Roshita Sudhir

AD4011

Center for Algae Biotechnology

The studio is part of the post humanist discourse which de-centralizes architecture, instead emphasis is laid on the relationship between various entities, both organic and in-organic. The project chosen is an ecological recovery of an abandoned basalt quarry situated in Champaneer Pavagadh. The foundation of the studio is based on the work of multi species theorists Donna J. Harraway (Staying with the Trouble: Making Kin in the Cthulucene) and Anna Tsing (The Mushroom at the End of the World). Harraway urges us to embrace the challenges faced by today’s world and aim to resolve it collectively by fostering collaboration between various species. How can architecture play a role here?  

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Studio premise, Project Intent and Building programme

Indicators of sentient ruin: hydrology, vacancy and erosion to be responded to

Response Catalogue: strategies devised to address issues of water catchment, channeling of rain water, recharging of ground water and erosion control

Axonometric view of site showing the relationship between architecture and landscape

Laboratory and Greenhouse: laboratory space is located at the base of the cliff. The geometry of the laboratory building is moulded by the vacancy. The greenhouse is located on top of the debris hill. An algal pond is constructed by the scooping out the debris.

Elevation,Construction details and Axonometric view of laboratory space. algal panels are employed in the facade to generate algal biomass and produce electricity. It acts as a shading device as well.

Plan of laboratory space and algal growth room: laboratory space and the algal growth room is located at the base of the cliff. A collection pond is provided between them to serve the water requirements of both the buildings.

Elevation and section of laboratory and algal growth room: the illustrations show the relationship between the building and cliff face

Section of Laboratory space and Walkway: the sections demonstrate the ecotone that exists between the organic and in-organic

Evolution of site in 100 years: an artistic rendering of site, the institute continue to work in the field of clean energy and continue it’s collaborate with algae to tap into its other potentials like bio-luminescence. The site continues to becomes a laboratory for inter species collaboration and survival.