2. “Master’s thesis project enabled deep research.... connecting social issues with personal
interest... a viewpoint to change certain prevailing concepts... and embracing new ones...
Schematic sketches showing the characteristics of courtyards and
how they influence the adjacent spaces
PURPOSE OF DESIGN
Thesis - Courtyard Architecture
Jan 2016 - May 2016
– While aping the western world for design
principles and materials, Indian legacy of
nature-responsive architecture has been getting
ignored
– Recent awareness have led to an increased
number of architects to develop designs that
incorporate the rich heritage of courtyard
architectural principles
– Not only Residential but even corporate space
planning has started revolving around these
unique characteristics which give an impetus to
developing Sustainable Buildings
– Courtyards are believed to hold a divine
energy in them, that gets spread into the
surrounding spaces, thus creating a beautiful
ambiance that establishes a connection between
nature and people
– The characteristics that fascinated me about
the courtyard structures:
– Play of light and shadow
– Abundant daylight
– Natural breeze gets induced
– Creating indoor green spaces
CHARACTERISTICS OF COURTYARD
ARCHITECTURE
Site was chosen for the project in
Hinjewadi, near Pune, Maharashtra, India
– Proposal for the Office headquarters for
Crossword Bookstore Retail Store
– A Bookstore and Music franchise that
celebrates connecting all age groups, cultures,
philosophies, languages and realms
– This building would control the
management of over 100 stores all over India
Developing a Sustainable work environment in Pune,
Maharashtra, India
Micro-climate effects
of courtyards
3. Level 2 floor PlanLevel 1 floor plan
CONCEPT
– Adopting the uniqueness of courtyard architecture
a. providing seclusion amidst chaos
b. offering a space for group
conversations
c. hosting a large gathering or a public events
d. energy-effcient and a pleasant workplace for
all the employees
– A transitional space that can be experienced by the
workplace community while walking from one place
to another, it offers an ambiance that calls for
participation and yet at the same time allows people
to be just observers
Courtyard 1 for Secluded Activities
Courtyard 3 for Small Group Activities
Building form revolving
around 3 courtyards
Sectional
Perspective
4. Overlooking the Courtyard 1, library deck, water pool
through the water curtain
Courtyard 3 with the water curtain and adjacent work
stations, housing small group talks
Section
USE of WATER in the DESIGN
– Ripples on the surface of water, with a focal point
and dispersing energy around it - analogy with the
courtyard planning principle
– Not only visibly pleasing but the presence of water
pools and water curtains, the spaces encourage a
pleasant hearing sound
– Water is used as a cooling mechanism
Level 3 floor Plan Level 4 floor Plan
INSPIRATIONSANDCASESTUDIES
5. Library and the water deck in the evening -
Courtyard 1 for secluded activities
– Integrated volumes of space that embrace a variety
of work activities interspersed with a beautiful
composition of daylight, green foliage, breeze and
creative minds working with collaboration
– Different levels of transparency and clear visibility
of working environment enhancing flexibility of
spaces
MULTI-LEVEL COURTYARDS
Interaction space and the transitional courtyard
on 2nd Floor under a Bamboo pergola
Section B - B’
Different types of
Human interactions
established through
interpretations of
courtyards
6. Skylights and smaller courtyard on the 4th floor
that overlooks the central courtyard
Entrance foyer with waiting area and the
adjacent central courtyard
The central courtyard 2 for public events and
overlooked by staircase
MATERIALS
– Maximum amount of natural daylight
– Use of water bodies to enhance the passage of cool
air
– Operable/Retractable Skylights over the Courtyards
that can be kept closed during the rains
– Use of local materials granite, slate stone, marble
for flooring
– Shaw fabric carpets in the interiors
– Rice-husk like wooden flooring for gym
– Jute, bamboo with a combination of 3-form, acrylic
materials to give a high-end yet a vernacular effect
– Courtyards act as light shaft allowing daylight
during winter times other wise shaded with
deciduous trees to block heat during summers
– Translucent Polycarbonate sheets used instead0
of glass at an angle of 8 facing south to reduce
the heat gain but allow light
– Hierarchy of Courtyards ensures cross
ventilation and stack effect of winds
– Indoor plants like Areca, Song of India, Lady
Palms and colourful Anthuriums lead to an
improved quality of air
– Require less daylight, absorb toxins from air,
act as humidifiers, enhancing the space for
people to work in
SUSTAINABLE PARAMETERS FOR
DEVELOPING THE DESIGN
Haworth Furniture provide a
combination of private and
collaborative style furniture
Used different configurations
and upholstery colours
depending upon the activities
involved
Indoor/Outdoor Plants View of the External facade and the entrance
