Introduction to a graduate thesis in architecture- culmination of design program- for the undergraduate course B.Arch in India. It gives a broad outlay & fundamental understanding of the thesis program for the final year students.

1. Architectural Thesis
Introduction
Ar Viapuri Thangavelu
Professor- Design chair- SRM
Visiting Professor- EXCAP

2. What is the Thesis Project?
Thesis is the culmination of an architectural
under graduate program. Test to showcase
your individual ability in
• 1) Holistic understanding of a design project
in an architectural context.
• 2) Contextualisation, research and analysis.
• 3) Site selection
• 4) Focused research and application in the
design project
• 5) Design process
• 6) Design & research documentation

3. Thesis idea derivation
• Type categorisation
↓
• Architectural relevance & expression
↓
• Research scope
↓
• Adaptive design project selection
↓
• Adaptive site preference
↓
• Synopsis

4. Type categorisation
• Programmatic Concerns including hybrid
(Architectonics),corporate medical facilities, retailing,
entertainment, libraries etc.,
• Contextual response (environmental concerns)-
Developments on ecologically sensitive areas- Hill,
Water, Jungle etc.,
• Contemporary/emerging trends in Architecture- Digital
Architecture - Study, analysis & design
• Historic Conservation- Preservation of monumental
structures, Heritage structures & adaptive reuse
• Urban Development– Housing, infrastructure, infill etc.,
• However, the specific thrust should be architectural
design of built environment.

5. Topic selection criteria
• 1) Scale
• 2) Research + Extensive design
OR
Extensive research + Design
• 3) Feasibility in terms of scale, data resources,
guidance & case studies
• 4) Relevance

6. Stages
• 1) Enquiry, research, synopsis & approval.
• 2) Study
• 3) Site finalisation
• 4) Research & report compilation
• 5) Design process
• 6) Design documentation

7. Synopsis
• 1) Research project type & justify
• 2) Establish goals & Objectives
• 3) Gather relevant information
• 4) Identify strategies
• 5) Feasibility (case studies, resources,
guidance)
• 6) Summarise the program

8. Study
• 1) Data collection
a) Design standards
b) Development rules & regulations
c) Safety standards & norms
• 2) Case study ( Literature + Live )
• 3) Literature study on factors influencing
your design
• 4) Special study on your research topic including
literature and live case studies

9. Site finalisation
• 1) Site criteria
• 2) Shortlist three probable sites
• 3) Conduct site analysis of all three sites
• 4) Comparative study appraisal
• 5) Finalise site

10. Report compilation
• 1) Introduction + methodology
• 2) Compilation of general study inference
• 3) Design data generation
• 4) Site data
• 5) Research data
• 6) Prepare detailed design brief
Note: Concept & presentation drawings to be
added in the end

11. Design process
• 1) Planning of individual spaces (including lighting,
ventilation, orientation & thermal comfort)
• 2) Planning of zones (with services)
• 3) Incorporation of materials structure & technology
• 4) Conversion of zones into 3d forms
• 5) Site zoning (ingress/egress, road network, building
blocks, parking, services & landscape)
• 6) Massing study
• 7) Conceptualisation
• 8) Scheme drawings 1 . . . 2 . . . 3

12. Scheme drawing requirements
• 2d, free hand rendered, site plan, floor plans, elevations,
sections & 3d views to prescribed scale.
• Single line plans should contain structural logic,
orientation, door/window/opening positions, furniture
layout, room dimensions & area statement.
• Topographical plan to suitable scale.
• Site plan should have orientation, dimensioned
internal/external road network with traffic flow,
pedestrian flow path, building blocks, parking lots,
service flow, adjoining areas, buffers, landscape & natural
features. External influences should be highlighted.
• Block model.

13. Design documentation
• 2d rendered plans with orientation, walls, structural systems, furniture
layout, room measurements, landscape etc.
• Topographical plan to suitable scale.
• 2d rendered site plans to have orientation, dimensioned internal/external
road network with traffic flow, pedestrian flow path, building blocks,
parking lots, service flow, adjoining areas, buffers, landscape & natural
features
• Detail drawings- prime spaces & design details in buildings and site
• 2d rendered elevations & sections with foundation idea & height
measurements
• 3d rendered views( interior& exterior)
• Detailed models
• AV presentation

14. Desired student attitude
• Thesis requires dedication, conviction and a commitment to a strong
work ethic
• To ensure steady progress and maintain a manageable schedule
• Establish regular meetings with the Thesis Guide in order to ensure
consistent rigor and progress toward completion
• Present material to the Thesis Guide in a manner that effectively allows for
reflection, critique and commentary in a timely fashion
• Take notes at your meetings to keep track of advice
• Engage with Committee members keeping them abreast of progress and
utilising their expertise where and when needed
• Present required information comprehensively and on time during timely
Thesis reviews
• Networking- for knowledge resources & external guidance

15. Thesis types

16. Programmatic Concerns
(including hybrid)
• Study of program and programmatic concerns including hybrid programs
and new functional types- understanding project program, activity, services
& technology
• Application of contemporary materials, structures & technology
• Project types:
1) Hi-Tech Hospitals
2) Housing complex
3) Aqua Marine Park and Research Centre,
4) Multimedia Film City,
5) Speciality Hospital and Research Centre,
6) Contemporary education facilities
7) Research and Design Institute,

17. Contextual response
• Developments on ecologically sensitive areas- Hill, Water,
Forest etc.,
• Contextual study-Environmental degradation, Conservation,
Sustainability concerns and architectural solutions
• Geographic study- Adaptable materials & building technology
• Project types:
1) Resorts
2) Waterfront developments
3) Tourist infrastructure

18. Historic Conservation- Preservation-
Interventions
• Investigations that originate in historical analysis and
study of architecture or issues and concerns related to
it. Preservationof monumental structures, Heritage
structures & adaptive reuse
• Project types:
1) Monumental
2) Contemporising architecture of the region
3) Archaeological Survey of . . .– Research and Training
Institute

19. Contemporary/emerging trends in
Architecture
• Study on contemporary processes in design-
Design & techniques, Digital representations,
modeling
• Digital Architecture - Study, analysis & design
• Tools- GIS, Design software
• Investigations that explore the implications of
spatial, structural, technical, system or
material selection and development on
architectural expression, qualities, spatial
arrangements and/or detailing.

20. Urban Development
• Housing projects
• Urban infrastructure (airports, MRTS,
transport hubs etc.,)
• Urban infill (urban open space development)

21. Reference sites
• http://www.graduatearchitecture.com/PROJE
CTS/ENGLISH/2013/projects_1.php#.VBAQfiLO
e8A
• http://www.archiprix.org/2015/index.php?m=
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