Criteria for Case Study: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Location of the Project. Facilities provided by the Project. Sustainability of the project. After effect of the Project on area. Effective design of transition spaces connecting outdoor with indoor.
3.1 Quiet Healing Centre, Auroville, India Architect: Ar.Poppo Pingel Location: Auroville, TamilNadu, India Quiet is a wellness centre located on banks of Bay of Bengal. It occupies over 7 acrea beachfront compound. It offers a wide variety f natural healing therapies. It is a place to relax, rejuvenate, recharge and heal. The healing work at Quiet is based on the understanding that aperson is first and foremost a spiritual being seeking to express its truth through the instrumentality of mental, vital and physical nature. Architect’s Ideology: He was strongly influenced by the growing environmental awareness, baubiological* and sensory issues plus physiological concerns in architecture. These included health hazards through industrial building materials, electro-smog, the blind use of industrial synthetic building products monotonously applied, and the waste and misuse of natural resources.
(Diagram 1: Site Context)
Site Context: The site selected for this project is apt as it connects the place well to both nearest community, city and on other side the nature. One side the structure is surrounded by tall palm trees and bay of Bengal. The other side leads to the Pondicherry market and city further connecting to heart of Auroville. Thus the requirement of silent environment for the therapies is fulfilled as well they are well connected to community.
(Diagram 2: Zoning) The built up and open space zoning explains that the structure is well planned with green open spaces in between thus maintaining the connection of nature from exterior to interior. The project is not yet built completely as planned, the extension is aimed to be built in coming near future. The zoning of areas as per the activities is well planned, separating the private and public zones.
(Diagram 3: Activity Zoning)
The circulation of the site is well managed and separated. The frequently coming vehicular does not disturb the regular actvities on site.There is only one node creating a traffic node, when there is service vehicle movement.
(Diagram 4: Site Plan)
1- Security Cabin 2- Residential Block 3- Reception 4- Healing Spheres 5-Hall of Harmony 6- Extended Residential Block 7-Kitchen and Laundry 8-Dining Its location on the beachfront makes it highly susceptible to cyclones. The structures are well spaced out as to minimize the effect of any damage caused due to cyclones. The climate conditions are both constraints and opportunities for development. DESIGN AND STRUCTURE DETAILS
(Diagram 5: Chajja)
(Diagram 6: Gutter detail)
The sloping chajja’s act as dnp moulds as the architect did not wish to have additional projection on facade. The gutter detail is exaggerated and forms as part of the detail.The water from the gutters falls fdirectly to the landscaped area below.
(Diagram 6: Plinth beam)
(Diagram 6: Structural members)
Architect’s truthful use of material called for exaggeration of details to depict the virtue of the material. The plinth beam in residential block, projects diagonally from the sloping wall, holding the first course of bricks in place. The detail is enhanced by the projection of plinth beam, which protrudes from coping. The beams continue over the vaulted passage-ways and also project out of the external walls. The beams have punctures to facilitate easy maneuvering by tying a rope through it. This helps in placement of precast beams. The Quiet Healing Centre stands as an outstanding example of fusion art, craftsmanship and structural excellency. His attention to details, from the construction of a beam to designing a door handle is impeccable and this breathes life to his structure. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:
(Diagram 7: Therapy Room Section)
The hot and humid climate on site compelled the architect to use materials that would resist dampness.
Thus, porous materials such as first class bricks, lime mortar and timber have been used. They keep the interiors dry and cooler compared to outside. The domes are cladded with China mosaic which reflects maximum part of the heat incident on it, assisting in keeping the healing rooms cool throughout the day.
(Diagram 8: Solar Panels)
(Diagram 9: Green cover)
It incorporates minimal use of artificial electromagnetic fields. These panels have been oriented in North-South direction so that the harsh incident sunlight is concentrated on the solar panels. The green cover acts as buffer from the noise around the site, creating peaceful environment for healing.
(Diagram 10: Hall of Harmony)
(Diagram 10: Opening in the buttress with precast concrete rings used generally for septic tank.) (Diagram 11: Courtyards joining the structure internally.)
(Diagram 11: Transitional space: connecting inside to outside.)
(Diagram 12: Appropriate amount of natural lighting inside the structure.)
Inference:
The facilities provided by the centre are one of the best in India. The site for the centre is a transitional zone between busy city zone and the calm peaceful beach (Nature). The use of local materials and local artisans has made it economically and environmentally sustainable. The planning and designing of the center is so done that the nature has been merged with the indoors providing small pockets of open and semi-open spaces, thus helping in the treatment procedures too. The small details have helped the project be aesthetically better.
