Window of Walls

Aanganwadi, Garbage Collection, Community toilet and Pathology lab.

At Trombay, Cheetah Camp

Design and Detail

Krisha Dharaiya | Semester 6 | 2022-23

Initial observation-

Comparison of a building to a window can be made here as the materials used are repeated in both places, they have joineries in both cases, the restrictions and affordance in both cases are specific to the site as the window restricts movement but allows sight over here whereas certain part of the building allows and restricts the usage in ways such as resting, cooking, circulation, storage, seating, etc. Buildings in similar way have punctures, series of steel members joined, joineries, movements, sets of materials, etc. Example- Toilet block punctures like its windows have, houses have steel I beams joined like the grills, etc.

Further the location of the windows became important in terms of the functionality of the opening. The question of creating a window, if a window is made for the community, what does the windows fit into,what is that wall? Where is that wall placed? What does the window and the wall allow and what does it restrict? These design questions are looked into. The wall and the window can be one hard edge on the side of the street and can blur into the community space of the site. The blurring will allow the usage of the space by the community in a more interactive

way with the programmes being included in the window itself.

Rough diagram of all type of openings and their placements in the site

The idea of circulation of air through the opening of the toilet block.

Idea of blinds that allows vision from street to community and visa versa when seen from particular points and directions.

Placing the blinds on the plans as divisions/partitions to allow partial vision

But the question of creating a window, if a window is made for the community, what does the windows fit into, what is that wall? Where is that wall placed? What does the window and the wall allow and what does it restrict? These design questions are looked into.

The wall and the window can be one hard edge on the side of the street and can blur into the community space of the site. The blurring will allow the usage of the space by the community in a more interactive way with the programmes being included in the window itself.

Ground floor plan showing the medical centre, waste segregation area and toilet blocks

First floor level showing two rooms of the medical centre, toilet blocks and the balwadi

Second floor plan showing care taker's home and open space

Section parallel to the street through medical centre and both toilet s

Section perpendicular to the street through the female toilets and waste pickup area

Diagrams showing vision permitted by different walls and openings.

Wall section showing the circulation, light and material details