The Wazirpur Monument Complex can be seen as a one of the lesser known sites in New Delhi. Built in 1526, this complex is nestled in sector 5 of a quiet and calm residential setting of Ramankrishna Puram, this precinct has been lucky to be away from the eyes of people who may try to demean the true value of such hidden marvels in our cities. This precinct is not very well frequented, which has been crucial in maintaining this site to its present condition. With no drastic encroachments and a well defined site boundary, this precinct showed a potential to be developed into a space which can be used effectively and innovatively for the welfare and use of the people.
Stepwells are wells or ponds in which the water may be reached by descending a set of steps. Stepwell construction is known to have gone on from at least AD 600 in the south western region of Gujarat, India. This practical idea to conserve water spread north to the state of Rajasthan, along the western border of India where several thousands of these wells were built. The construction of these stepwells hit its peak from the 11th to 16th century.
The site has 6 tombs, all forming a part of important listings conducted by esteemed institutions like Indian National trust for Art and Cultural Heritage and have also been protected by the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) as a site of national importance. The Wazirpur Tomb, the main tomb of all the 6 present is a Grade B structure .Along with these tombs, the site has a very simplistic baoli. Dating back to the Lodhi Era, the baoli along with the tombs showcase a very simple and solid facade treatment with stone masonry as a main construction technique.
Most existing stepwells date from the last 800 years. There are suggestions that they may have originated much earlier, and precursors to them can be seen in the Indus Valley civilization. The city of Mohenjo-daro has wells which may be the predecessors of the step well - as many as 700 wells have been discovered in just one section of the city. Stepwells are certainly one of India’s most unusual, but little-known, contributions to architecture. Today, India is home to about 3000 baolis dotting the urban and rural landscape of states like Rajasthan Gujarat and Delhi. These structures are unique to India and for centuries have been areas which were very socially and culturally an important part in the lives of men and especially women. With the historic and cultural significance that these monuments hold, it is intriguing to study what makes them so unique and worthy of all conservation attempts possible.
CHAND KI BAOLI, RAJASTHAN
RANI KI VAV, GUJARAT
RANI KI JI BAOLI, BUNDI
THE CURRENT SCENARIO...
ADALAJ KI BAOLI, GUJARAT
AGRASEN KI BAOLI, NEW DELHI
Today, what we witness is a sad state of neglect and dilapidation. These breath taking structures have not even an inch of breathing space; with concrete structures or temporary housing units coming up in its immediate vicinity. We see children taking a dip in the polluted water that these baolis house today or men women washing their utensils and clothes in these royal structures.
THE WAZIRPUR MONUMENT COMPLEX IS LOCATED IN RAMAKRISHNA PURAM, NEW DELHI A SMALL AND COZY GALLERY IN THE BAOLI
With a plethora of baolis that dot our urban landscape, these structures must be seen as potential sites for useful public spaces that give the society the much needed breathing spaces.
The baoli is a fairly uncomplicated structure and possesses a domed turret on each of the two corners where it emerges from the ground. A staircase leads down to the tank level which is filled up with garbage, plastic bottles, polythene and wrappers as well as rubble and construction debris. There are shallow chambers built along ledges in the side walls of the baoli where visitors used to sit when the baoli gurgled with the presence of water level which rendered it relatively cooler than the surroundings – at present, sunlight streams down to the tank level and scorches every square inch of the structure; even the pigeons that have made their homes in the niches around the tank wall remain cooped up in their shady nests.
This project aims at invoking an idea in society and in the minds of the authorities to see these structures as probable sites for the holistic development of society. GANDHAK KI BAOLI Residential housing surrounding this Archeological Survey of India protected monument; children bathing in the baoli.
UNNAMED BAOLI, WAZIRPUR MONUMENT COMPLEX
These on site images can showcase the current situation of these water marvels and the neglect that these structures are subject to. The baolis documented are from New Delhi. Many more such baolis pan India are facing ignorance.
The current state of this beautiful complex is rather grave. With temporary settlements and housing units coming up bang next to the baoli, this structure in particular and the site in general faces grim prospects of future degradation. UNNAMED BAOLI, MUNIRKA A residential dilapidated building built adjoining the baoli
TUGHLAQABAD FORT BAOLI This baoli is inside the Tughlaqabad Fort which lies in ruins in its entirety. Similar is the condition of the baoli as well.
It is our responsibility as able architects and designers to identify possibilities of growth and the ways in which these structures can contribute to the society in numerous way with just a few necessary interventions. The aim of this project is to revive and redevelop a site which can go a long way in improving the quality of life of people who live in Delhi as well as tourists who would enjoy visiting such unique masterpieces of architecture. This project also makes an attempt at making people realize the true potential of these water marvels and generating awareness among people to become more sensitive towards these structures in particular and other monuments in general. Sensitizing people is the most important motive of this project which should be accomplished by providing a use to the structure which people can relate to.
AGRASEN KI BAOLI, CONNAUGHT PLACE In between the tall buildings of the very busy Connaught Place, lies this beauty, which rose to popularity after the movie PK; attracting many tourists today, who till a few years back were unaware of the existence of this great structure.
HAZRAT NIZAMUDDIN KI BAOLI, NIZAMUDDIN This baoli lies in the heart of the famous Nizamuddin Dargah. Devotees, children and men from the neighborhood flank the dargah and take a dip in the baoli. Residential units have come up all around the baoli sabotaging and jeopardizing the rich cultural value that the dargah and the baoli have to offer.
REDEVELOPMENT OF STEPWELL PREMISE AS A CENTRE FOR PERFORMING ARTS, NEW DELHI GUIDED BY PROF. MUKTA LATKAR TALWALKAR | RAMYA RAMANATHAN | FINAL YEAR B.ARCH THESIS
T H E WAT E R M A RV E L S O F I N D IA . . .
WAZIRPUR MONUMENT COMPLEX, RAMAKRISHNA PURAM, NEW DELHI
ABOUT THE MAGNIFICENT BAOLIS
• • • • •
This Baoli is a protected monument of national importance. It is classified by the Archeological Survey of India as a Grade II (B) structure within which any additions to the existing site may be proposed with due approval from the Heritage Conservation Committee. With Grade II (B) status, extensions to the plot or construction of additional buildings can be approved as far as it does not mar the grandeur of the site esp. In terms of height and facade. Any construction or redevelopment of whole or part of such a structure/precinct shall be allowed only after due permission granted by the Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation or the Chairman of the Development Authority. The rules and regulations laid down by the Central Public Works Dept. Encourage the provision of incentives to promote the upkeep of the heritage and cultural value of the site. For protected zones around the heritage structure, a petition must be filed with the National Monuments Authority which may then decide to approve or reject any proposal related to construction or redevelopment.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF OF CASECASE STUDIES COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS STUDIES
LOCATION
ARCHITECT CLIMATE SITE & SORROUNDING
KALA ACADEMY, PANAJI, GOA
BHARAT BHAWAN, BHOPAL
TRIVENI KALA SANGAM, NEW DELHI
CHAND BAOLI, ABHANERI, RAJASTHAN
GOA: Built on a site along the Mandovi River in Panaji, the capital of Goa in India
Madhya Pradesh: Built on a site along the Upper Lake, Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh in India.
Delhi: It is located in the heart of Delhi and constitute a component of the planned cultural core of Delhi in Tansen Marg.
Rajasthan: This baoli is located in Abhaneri, Rajasthan. It was built by Raja Chandra of the Nikumbha Dynasty around the 8th-9th Century.
Ar. Charles Correa The climate of the Goa is hot and humid.
Ar. Charles Correa The climate of Bhopal is humid subtropical.
Ar. Joseph Allen Stein The climate of Delhi is composite.
Patronized by king Raja Chandra. Rajasthan experiences tropical desert climate.
ARIAL VIEW OF BHARAT
ARIAL VIEW OF TRIVENI KALA SANGAM
ARIAL VIEW OF CHAND BAOLI, RAJASTHAN
Flat site
Flat site
ARIAL VIEW OF KALA ACADEMY
TOPOGRAPHY CIRCULATION
Contoured site along river Mandovi.
BHAWAN Moderate contours along the lake.
LAND-USE PLAN FOR THE NEIGHBORING AREAS
BUILT UNBUILT RELATIONSHIP FOR THE NEIGHBORING AREAS
VEGETATION PLAN FOR THE NEIGHBORING AREAS
TRIANGULATION DIAGRAM FOR THE CHOSEN SITE
LIGHT & VENTILATION
Ventilation and daylighting through courtyards
Skylight 'cannons' to incorporate daylight
Venilation pattern through the Kala Sangam
Ventilation through the baoli
VISUAL CHARACTER
A spread out site with low structures makes the user want to walk about the site rather than view from a fixed focal point.
It is an example of an architectural expression where landscape and building form have been conceived simultaneously with numerous courtyards.
Veritcality enhances the granduer of the building; jaalis help in visual connectivity. The courtyard merges effortlessly with the built space.
The depth of the steps have an enthralling effect. The scale of the structure casts an aura on the viewer.
OPEN AIR THEATRE
Capacity- 2000 Area- 2200 m2
Capacity- 750 Area- 1700 m2
Capacity- 250 Area- 360 m2
Expected capacity- 800 Area- 1100 m2
GALLERY
Capacity-250 Area- 230 m2
Capacity- 150 Area- 300 m2
Capacity- 100 Area- 250 m2
Area- 450 m2
AUDITORIUM
(Open air)Capacity-150 Area- 200 m2
(Indoor) Capacity- 300 Area- 670 m2
Capacity- 70 Area- 200 m2
NA
PRACTICE AREAS/ REHEARSAL ROOMS ADMIN AREA
Capacity-40 Area- 70 m2
Capacity-70 Area- 160 m2 (with recording room)
Capacity-70 Area- 180 m2
NA
Capacity-20 Area- 45 m2
Capacity- 45 Area- 100 m2
Capacity- 25 Area- 40 m2
NA
WORKSHOP
Capacity-150 (exp. room) Area- 215 m2
Capacity-180 Area- 400 m2
Capacity- 70 (studio) Area- 180 m2
NA
KALA ACADEMY, GOA
BHARAT BHAWAN, BHOPAL
TRIVENI KALA SANGAM, NEW DELHI
CHAND BAOLI, ABHANERI
This structure houses many spaces that can be analysed and interpreted as a part of an efficient centre for performing arts. This structure was chosen as a case study so as to broaden the scope of areas and activities the proposed centre can host.
Bharat Bhawan is an example of an architectural expression where landscape and building form have been conceived simultaneously. This fusion is an integral part of my design and hence a study of this structure was insightful.
Being located in New Delhi, this centre for perfoming arts goes a long way in increasing my understanding of effective and efficient space utilization. In the heart of Delhi, this centre works very well climatically and uses space effectively.
The only baoli which is underway the process of its redevelopment to host the annual Abhaneri Utsav. This was an important live case study.
REDEVELOPMENT OF STEPWELL PREMISE AS A CENTRE FOR PERFORMING ARTS, NEW DELHI GUIDED BY PROF. MUKTA LATKAR TALWALKAR | RAMYA RAMANATHAN | FINAL YEAR B.ARCH THESIS
S I T E A NA LYS I S A N D O V E RV I E W
RULES AND REGULATIONS APPLICABLE FOR THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE WAZIRPUR MONUMENT COMPLEX
EXISTING SITE PL AN SCALE - 1:500
REDEVELOPMENT OF STEPWELL PREMISE AS A CENTRE FOR PERFORMING ARTS, NEW DELHI GUIDED BY PROF. MUKTA LATKAR TALWALKAR | RAMYA RAMANATHAN | FINAL YEAR B.ARCH THESIS
WAZIRPUR TOMBS These tombs are an important aspect of the site and the design program has evolved keeping in mind the grandeur of these tombs and the Boali.
REDEVELOPMENT OF A STEPWELL PREMISE AS A CENTRE FOR PERFORMING ARTS, NEW DELHI GUIDED BY- Ar. Mukta Latkar Talwalkar SITE AREA- 3.72 ACRE S.NO
SPACES
NO. OF UNITS
NO.OF USERS
1a 1b 1c 1d 1e 1f 1g 2
Administration Pantry Manager's Cabin Director's Cabin Meeting Room Store Toilets Restaurant Pantry Gallery
1 1 1 1 1 1 4 1 1 1
3
TOTAL AREA
ACTIVITY
6 2 1 1 7 2 15 40 5 50
AREA PER UNIT (m2) 20 15 6 8 22 20 40 100 30 170
20 15 6 8 22 20 160 60 30 170
For staff Gallery showcasing the heritage and history of Step wells. Also, bridging the concept of the past and the present Books and literature regarding step wells Space to store various artifacts and sculptures. For interactive sessions regarding dance and theatre Rest and change areas
4
Library
1
12
50
50
5
Store for Gallery
1
2
100
100
6,7
Audio Visual Room
1
20
60
60
8
Rest chamberDance Nrityashala
1
25
80
80
1
25
150
80
Rest chamberMusic Sangeetshala
1
25
80
80
1
25
150
80
1
25
80
80
13
Rest chamberDrama Abhinayshala
1
25
150
80
14 15
Toilet Recording Room
1
1
25 10
60 60
60 60
16
Auditorium
1
40
115
115
17
Nritya mandap
1
20
81
81
18
Sangaeet mandap
1
20
81
81
19
Abhinay mandap
1
20
81
81
20
Exit underpass
1
40
120
120
21
Parking
9 10 11 12
TOTAL BUILT UP
As per design 2022
For dance rehearsals and workshops Rest and change areas For music rehearsals and workshops Rest and change areas For theatre rehearsals and workshops A music recording studio for artists and students Indoor hall for live performances Pillared pavillion for visitors to view ongoing dance sessions. Pillared pavillion for visitors to view ongoing music sessions. Pillared pavillion for visitors to view ongoing drama sessions. Underpass leading to the restaurant and parking areas
REDEVELOPMENT PLAN SCALE 1:500
REDEVELOPMENT OF STEPWELL PREMISE AS A CENTRE FOR PERFORMING ARTS, NEW DELHI GUIDED BY PROF. MUKTA LATKAR TALWALKAR | RAMYA RAMANATHAN | FINAL YEAR B.ARCH THESIS
SITE PL AN ND REDEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL
SECTION A A’
SECTION F F’
SECTION G G’
SECTION H H’
ALL DRAWINGS AT 1:200
REDEVELOPMENT OF STEPWELL PREMISE AS A CENTRE FOR PERFORMING ARTS, NEW DELHI GUIDED BY PROF. MUKTA LATKAR TALWALKAR | RAMYA RAMANATHAN | FINAL YEAR B.ARCH THESIS
SECTION I I’
WO R K S H O P | K U N D | T I E R E D HA L L
ELEVATION D D’
VIEW OF WORKSHOP BLOCK ALONG WITH THE KUND AND TIERED HALL
ALL DRAWINGS AT 1:200
VIEW OF THE KUND - AN OPEN AIR THEATRE
LEVEL PLAN -2.00M
VIEW OF THE TOMBS FROM THE PERFORMANCE DECK
REDEVELOPMENT OF STEPWELL PREMISE AS A CENTRE FOR PERFORMING ARTS, NEW DELHI GUIDED BY PROF. MUKTA LATKAR TALWALKAR | RAMYA RAMANATHAN | FINAL YEAR B.ARCH THESIS
WO R K S H O P | K U N D | T I E R E D HA L L
LEVEL PLAN - +4.00m