gandhinagar while promoting conservation and limiting illicit activities. This soundscaping initiative focuses on creating designated conservation zones for local avifauna while allowing for responsible access. Strategy One: Access: Facilitate controlled access to the site, ensuring that visitors can experience the natural sounds of birds without disturbing their habitats. This approach helps reduce illicit activities while fostering a deeper appreciation for the local ecosystem. Strategy Two: Landscaping and Ecology- Implement minimal interventions that enhance the existing landscape and promote ecological health. This includes the careful introduction of native species and the creation of conservation zones that support diverse bird populations. Strategy Three: Interventions- Design thoughtful infrastructures, such as observation points and soundscaping features, that encourage interaction with the environment. These elements provide opportunities for visitors to engage with the natural world, enhancing their experience and fostering a connection to the rich avifauna of the area. Through these strategies, Birdsong envisions a harmonious balance between human access and wildlife conservation, celebrating the sounds of nature while promoting ecological stewardship. 


Report Content

A view showing the built form of the design sitting on the optimized terrain along with human interaction.

A comprehensive view of the site (The area sitting in between Sant Sarovar dam and Indroda Village) was done with the topic of Sound in mind, samples were taken at various distinct spots on the site. Using that information, the surrounding context of foliage was also studied as that also contributes towards dampening or amplification of sound.

The main element that affected the native "Soundscape" were birds, and hence the birds that are local to the site and those that migrate here are studied. Along with that the birds were divided into 3 areas, the Upland species, the Midland species and the Riparian species.

Using the information gathered from site study and the study of the avifauna, a set of strategies were formed to remain true to the concept of sound based design without disturbing the native avifauna and Foliage.

Looking into the human interactivity aspect of the design, spaces for both Humans and Avifauna was required; while humans needed spaces to indulge their senses of sight and hearing, the birds required spaces for perching while being in view for humans

The final developed master plan

A view of the site from another angle that provides a look into how the site transitions from Upland to Midland and finally to the Riparian cohesively

A set of visualizations. Please do scan the QR code to view a virtual walkthrough of the site

Project Video