the journey of sustainibility

8/13/2019 The journey of Sustainibility

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The journey of sustainability-the Indian

vernacular and beyond

BySwati Chokshi, M. Arch (by research)

M. Arch (Project Management in Construction)Academy of Architecture, Associate Professor

[email protected] August 2013

Green Building Workshop, NME-ICT,

IIT Bombay
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


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Introduction

o Approaches

Sustainability could have two basic approaches

o naturalistic or the passive or

o the active or artificial.

The latter is energy driven; and can be seen largely as what could

be termed as second level or sometimes even as remedial

measures. Whereas the earlier one, is simply smart design,

planning and detailing; more importantly, done at the right stage.

24/8/2013 2SWATI CHOKSHI, M. ARCH,[email protected]


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Introductiono The Indian context:

As Indians, we have a sustainable outlook towards life in

general; we have been living sustainable lives sincegenerations. This bank of wisdom is our legacy today and

the onus is on us to see how it can be taken forward.

This outlook has embraced all walks of life, be it

alternative medicine, social sustainability or sustainability

of the built environment.

o Rich and diverse vernacular traditions:

Our rich vernacular tradition actually starts from the

natural settings of the site/city, and responds to

metaphysical concerns, climate, local skills/materials andappropriate technology.

More importantly, it is a passive approach and thus less

energy intensive; these are proven technologies and often

scalable.24/8/2013 SWATI CHOKSHI, M. ARCH,

[email protected]

Source: Zazzle.ca

Source: conserveindia.org


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The vernacular is it sustainable ?

o Vernacular architecture-what it is?

The vernacular architecture could be understood as the buildingtraditions which have been developed by people over generations and

often built by themselves.

These are tried and tested practices which have actually sustained the

ravages of time; they have been handed down through generations. They

rely on passive measures, by and large and respond to the context.

Basically, it is architecturewithout architects.

The basis of vernacular is that it responds to several contextual aspects :

Climate, Place, Culture, Materials, Local skills and also

Maintenance, Durability and Metaphysical aspects

The premise is that the vernacular tradition was extremelysustainable in every sense of the wordlet us see how throughsome examples



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Metaphysical aspects

24/8/2013 SWATI CHOKSHI, M. ARCH,[email protected]

5

o Metaphysical aspects: Vaastu shashtra The Vaastu shashtra is the ancient Indian treatise that

sets forth principles on how the laws of nature impact

human settlements.

The mandala was regarded as the representation of the

cosmos and the house was also considered sacred. If its

planning was in sync with the forces of nature it would

result in overall harmony and prosperity. The mandala is the graphical diagram on the basis of

which the houses and even cities were planned.

Vaastu Purusha MandalaSource:http://www.archinomy.com/case-studies/1906/jaipur-evolution-of-

an-indian-city

o The Vaastu Purusha MandalaIt represents the metaphysical plan of a building; it incorporates the

supernatural forces. The central space is always an open to sky courtyardproviding the connect to outer space. Various deities/5 elements (air, water,

earth etc.) govern different squares of the mandala and impart their

characteristics to these spaces.
http://www.archinomy.com/case-studies/1906/jaipur-evolution-of-an-indian-cityhttp://www.archinomy.com/case-studies/1906/jaipur-evolution-of-an-indian-cityhttp://www.archinomy.com/case-studies/1906/jaipur-evolution-of-an-indian-cityhttp://www.archinomy.com/case-studies/1906/jaipur-evolution-of-an-indian-cityhttp://www.archinomy.com/case-studies/1906/jaipur-evolution-of-an-indian-cityhttp://www.archinomy.com/case-studies/1906/jaipur-evolution-of-an-indian-cityhttp://www.archinomy.com/case-studies/1906/jaipur-evolution-of-an-indian-cityhttp://www.archinomy.com/case-studies/1906/jaipur-evolution-of-an-indian-cityhttp://www.archinomy.com/case-studies/1906/jaipur-evolution-of-an-indian-cityhttp://www.archinomy.com/case-studies/1906/jaipur-evolution-of-an-indian-cityhttp://www.archinomy.com/case-studies/1906/jaipur-evolution-of-an-indian-cityhttp://www.archinomy.com/case-studies/1906/jaipur-evolution-of-an-indian-cityhttp://www.archinomy.com/case-studies/1906/jaipur-evolution-of-an-indian-cityhttp://www.archinomy.com/case-studies/1906/jaipur-evolution-of-an-indian-cityhttp://www.archinomy.com/case-studies/1906/jaipur-evolution-of-an-indian-cityhttp://www.archinomy.com/case-studies/1906/jaipur-evolution-of-an-indian-cityhttp://www.archinomy.com/case-studies/1906/jaipur-evolution-of-an-indian-cityhttp://www.archinomy.com/case-studies/1906/jaipur-evolution-of-an-indian-city


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Metaphysical aspects

o Mandala zones: Functions are assigned to different

spaces:

Corners: Northeast for the home shrine,

southeast for the kitchen, southwest forthe master bedroom and northwest forthe cowshed, grain storage.

The spaces lying between the cornersare for multi purpose use.

o Planning cities using themandala:

The idea of planning based onthe mandala was even

extended to city planning. The

city of Jaipur is also based

upon a 9 squares mandala.

It was planned in the 1700s

However it encompassed the

natural features, topography

as well as other functional

aspects like military needs,existing infrastructure etc. and

modified the grid to respond

to the topography.


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Source: http://www.vastu-design.com/seminar/14a.php
http://www.vastu-design.com/seminar/14a.phphttp://www.vastu-design.com/seminar/14a.phphttp://www.vastu-design.com/seminar/14a.phphttp://www.vastu-design.com/seminar/14a.php


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Planning: Jaipur, IndiaThe stepwise progression of theplanning is obvious

The central axes was laid outbetween the existing major entrieson the east and west gates

This was crossed by 2 vertical roadsdividing the city into 9 squares and

further subdivided to form ahierarchy of road networks.

The northwest square touched theranges which formed part of thenatural defense and hence was

dropped . Instead a square was extended out

towards the south east.


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Source: http://www.archinomy.com/case-studies/1906/jaipur-evolution-

of-an-indian-city
http://www.archinomy.com/case-studies/1906/jaipur-evolution-of-an-indian-cityhttp://www.archinomy.com/case-studies/1906/jaipur-evolution-of-an-indian-cityhttp://www.archinomy.com/case-studies/1906/jaipur-evolution-of-an-indian-cityhttp://www.archinomy.com/case-studies/1906/jaipur-evolution-of-an-indian-cityhttp://www.archinomy.com/case-studies/1906/jaipur-evolution-of-an-indian-cityhttp://www.archinomy.com/case-studies/1906/jaipur-evolution-of-an-indian-cityhttp://www.archinomy.com/case-studies/1906/jaipur-evolution-of-an-indian-cityhttp://www.archinomy.com/case-studies/1906/jaipur-evolution-of-an-indian-cityhttp://www.archinomy.com/case-studies/1906/jaipur-evolution-of-an-indian-cityhttp://www.archinomy.com/case-studies/1906/jaipur-evolution-of-an-indian-cityhttp://www.archinomy.com/case-studies/1906/jaipur-evolution-of-an-indian-cityhttp://www.archinomy.com/case-studies/1906/jaipur-evolution-of-an-indian-cityhttp://www.archinomy.com/case-studies/1906/jaipur-evolution-of-an-indian-cityhttp://www.archinomy.com/case-studies/1906/jaipur-evolution-of-an-indian-cityhttp://www.archinomy.com/case-studies/1906/jaipur-evolution-of-an-indian-city


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Planning climatically responsive cities-Gujarat

The buildings have common walls (like rowhouses); they are generally ground plustwo/three structures approached by narrowstreets.

This ensures shade and coolness on the streetsas well as minimal exposure to the hot and dryclimate.

The courtyard is a climatic device that gets inlight and ventilation as the building depth getstoo deep.

The highlight here is the morphologyof these cities which are tightly

packed and climatically responsive tothe hot dry climate


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Source: Footprints e.a.r.t.h . research,Yatin Pandya


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Examples: Vernacular architecture


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o The Warlihome(a tribe in Maharashtra) It is built by the local residents; with karvi

walls using local materials i.e mud plaster on a

framework of branches.

It is climate responsive; it has a light externalenvelope which loses heat quickly and allows air

movement, in this hot and humid climate.

This is a live tradition in Maharashtra.

What is evident inthe examples is the

seamless blendbetween the use oflocally availablematerials and skillspicked by theresidents in buildingand maintainingtheir own homes

Local materials are

manipulated to suittheir lifestyle andclimate withoutimpacting theenvironment.

Source: Paper by Remigius de souza, 1993


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Examples: Vernacular architecture,Rajasthan

The traditional shelter is called abhoonga It can even withstand earthquakes The circular form ensures minimum

exposure to the external elements which

are extreme; a hot and dry desert climate. They are all built around open courtyard

like spaces forming clusters

Smaller openings control entry of light,heat and winds

The building materials are mud for thewalls and thatch for the roof.

The interiors are beautifully embellishedwith local mirror work patterns.

Bhoonga: Source; Footprints, e.a.r.t.h.,Yatin Pandya


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Examples: Vernacular architecture, Kerala


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Source:http://arkistudentscor

ner.blogspot.in/2012/01/pad

manabhapuram-palace.html

o The Padmanabhapuram palace: This is representative of the local architectural style in

Kerala in its more lavish avataar. It is well suited to the climate with multiple

courtyards to allow air movement across the complex.

It is designed and built to be durable as wellas maintenance-free. The floors are gleaming blackeven after a period of about 400 years or more.. It is

said that the flooring was done using a mixture of

different materials like burnt coconut shells, egg

whites, plant juices etc.

It is obvious how theglare has been cut

through meticulous

fenestration detailing.
http://arkistudentscorner.blogspot.in/2012/01/padmanabhapuram-palace.htmlhttp://arkistudentscorner.blogspot.in/2012/01/padmanabhapuram-palace.htmlhttp://arkistudentscorner.blogspot.in/2012/01/padmanabhapuram-palace.htmlhttp://arkistudentscorner.blogspot.in/2012/01/padmanabhapuram-palace.htmlhttp://arkistudentscorner.blogspot.in/2012/01/padmanabhapuram-palace.htmlhttp://arkistudentscorner.blogspot.in/2012/01/padmanabhapuram-palace.htmlhttp://arkistudentscorner.blogspot.in/2012/01/padmanabhapuram-palace.htmlhttp://arkistudentscorner.blogspot.in/2012/01/padmanabhapuram-palace.htmlhttp://arkistudentscorner.blogspot.in/2012/01/padmanabhapuram-palace.html


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Examples: Vernacular architecture, GoaChapel of St Catherine,Goa from the 16 centuryoriginally, rebuilt in 1952

Laterite structures in Goa and around

These modest structures are usually plastered

in lime or a mix of lime and earth or even left

unplastered with huge sloping roof overhangs

They generally have sloping roofs to combat

the rain and the strong sun.

When the house gets dilapidated it literally

crumbles down to earth and brings the building

materials back to their organic and naturalstate, completingthe loop

The wood used is often the local jackfruit wood


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Source:http://goanarchitecture.blogspot.in/2007/11/stone-and-earth.html

A modest Goan home in laterite; plastered with earth

source:http://www.virtualtourist.com/tra

vel/Asia/India/Goa-

1098247/Things_To_Do-Goa-

Chapel_of_Saint_Catherine-BR-1.html
http://goanarchitecture.blogspot.in/2007/11/stone-and-earth.htmlhttp://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Asia/India/Goa-1098247/Things_To_Do-Goa-Chapel_of_Saint_Catherine-BR-1.htmlhttp://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Asia/India/Goa-1098247/Things_To_Do-Goa-Chapel_of_Saint_Catherine-BR-1.htmlhttp://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Asia/India/Goa-1098247/Things_To_Do-Goa-Chapel_of_Saint_Catherine-BR-1.htmlhttp://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Asia/India/Goa-1098247/Things_To_Do-Goa-Chapel_of_Saint_Catherine-BR-1.htmlhttp://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Asia/India/Goa-1098247/Things_To_Do-Goa-Chapel_of_Saint_Catherine-BR-1.htmlhttp://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Asia/India/Goa-1098247/Things_To_Do-Goa-Chapel_of_Saint_Catherine-BR-1.htmlhttp://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Asia/India/Goa-1098247/Things_To_Do-Goa-Chapel_of_Saint_Catherine-BR-1.htmlhttp://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Asia/India/Goa-1098247/Things_To_Do-Goa-Chapel_of_Saint_Catherine-BR-1.htmlhttp://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Asia/India/Goa-1098247/Things_To_Do-Goa-Chapel_of_Saint_Catherine-BR-1.htmlhttp://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Asia/India/Goa-1098247/Things_To_Do-Goa-Chapel_of_Saint_Catherine-BR-1.htmlhttp://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Asia/India/Goa-1098247/Things_To_Do-Goa-Chapel_of_Saint_Catherine-BR-1.htmlhttp://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Asia/India/Goa-1098247/Things_To_Do-Goa-Chapel_of_Saint_Catherine-BR-1.htmlhttp://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Asia/India/Goa-1098247/Things_To_Do-Goa-Chapel_of_Saint_Catherine-BR-1.htmlhttp://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Asia/India/Goa-1098247/Things_To_Do-Goa-Chapel_of_Saint_Catherine-BR-1.htmlhttp://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Asia/India/Goa-1098247/Things_To_Do-Goa-Chapel_of_Saint_Catherine-BR-1.htmlhttp://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Asia/India/Goa-1098247/Things_To_Do-Goa-Chapel_of_Saint_Catherine-BR-1.htmlhttp://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Asia/India/Goa-1098247/Things_To_Do-Goa-Chapel_of_Saint_Catherine-BR-1.htmlhttp://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Asia/India/Goa-1098247/Things_To_Do-Goa-Chapel_of_Saint_Catherine-BR-1.htmlhttp://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Asia/India/Goa-1098247/Things_To_Do-Goa-Chapel_of_Saint_Catherine-BR-1.htmlhttp://goanarchitecture.blogspot.in/2007/11/stone-and-earth.htmlhttp://goanarchitecture.blogspot.in/2007/11/stone-and-earth.htmlhttp://goanarchitecture.blogspot.in/2007/11/stone-and-earth.htmlhttp://goanarchitecture.blogspot.in/2007/11/stone-and-earth.htmlhttp://goanarchitecture.blogspot.in/2007/11/stone-and-earth.htmlhttp://goanarchitecture.blogspot.in/2007/11/stone-and-earth.html


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Resources-water Water is a scarce resource; so there are two

major strategies:

Water harvesting as well as recycling. Even the rock cut architecture built decades

ago took these issues into consideration.

The Kanheri caves, (Mumbai) which were builtas religious retreats for the Buddhist monks,also show the presence of channels cut across

the external rock cut faces to carry down waterinto underground storage tanks.

More recent and relevant example is that of theunderground tanks (Tanka) in most of thetraditional houses of Gujrat. These have a coverand can supply clean potable water for a

midsized family for a year; that is a hugeadvantage in a hot and dry zone. Water iscollected through a copper pipe and stored inthe stone or lime tank (about 15 by 15 ft and 25ft deep.)


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Tanka in Gujrat homes

Source: Debashish Nayak, Indian heritage

cities network conference, 2008


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Resources-water

Water is drawn by a rope and bucket; theopening is lifted up by 2 ft and is the only

visible part of the tank. Its a decorativeelement and covered with an iron lid.

Recycling was a practice from the past inwater starved areas; e.g water used forcooking in washing vegetables etc. was

used to wash the courtyard and then toclean the toilets and so on.


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lidSource: Debashish Nayak, Indian heritage

cities network conference, 2008


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Energy and its aspects: light and ventilation Indians are very energy conscious out of choice; a case in

point is that to date most people use the solar heat and

/or air movement to dry clothes instead of energy guzzlingdevices.

Most vernacular buildings are well lit andventilated/climate responsive as to avoid orminimize the use of artificial devices.

Passive micro climatic manipulation: There wasalways the use of microclimatic control by making use of

water bodies or fountains etc in climatic devices like

courtyards to modify adverse climatic impacts of hot and

dry climate or the use of thick walls to introduce time lagsin the fluctuating diurnal cycle.

Light: It is such an important aspect of architecture bothin terms of quantity which has a bearing on energy usage

as well as in terms of its qualitative aspects like glare etc.


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Source: istockpohto.com

Source: azprintables.com


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Energy and its aspects: light and ventilation Most of our buildings had grills etc and

fenestration/faade engineering done to control and

manipulate light by means of devices like jalis or doublewindows with wooden louvres etc.

A lot of religious buildings like temples and masjids also

used similar strategies to control light and air movement .

Water: More lavish buildings like palaces and forts madeingenious use of water to cool the building envelope; the

walls would have water pipes embedded inside to cool

down the masonry walls; the water was cooled naturally

by making it run over surfaces and exposing it to the

atmosphere. Ventilation: Wind scoops also allowed the entry of

breeze into the hot desert zones; micro climatic

modifications include the introduction of dripping water

by installing a pot at the top of the scoop.


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Source: istockpohto.com

Source: en.wikipedia.org

Oth s ts f s st i bilit j t


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Other aspects of sustainability-projectmanagement perspective

Sustainability has aspects apart from the obvious ones; some of them are:

o Life cycle aspect: Choice of a construction method that is lean along

with lean organizations to manage the entire project. Building durablestructures which are maintenance free is another way of

looking at sustainability. The building would then pay off its higher capitalexpenditure by having minimal operating expenses.

Materials that are seemingly high cost and more energy and resourceintensive in their manufacturing etc can be used to generate more benefitsover their entire lifestyle as well as disposal and recycling potentials. This isthe lifecycle approach where the project is looked at from the point of viewof its entire life from inception, construction phase, operations all the wayunto disposal.

o Value engineering: The idea is to obtain best value by evaluating various

options without really increasing the costs; they are to be optimized.o Detailing/Technology: If this is done sensitively using devices like jalis,

(trellises) fountains, water to cool building fabrics etc can add moresustainable measures at a micro scale. Technology could be both; high onenergy (and then optimized) or even passive justified by the demands ofthe context.



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Courtyard architectureo Courtyard architecture: The courtyard home was

the prevailing Indian planning model before the advent

of western ones. It was very versatile;as a climaticdevice, as a outdoor cooking/dining, sleeping/livingarea and for festivities etc.

It was adaptable to any climate across Indiancultures and geographies. That explains its survival.

o Proportions: A hot humid zone shouldhave courtyards with more length and

breadth compared to height where the

basic climatic strategy is to cut out heat

and provide air movement A hot dryclimate needs more height to provideshade. It allows cool air to settle down in

the summer and allow outdoor living in the

sunnier parts of the courtyard in winters.


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Source: Footprints e.a.r.t.h

Yatin Pandya

L i


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Learnings.o Learnings from the vernacular that can be used in contemporary

architecture Make use of passive measures: Use planning devices like courtyards,

suitable orientation, envelope design and appropriate detail elements likejalis, water bodies with responsive roof and fenestration design.

Make use of local materials without major modifications in their naturallyoccurring organic states to completethe loopalong with the use of localcrafts and skills.

Build to create structures that are largely durable and maintenance free.

Ensure resource optimization: Go for water harvesting and recycling, energyoptimization by ensuring good daylight and ventilation,(using naturalcurrents, with windscoops, solar chimneys etc) space cooling/heating (usingpassive measures like geothermal energy or earth sheltered buildings)Limitations : This architecture cannot be replicated the way it was built byour ancestors for the current populations numbers nor for the urban highrise typology. However, its strength is that, it is adaptable tochange; that probably explains how it has survived to date.


M j i hi h h


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Major issues which have come upin the last couple of decades Source: www.un.org

Can the vernacular servecontemporary needs ? Major

changes of the last fewdecades:

Population growth has beenphenomenal; that has placed

great strain on the finite

resources, especially water

and clean air. The ecological

footprint has increased;

putting the carrying capacity

under great pressure. So wecant build and consume the

way we used to. It will

become 8-11 billion by 2050

based on fertility rates.


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Urbanization is the next biggest thingtoday; the trend predicts more

urbanization. The delivery is for bigger

numbers concentrated in tight, near

parasitic land pockets.

Consumption: People aspire for a lifestylelike the developed world. Energydemands to run appliances/equipment in

buildings is now huge and increasing.

M j i hi h h i


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Major issues which have come up inthe last couple of decades

So clearly, the future focus will be on cities and their changing

morphology. It is now going to be a dense high rise development. (a

relative term). Smaller towns may also give up the single plot/single

occupant model and move onto 4-7 storey developments.

New materials, technologies andbuilding systems continue to beinvented; these are marketed veryaggressively and also have potential.

And, last but not the least,

Globalization now allows access toalmost anything, anywhere acrossthe globe; there is ease of

transportation as well. So people cannow buy materials from any placeand transport them anywhere.

Climate change: This is the result ofthese activities


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Urbanization projections

Applications of basic leanings or conceptual


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Applications of basic leanings or conceptualideas of vernacular architecture

Although the focus is on urban development; other regions also need

suitable strategies

Applications of these learnings can be done in the following areas:

Skyscrapers

Cities-scale of operations is different than that of buildings

Typologies apart from residential/commercial and mixed use

Infrastructure


C t t i bl b ildi


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Passive strategies:

The building allows air flow across the north south long facades; through the

louvred external wall and the screened internal wall partitions of the

residential quarters and out through its windows.

The east and west have minimal exposure minimizing the solar gain

Contemporary sustainable buildings

Corridor: Source: The Introduction of Modernism inIndia, Pankaj Vir Gupta

The Golconde, Pondicherry: It is the

first sustainable rcc building in modernIndia and perhaps the earliest one in the

world as well.(1945)

It is planned on vernacular traditions like

climate sensitivity and radical economy by

minimal resource consumption anduncompromising construction standards

to get a durable, maintenance free

building.

I t ti ith th l ds l ts


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Integration with the landscape elementsand a building envelope that catches andalso controls the light and winds.

It is a dormitory for the ashram for the

Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry. It wasbuilt by the residents themselves

It was the first cast in situ poured concretebuilding in India. Its environmental agenda isobvious in its architectural vocabulary.

It has a protective skin of manually operablelouvres.

The roof system comprises concrete tileswith an insulating cavity between theconcrete deck and the semi circular tiles.

It has woven teak-wood sliding doors thatpermit the passage of breeze withoutcompromising visual privacy, and a system ofpools and gardens that cool the ambient air.


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Louvred faadeSource: The Introduction of

Modernism in India, Pankaj

Vir Gupta

Contemporary structures taking off from the vernacular


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Contemporary structures taking off from the vernaculartradition using elements that work

A contemporary courtyardhome in Thrissur-theinterior courtyardSource:http://purj.in/s/Time-Travellercontrolcom.html


25

Source: http://www.betterinteriors.in/wp-

content/uploads/2013/06/01-IMG_1840-01.jpg

Modern interpretations of thecourtyardSource: Understanding courtyard design, Smriti Saraswat

Skyscrapers: The Pearl River Tower China by SOM
http://purj.in/s/Time-Travellercontrolcom.htmlhttp://www.betterinteriors.in/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/01-IMG_1840-01.jpghttp://www.betterinteriors.in/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/01-IMG_1840-01.jpghttp://www.betterinteriors.in/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/01-IMG_1840-01.jpghttp://www.betterinteriors.in/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/01-IMG_1840-01.jpghttp://www.betterinteriors.in/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/01-IMG_1840-01.jpghttp://www.betterinteriors.in/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/01-IMG_1840-01.jpghttp://www.betterinteriors.in/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/01-IMG_1840-01.jpghttp://www.betterinteriors.in/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/01-IMG_1840-01.jpghttp://www.betterinteriors.in/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/01-IMG_1840-01.jpghttp://www.betterinteriors.in/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/01-IMG_1840-01.jpghttp://purj.in/s/Time-Travellercontrolcom.htmlhttp://purj.in/s/Time-Travellercontrolcom.htmlhttp://purj.in/s/Time-Travellercontrolcom.html


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Skyscrapers: The Pearl River Tower, China by SOM

Most sustainable skyscrapers follow some of the following strategies:

o The trend today is to produce net zero energy structures

o

Energy: Light and heating, ventilation and air conditioning take up huge energyfor residential as well as commercial structures. Hence, the focus is on reducingenergy demand and using renewables; typically wind turbines because wind isa significant force for these tall structures but it also offers an opportunity; the

other source is BIPV(building integrated photovoltaic)

Light: Use of appropriate glass is now possible; they allow natural daylight(to

penetrate the building) while controlling solar gain, and minimize the need for

artificial lighting while reducing heating loads. These glass facades or roofs often

integrate the BIPV and create energy simultaneously.

o Water:It is recycled and harvested

o

Construction management and methodologies: Most buildings make use ofmaterials that are durable and need minimal maintenance adopting a lifecycleapproach and also advocate recycled content wherever possible (e.g. aluminum,

local timber etc.) Energy efficient appliances are used.

The Pearl River Tower is one such building which uses most of these strategies


Sk Th P l Ri T Chi


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Skyscrapers: The Pearl River Tower, China

Wind is funnelled down the vertical face of the

tower toward a series of turbines; photovoltaic

panels in the buildings skin absorb and retain

solar energy.

Space heating/cooling was achieved by using

water for radiant heating ceiling integrated.

The towers unique shape was derived

from the behaviour of the natural

elements at the buildings site. The

buildings form was optimized to local

solar and wind patterns, harnessing the

energy of these resources and utilizing this

natural power to sustain the building.


27

Wind used to generate energySource: forum.skyscraperpage

BIPV at roofSource:rtho179.blog

Source: skyscrapercit.com

Imperial towers


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Source: http://www.archdaily.com/369617/adrian-

smith-and-gordon-gill-architecture-unveils-proposal-

for-mumbai-s-tallest-tower/

This is a competition-winning prototype which will

probably become the tallest skyscraper in Mumbai

Standing 400-meters about the crowded city

streets, the 116-story Imperial Towerscurvilinear

form is aerodynamically shaped to confuse the

wind. Its 132 residential units are punctuated by

north and south facing sky gardens, which breakup wind currents around the tower and provide

unprecedented access to natural light and views

of the Arabian sea.

The towers highly sustainable, metallic skin

blocks heat gain and diffuses direct sunlight in thehot and humid climate of Mumbai.


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Imperial towers,Mumbai(proposed)

Further sustainable measures will be used on grey water and rainfall

collection, highly efficient mechanical systems, a green-wall podium and

the use of native vegetation.

Masdar city Abu Dhabi Major concepts
http://www.archdaily.com/369617/adrian-smith-and-gordon-gill-architecture-unveils-proposal-for-mumbai-s-tallest-tower/http://www.archdaily.com/369617/adrian-smith-and-gordon-gill-architecture-unveils-proposal-for-mumbai-s-tallest-tower/http://www.archdaily.com/369617/adrian-smith-and-gordon-gill-architecture-unveils-proposal-for-mumbai-s-tallest-tower/http://www.archdaily.com/369617/adrian-smith-and-gordon-gill-architecture-unveils-proposal-for-mumbai-s-tallest-tower/http://www.archdaily.com/369617/adrian-smith-and-gordon-gill-architecture-unveils-proposal-for-mumbai-s-tallest-tower/http://www.archdaily.com/369617/adrian-smith-and-gordon-gill-architecture-unveils-proposal-for-mumbai-s-tallest-tower/http://www.archdaily.com/369617/adrian-smith-and-gordon-gill-architecture-unveils-proposal-for-mumbai-s-tallest-tower/http://www.archdaily.com/369617/adrian-smith-and-gordon-gill-architecture-unveils-proposal-for-mumbai-s-tallest-tower/http://www.archdaily.com/369617/adrian-smith-and-gordon-gill-architecture-unveils-proposal-for-mumbai-s-tallest-tower/http://www.archdaily.com/369617/adrian-smith-and-gordon-gill-architecture-unveils-proposal-for-mumbai-s-tallest-tower/http://www.archdaily.com/369617/adrian-smith-and-gordon-gill-architecture-unveils-proposal-for-mumbai-s-tallest-tower/http://www.archdaily.com/369617/adrian-smith-and-gordon-gill-architecture-unveils-proposal-for-mumbai-s-tallest-tower/http://www.archdaily.com/369617/adrian-smith-and-gordon-gill-architecture-unveils-proposal-for-mumbai-s-tallest-tower/http://www.archdaily.com/369617/adrian-smith-and-gordon-gill-architecture-unveils-proposal-for-mumbai-s-tallest-tower/http://www.archdaily.com/369617/adrian-smith-and-gordon-gill-architecture-unveils-proposal-for-mumbai-s-tallest-tower/http://www.archdaily.com/369617/adrian-smith-and-gordon-gill-architecture-unveils-proposal-for-mumbai-s-tallest-tower/http://www.archdaily.com/369617/adrian-smith-and-gordon-gill-architecture-unveils-proposal-for-mumbai-s-tallest-tower/http://www.archdaily.com/369617/adrian-smith-and-gordon-gill-architecture-unveils-proposal-for-mumbai-s-tallest-tower/http://www.archdaily.com/369617/adrian-smith-and-gordon-gill-architecture-unveils-proposal-for-mumbai-s-tallest-tower/http://www.archdaily.com/369617/adrian-smith-and-gordon-gill-architecture-unveils-proposal-for-mumbai-s-tallest-tower/http://www.archdaily.com/369617/adrian-smith-and-gordon-gill-architecture-unveils-proposal-for-mumbai-s-tallest-tower/http://www.archdaily.com/369617/adrian-smith-and-gordon-gill-architecture-unveils-proposal-for-mumbai-s-tallest-tower/http://www.archdaily.com/369617/adrian-smith-and-gordon-gill-architecture-unveils-proposal-for-mumbai-s-tallest-tower/http://www.archdaily.com/369617/adrian-smith-and-gordon-gill-architecture-unveils-proposal-for-mumbai-s-tallest-tower/http://www.archdaily.com/369617/adrian-smith-and-gordon-gill-architecture-unveils-proposal-for-mumbai-s-tallest-tower/http://www.archdaily.com/369617/adrian-smith-and-gordon-gill-architecture-unveils-proposal-for-mumbai-s-tallest-tower/http://www.archdaily.com/369617/adrian-smith-and-gordon-gill-architecture-unveils-proposal-for-mumbai-s-tallest-tower/http://www.archdaily.com/369617/adrian-smith-and-gordon-gill-architecture-unveils-proposal-for-mumbai-s-tallest-tower/http://www.archdaily.com/369617/adrian-smith-and-gordon-gill-architecture-unveils-proposal-for-mumbai-s-tallest-tower/http://www.archdaily.com/369617/adrian-smith-and-gordon-gill-architecture-unveils-proposal-for-mumbai-s-tallest-tower/


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Masdar city, Abu Dhabi, Major concepts

This a Zero energy, Zero carbon and fossil fuel free city by

Sir Norman Foster in Abu Dhabi; it was started in 2008 and

will be completed in 2015 to 2015.It aims at having the

highest quality of life with lowest environmental impact.

Its planning draws on traditional Arabian cities, aims to

reduce energy demand, uses water bodies for evaporative

cooling and orientation to derive shade along with gardens

It will have driverless electric vehicles for private transportin underground subways along with a ground level LRT

(light rail transit) and a subterranean high speed metro

(the maximum distance from any point to public transport

is 250m)

It aims to reduce demand for water and electricity using

smart devices and monitoring and will also recycle all

waste. Electricity will be derived from waste and

renewables like geothermal and solar energy.


29

Pedestrian streetsFuturewewant .org

Source:Unbiasedwriter.com

Master

plan:source:Knowledge.allianz.com

Tjib C lt l C t N C l d i 1990 98


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Tjibaou Cultural Centre, New Caledonia-1990-98

Founded in memory of an assasinated

leader in 1989, the Jean-Marie Tjibaou

Cultural Centre draws on local buildingtraditions and expertise, mixing the

ancient and the modern.

It is located in the Pacific Ocean to the

east of Australia; the climate is tropical,

the population comprises the Kanak

population. The design takes inspiration

from local building methods and

materials, (Iroko local wood which need

no maintenance )and works with certainnatural elements, such as the winds on

this exposed site, light and existing

vegetation.


30

The functionality of New

Caledonian huts were

reproduced and adapted,

architecturally as well as socially.

The ten huts, of three different

sizes, from 20 to 28 metres

height, are interconnected by afootpath. They serve functions

like exhibition spaces, research

areas, a conference, a library,

and dance studios.

Source:http://www.rpbw.com/project/41/jean-marie-tjibaou-

cultural-center
http://www.rpbw.com/project/41/jean-marie-tjibaou-cultural-center/http://www.rpbw.com/project/41/jean-marie-tjibaou-cultural-center/http://www.rpbw.com/project/41/jean-marie-tjibaou-cultural-center/http://www.rpbw.com/project/41/jean-marie-tjibaou-cultural-center/http://www.rpbw.com/project/41/jean-marie-tjibaou-cultural-center/http://www.rpbw.com/project/41/jean-marie-tjibaou-cultural-center/http://www.rpbw.com/project/41/jean-marie-tjibaou-cultural-center/http://www.rpbw.com/project/41/jean-marie-tjibaou-cultural-center/http://www.rpbw.com/project/41/jean-marie-tjibaou-cultural-center/http://www.rpbw.com/project/41/jean-marie-tjibaou-cultural-center/http://www.rpbw.com/project/41/jean-marie-tjibaou-cultural-center/http://www.rpbw.com/project/41/jean-marie-tjibaou-cultural-center/


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The design of the huts encourages an ingenious process called the

Venturi effect, to harness the prevailing sea winds for naturalventilation. The space between the two layers of slatted wooden facade

works like a convection chimney.

Towards the bottom of this facade, wide spaces between the slats allowwind to pass into and through the hut horizontally. This air movement

pushes warm air inside the building up into the gap between the facades,

from where it is drawn up the chimney and then is taken out.

The wooden facades also have adjustable louvers to respond to changes


31

Flickr:Renzo Piano

Tjibaou cultural centre

http://www.fondazionerenzopiano.org/

project/85/jean-marie-tjibaou-cultural-

center/genesis/

Torrent laboratories Ahmedabad
http://www.fondazionerenzopiano.org/project/85/jean-marie-tjibaou-cultural-center/genesis/http://www.fondazionerenzopiano.org/project/85/jean-marie-tjibaou-cultural-center/genesis/http://www.fondazionerenzopiano.org/project/85/jean-marie-tjibaou-cultural-center/genesis/http://www.fondazionerenzopiano.org/project/85/jean-marie-tjibaou-cultural-center/genesis/http://www.fondazionerenzopiano.org/project/85/jean-marie-tjibaou-cultural-center/genesis/http://www.fondazionerenzopiano.org/project/85/jean-marie-tjibaou-cultural-center/genesis/http://www.fondazionerenzopiano.org/project/85/jean-marie-tjibaou-cultural-center/genesis/http://www.fondazionerenzopiano.org/project/85/jean-marie-tjibaou-cultural-center/genesis/http://www.fondazionerenzopiano.org/project/85/jean-marie-tjibaou-cultural-center/genesis/http://www.fondazionerenzopiano.org/project/85/jean-marie-tjibaou-cultural-center/genesis/http://www.fondazionerenzopiano.org/project/85/jean-marie-tjibaou-cultural-center/genesis/http://www.fondazionerenzopiano.org/project/85/jean-marie-tjibaou-cultural-center/genesis/http://www.fondazionerenzopiano.org/project/85/jean-marie-tjibaou-cultural-center/genesis/


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Torrent laboratories, Ahmedabad This building uses a technology called Pdec-passive

down draft evaporative cooling

It is a research lab used for the pharma industryrequiring the cleanest atmosphere; however it emits

obnoxious gases.

This appears to be a contemporary adaptation of

vernacular techniques .

It is located in the hot dry zones. The fine water

spray at the entry point of the inlet towers cools the

air entering in. The outlet towers are located on

both sides of the external walls at regular intervals.

This arrangement helps to cool down the internal

spaces using minimal amount of mechanical aids like

fans and pumps.

This reduces the internal temperature and hence

the energy demands for space cooling.


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Source: Footprints e.a.r.t.h,

Yatin Pandya

Infrastructure: Gotthard tunnels under


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Infrastructure: Gotthard tunnels underthe Swiss Alps


33

The tunnel

Source: nemetschek-all plans.eu

source:Speigel.de

The Gotthard Base Tunnel, 57 kms long, runs several

hundred feet under the Swiss Alps and has been one of

the most challenging infrastructure projects in the world.

The engineers had to give a guarantee that the concrete

tunnel lining would last for at least a 100 years. And

would also be more or less maintenance free.

It is a rail tunnel that will form

the lynchpin of a networkbetween northern and south

eastern Europe that could shift

truck freight onto rail and de-

congest the Alps in central

Switzerland when it opens torail traffic in 2017.

Sustainable aspects


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Sustainable aspects

Otherwise this kind of cost and effort in such a difficultterrain and climate, hundreds of feet under the overloadof the Alps was not justifiable.

This kind of value and durability and maintenance freelifecycle is another dimension of sustainability.Situations like this demand the use of high energymaterials and industrialized methods, hugemechanization and scales. The project has then to beseen from a lifecycle aspect and also aim for a lean

method of building, organizing and logistics. The huge quantities of rock debris derived by the TBM

cutting operations were send to be crushed to createaggregate for the shotcrete for the tunnel lining andhence waste was minimized and raw material createdon the site itself.

The water that came into tunnel was contaminated bythe construction operations; it was sent to a filtrationplant before being released back into the naturalenvironment. Recycling of water after filtration showedthe sensitiveness to the fragile zones of the Alps


34

Source:Jens Clasen,

contrafedpublishing.co.nz

Tunnel drilling anddebris ,Source: stickboydaily.com

General strategies


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General strategies

Follow passive strategies like orientation, use of water bodies, massing

strategies, building envelope design etc. before adopting active ones.

Adopt a life cycle approach and consider this costing instead of initial

capital expenditure alone.

Go low on energy costs by getting maximum light and ventilation and

use renewable wherever practical

Reduce waterconsumption, recycle and harvest. Use local materials or even high energy ones if they add value to get

durable, maintenance free structures and incorporate waste wherever

possible. There is a large potential for use of industrial waste, flyash,

ground granulated blast furnace slag etc.


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General strategies


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General strategies

The city: It needs to be compactly planned with good public transport sothat people can work, play and live in more accessible and walk ablesettlement models. Transport and buildings contribute significantly tothe green house gas emissions and carbon footprint

Development model in Indian cities: Majority of the projects are beingdriven by developers; changing their mindsets that this is really anopportunity to optimize/add value and also makes economic sense as alot of green strategies are actually free(if they are implemented as

design strategies at conceptual stage itself) is the need of the hour. New tools available: Simulation tools and software at available at the

click of the mouse.

Government: Regulatory support in form of introduction of mandatorygreen measures and capacity building would also go a big way ingreening the environment.

These strategies will help us move into the future whiledrawing upon the rich legacy of the Vernacular.


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Bibiliography


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Bibiliography The Introduction of Modernism in India, Pankaj Vir Gupta

Footprints e.a.r.t.h . research, Yatin Pandya

Debashish Nayak, Indian heritage cities network conference, 2008

Understanding courtyard design, Smriti Saraswat

Websites:

www. wikipedia.org

www.rpbw.com

www.un.org http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgLHMN8iUWQ&list=PLEE5B036537BAF276

http://www.vastu-design.com/seminar/14a.php

http://arkistudentscorner.blogspot.in/2012/01/padmanabhapuram-palace.html

http://www.fondazionerenzopiano.org/project/85/jean-marie-tjibaou-cultural-

center/genesis

http://www.theatlanticcities.com/technology/2013/06/how-green-building-

standards-can-actually-change-peoples-behavior/5892/

http://inhabitat.com/worlds-greenest-skyscraper-pearl-river-tower-almost-complete/

http://www.skyscrapercenter.com/guangzhou/pearl-river-tower/

24/8/2013 SWATI CHOKSHI, M. ARCH,[email protected] 37
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgLHMN8iUWQ&list=PLEE5B036537BAF276http://www.vastu-design.com/seminar/14a.phphttp://arkistudentscorner.blogspot.in/2012/01/padmanabhapuram-palace.htmlhttp://www.fondazionerenzopiano.org/project/85/jean-marie-tjibaou-cultural-center/genesis/http://www.fondazionerenzopiano.org/project/85/jean-marie-tjibaou-cultural-center/genesis/http://www.theatlanticcities.com/technology/2013/06/how-green-building-standards-can-actually-change-peoples-behavior/5892/http://www.theatlanticcities.com/technology/2013/06/how-green-building-standards-can-actually-change-peoples-behavior/5892/http://inhabitat.com/worlds-greenest-skyscraper-pearl-river-tower-almost-complete/http://www.skyscrapercenter.com/guangzhou/pearl-river-tower/http://www.skyscrapercenter.com/guangzhou/pearl-river-tower/http://www.skyscrapercenter.com/guangzhou/pearl-river-tower/http://www.skyscrapercenter.com/guangzhou/pearl-river-tower/http://www.skyscrapercenter.com/guangzhou/pearl-river-tower/http://www.skyscrapercenter.com/guangzhou/pearl-river-tower/http://inhabitat.com/worlds-greenest-skyscraper-pearl-river-tower-almost-complete/http://inhabitat.com/worlds-greenest-skyscraper-pearl-river-tower-almost-complete/http://inhabitat.com/worlds-greenest-skyscraper-pearl-river-tower-almost-complete/http://inhabitat.com/worlds-greenest-skyscraper-pearl-river-tower-almost-complete/http://inhabitat.com/worlds-greenest-skyscraper-pearl-river-tower-almost-complete/http://inhabitat.com/worlds-greenest-skyscraper-pearl-river-tower-almost-complete/http://inhabitat.com/worlds-greenest-skyscraper-pearl-river-tower-almost-complete/http://inhabitat.com/worlds-greenest-skyscraper-pearl-river-tower-almost-complete/http://inhabitat.com/worlds-greenest-skyscraper-pearl-river-tower-almost-complete/http://inhabitat.com/worlds-greenest-skyscraper-pearl-river-tower-almost-complete/http://inhabitat.com/worlds-greenest-skyscraper-pearl-river-tower-almost-complete/http://inhabitat.com/worlds-greenest-skyscraper-pearl-river-tower-almost-complete/http://inhabitat.com/worlds-greenest-skyscraper-pearl-river-tower-almost-complete/http://inhabitat.com/worlds-greenest-skyscraper-pearl-river-tower-almost-complete/http://inhabitat.com/worlds-greenest-skyscraper-pearl-river-tower-almost-complete/http://www.theatlanticcities.com/technology/2013/06/how-green-building-standards-can-actually-change-peoples-behavior/5892/http://www.theatlanticcities.com/technology/2013/06/how-green-building-standards-can-actually-change-peoples-behavior/5892/http://www.theatlanticcities.com/technology/2013/06/how-green-building-standards-can-actually-change-peoples-behavior/5892/http://www.theatlanticcities.com/technology/2013/06/how-green-building-standards-can-actually-change-peoples-behavior/5892/http://www.theatlanticcities.com/technology/2013/06/how-green-building-standards-can-actually-change-peoples-behavior/5892/http://www.theatlanticcities.com/technology/2013/06/how-green-building-standards-can-actually-change-peoples-behavior/5892/http://www.theatlanticcities.com/technology/2013/06/how-green-building-standards-can-actually-change-peoples-behavior/5892/http://www.theatlanticcities.com/technology/2013/06/how-green-building-standards-can-actually-change-peoples-behavior/5892/http://www.theatlanticcities.com/technology/2013/06/how-green-building-standards-can-actually-change-peoples-behavior/5892/http://www.theatlanticcities.com/technology/2013/06/how-green-building-standards-can-actually-change-peoples-behavior/5892/http://www.theatlanticcities.com/technology/2013/06/how-green-building-standards-can-actually-change-peoples-behavior/5892/http://www.theatlanticcities.com/technology/2013/06/how-green-building-standards-can-actually-change-peoples-behavior/5892/http://www.theatlanticcities.com/technology/2013/06/how-green-building-standards-can-actually-change-peoples-behavior/5892/http://www.theatlanticcities.com/technology/2013/06/how-green-building-standards-can-actually-change-peoples-behavior/5892/http://www.theatlanticcities.com/technology/2013/06/how-green-building-standards-can-actually-change-peoples-behavior/5892/http://www.theatlanticcities.com/technology/2013/06/how-green-building-standards-can-actually-change-peoples-behavior/5892/http://www.theatlanticcities.com/technology/2013/06/how-green-building-standards-can-actually-change-peoples-behavior/5892/http://www.fondazionerenzopiano.org/project/85/jean-marie-tjibaou-cultural-center/genesis/http://www.fondazionerenzopiano.org/project/85/jean-marie-tjibaou-cultural-center/genesis/http://www.fondazionerenzopiano.org/project/85/jean-marie-tjibaou-cultural-center/genesis/http://www.fondazionerenzopiano.org/project/85/jean-marie-tjibaou-cultural-center/genesis/http://www.fondazionerenzopiano.org/project/85/jean-marie-tjibaou-cultural-center/genesis/http://www.fondazionerenzopiano.org/project/85/jean-marie-tjibaou-cultural-center/genesis/http://www.fondazionerenzopiano.org/project/85/jean-marie-tjibaou-cultural-center/genesis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Thank you

the journey of sustainibility

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