INDIA HABITAT CENTRE: A CASE
BUILDING IN THE
The India Habitat Centre has been planned as a moderately dense
complex of institutional and office work spaces, dealing with a wide variety
of issues related to habitat and also to house a variety of functions to
stimulate and facilitate many levels of interaction, organized around linked
courtyard, protected from the excess of tropical sunshine and disturbing
location at the intersection of the two roads wit heavy traffic. The Indian
Habitat Centre is planned an assemblage of institutions dealing with a wide
variety of issues related to habitat.
The India Habitat Centre was conceived to provide a physical environment
which would serve as a catalyst for a synergetic relationship between
individuals and institutions working in diverse habitat related areas and
therefore, maximize their total effectiveness. To facilitate this interaction, the
Centre provides a range of facilities.
Several leading corporate entities and non-profit organizations like Tata
Energy Research Institute (TERI), HUDCO, NHB, CII, ILO etc., sharing a
common concern for the 'Habitat', have come together to participate in this
exciting venture of institution building and have evolved a unique equation
of synergy within the complex. India Habitat Centre is now home not only to
these offices and research organizations but houses a club, India's most
comprehensive convention centre as well as several restaurants and
performance venues for cultural activities.
It incorporates innovative new technologies in building management
systems, conference systems, communication and energy conservation,
creating probably the most intelligent building in the country.
4.2 LOCATION &
ACCESS:
The India Habitat Centre (IHC)
is located off the Lodhi Road
on the fringes of Lutyens
Delhi. Spread over nine acres
of land IHC has a built-up area
of approximately one million
square feet. The L shaped site
has frontage on the three
sides. It is bounded by the Max
Muller Marg on west, the
Vardhman Marg on south and
the Lodhi road on the north. The Fourth side is flanked by Bal Bharthi School.
The complex has an access from three sides having the Lodhi Road on the
north, Max Muller Marg towards the west and Vardhaman Marg on the
southern side. Thus, it has three main gates, referred to as gate no. 1, gate
no. 2 and gate no. 3.
Gate no. 2, on the Max Muller Marg is the one, which directly leads to the
double level basement. The lifts then take to the upper levels form this point.
The other two gates direct the vehicles to the surface parking that has been
provided. This parking basically caters to the public areas like the conference
hall, etc.
4.3
FACILITIES
The I.H.C. provides the following facilities for the use of member:
40,000 square meters of office accommodation for institutions.
Conference rooms with a total capacity of 1000 in 10 locations of different
configurations ranging from 30 to 450.
60 Guest room, five suites, and five service apartments.
Conference room, cafeteria, Restaurants and Private Dinning room to handle
approximately 1500 persons at a time.
A 700 m2 exhibition area with built in systems and structures for multimedia
exhibitions.
A 250 seat amphitheatre.
A unique library/resource center with e-mail links to Resources Centers
abroad.
Other facilities include an Art gallery, Executive fitness center, Bank, Travel
agency, Gift shop, Dish antenna with multi-channel cable TV and piped music,
corporate Post Office and underground parking 1000 cars and 2000 two-
wheelers.
4.4 DESIGN -DESIRES AND
DICTATES
The India Habitat Centre has been conceived as an ideal physical
environment with a range of facilities that would maximize the
effectiveness of the individuals and institutions, in their holistic support of
the habitat. The principal of the centre to restore at all level
environment and ecology a balanced, harmonious, and improved
way of life, is reflected in its concept and design.
The prime objective was to create an urban oasis on the site that
suffered two busy roads, meeting at a noisy junction at the corner.
The genesis of the design is rooted in the fact that Stein is a horizontal
architect with a profound dislike for automobiles, and the need for climate
modification. The application of these with the co-operation of the client led
to a conscious decision to under build. The IHC utilizes only 1.4 of the 2.5
FAR permitted at the time of construction; though Stein would have liked
the complex a couple of floors lower still.
The first major decision has been taken on the physical scale of the
campus. Accordingly, the height of the building blocks at the centre is
restricted to six storeys and an F.A.R. of 1.4 has been adopted.
To create a friendly environment free of the tyranny of the automobiles,
the parking has been consigned to the basement with only landscaped
courts occupying the ground or public level.
To provide a right setting for initiating and sustaining interaction among
the institutions themselves as the people outside, the campus has been
conceived as an interconnected network of open and screened courts
formed by the turning, twisting building block. Three courts have been
covered with a permeable, steel framed roof screen of flat nylon panels
fixed for positive sun control. The solar screens cut off most of the summer
sun, but let in most of the sunshine in winters and act as a ceiling to the
outdoor rooms that are the courts. The courts form the dominating spatial
experience of the campus.
The courts are not static lumps of space. On the contrary, space seems
to gush out through gigantic openings bridged at the top by the offices, in a
torrent front court to court. Interesting vistas have been generated through
an orchestrated combination of tangential entries into a couple of courts
with the link between two other courts tightened with axiality. However this
was the lowest scale achievable, given the coverage required by the
programme.
The tide of people expected to animate these courts, will hopefully be
the prime-mitigating factor, along with the two- to three storied trees and
other planned vegetation. Voluminous they may be but the courts are not
static lumps of spaces. On the contrary, space seems to gush out; through
gigantic openings bridged at the top by offices, in a torrent from court to
court. Interesting vistas are generated through an orchestrated
combination of tangential entries into a couple of courts with the link
between two other courts tightened with axiality.
The court flaking walls of the building are to define the courts softly,
with vertical hanging gardens- simple and interesting composition of
planters over the grit and glass facades. The building, itself never
dominate it merely acts as an unobtrusive delineators.
4.5 AREA PROGRAMME OF THE
COMPLEX:
Area Capacity Area (in m)
AUDITORIUM BLOCK
Auditorium 537 558
Audi dome 350 385
Basement theatre 194
a) Mahagony 25
b) Kadamba 30
c) Rudraksha 30
d) Amaltas 120
FUNCTION ROOM BLOCK
Magnolia 100 128
Casuarinas 60 127
Silver oak 1 100 120
Silver oak 2 70 73
The silver oak room (1+2) + 465
foyer + patio
Silver oak lawn 554
15 + 16 1020
Chinar 25 28
Willow 50 52
Gulmohar 120 245
Jacaranda (1+2) + foyer 338
Mahogany 25 40
THE EXHIBITION HALL 325
THE EXHIBITION COURT 150 191
HABITAT VISUAL ART GALLERY 350
OUTDOOR VENUES
THE AMPHI THEATRE 300 27
MARGOSA LAWN 160 468
SILK COTTON GARDEN 85 243
EMERALD GARDEN 80 252
CASCADE COURT 1132
PALM COURT 1455
THE HUB 650
THE PLAZA 450 360
4.6 THE PLANNING AND IMPORTANT
FEATURES:
The exterior and interior court facing facades are thoughtfully
articulated- the exterior facades, presenting a stable, almost classical
appearance with more brick masonry and less glazing, the internal facade
sporting the light hanging gardens.
The complex is accessed from all sides the major pedestrian entrance
being from Lodhi Road on the north.
The distribution of various functions on the site is simple enough.
The two blocks on Lodhi road are handed over to offices on the top and
reserved for public facilities on the ground floor.
The third block on the south, houses common facilities like a conference
center, a large auditorium, library and a guest house.
View from entrance gate 1 View from entrance gate 3
Two basements house all the parking and services extend under the entire
block. Restaurants and exhibition spaces on the ground floor open out into
the courts, with the courts also being used for the public exhibitions.
The ground was perceived as a vehicle-free environment, and a fairly
elaborate system worked out to deny entrance to all motorized traffic
except for repair and fire. All cars and scooters are directed into two levels
of basements. The conference block is the only one that allows entry to
vehicles, though even here they can only pause and have to park
elsewhere.
The introduction of a sunscreen, a highly dramatic feature of the
IHC, ingeniously protects the courtyard from the summer glare while
letting on the winter sun, and is a very successful innovation that greatly
enhances the enclosure qualities of the courts. Further reduction in heat
gain is achieved by keeping the openings on the external faade to less
than 50% of the surface area, while strip windows characterize the
facades around the courtyard.
The complex is planned and divided into two blocks:
North Block
South Block
4.7 IMPORTANT SPACES & THEIR
FUNCTIONS -
4.8.1 NORTH BLOCK
The block adjoining the Lodhi Road
and on the northern side of the site
is this block. North Block is further
divided into four zones 4, 5, 6 and
7. This block primarily comprises of
office places supported by different
areas like exhibition, institutional
offices, restaurants and service core
area lift lobby, staircase, A.H.U.
etc.
View of north block from
auditorium terrace
4.8.2 SOUTH
BLOCK:
This block is further divided into `two zones 1 & 2, and houses most of
the ancillary facilities for the South block like residential guest rooms,
conference, library, health club, swimming pool and restaurant etc. The
zone-3 comprises of a 400 seats auditorium.
Major office spaces are located in the blocks adjacent to the main streets;
the associated functions such as guest rooms, staff quarters and the
auditorium are adjacent to the Lodhi Colony Housing.
The blocks housing the offices are articulated to form the three
courtyards, the ground floors of which contain public functions such as
exhibition spaces, fast-food restaurants, banks, etc and access to the
vertical cores.
4.8.3 OFFICE
BLOCK:
General office spaces are
located mainly in the blocks adjacent to the main streets, and are
provided as free flowing spaces without internal partitions.
Service core consisting of two lifts, one staircase, A.H.U. room, electric
and telephone connections (adjustable), duct and toilets for both sexes-
serve the office space.
Office spaces measure approximately 14.15 m X 14.15 m, and 33.1 m X
14.75 m.
The entire building is air-conditioned and the basements are mechanically
ventilated.
The floor-to-floor height is 3.75 m, but with A.C.
Ducts running across the ceiling, the height of
office space with false ceiling reduces to
3.0 m.
There is sufficient light in the interiors of the
offices due to strip windows along the side-facing
courtyard.
View of office block from gate 3
4.8.4 CONVENTION CENTRE
BLOCK
The convention centre provides the following:
Several halls with varied capacities,
multimedia and
Audio visual equipment.
20 concurrent sessions are possible.
Inbuilt archival system.
Secretariat and documentation centre.
Finest banquets and innovative theme parties. Convention. Centre block from
Vardhman Marg
Covered parking for 1000 cars and 2000 two wheelers.
A 535-seat auditorium apart from the following meeting rooms has been
provided.
Facilities provided in the convention centre
JACARANDA
Elegantly carpeted, jacaranda could be used be one
large space or further divided into independent units
for corporate meetings, seminars, workshops and
parties.
Jacaranda 1 1290 sq. ft
Jacaranda 2 1290 sq. ft.
Jacaranda 1 2 +Foyer 3700 [Link].
CASUARINA
A fixed seating hall equipped with state of the art,
multimedia facilities & each table equipped with a
set of mike, ideal for seminars, corporate
presentations, product launches Casuarinas 1520
sq. ft.
MAGNOLIA
A free seating hall allowing flexible seating options suited for both
conferences and party usage.
GULMOHAR
A large fixed seating hall with excellent acoustics &
multimedia facilities. Each table is equipped with a
set of mikes, ideal for large seminars corporate
presentations etc.
SILVER
OAK
One of the finest halls of IHC has outdoor attachments in the form of patio as
well as garden space. Ideally located on the ground floor level, the hall allows
versatile use of space for everything ranging from exhibitions, conferences,
seminars etc. to the finest banquet parties in
AUDITORIUM
LOWER GROUND FLOOR PLAN GROUND FLOOR PLAN
CONVENTION CENTRE
LOWER GROUND FLOOR GROUND FLOOR
PLAN PLAN
EXHIBITION
UPPER GROUND FLOOR PLAN
GROUND
the evenings. The hall can also be divided into FLOOR PLAN
separate sections, further
enhancing its versatility.
CHINAR &
WILLOW
Used for small functions like conferences, board
meetings,
presentations, workshops etc. These can be used
separately or
together combining the foyer too.
BUSINESS
CENTRE
Documentation Centre has 6 cabins or 6 workstations and can be hired for
variable periods of time. Fitted with all modern business aids, the
documentation centre provides an ideal setting for a secretariat for large
international conference basement areas.
4.8.5AUDITORIUM
BLOCK:
MAIN AUDITORIUM:
Main auditorium has the
translation system for
three languages. It is
easily operable by the
user as selection can be
done from the seats itself.
There is provision for
controlling volume too.
Main auditorium is also
provided with Mahagony
room, a hall suited for
small gathering with
attached kitchenette and
washroom apart from
control rooms and
projector room on the first floor.
Green room lacks the usual requirement of toilets.
Ground floor also has offices & coffee lounge.
The level difference between two-seat platforms is 16 which makes viewing
absolutely obstruction free. This auditorium has been provided with balcony
seating too.
Double wall system avoids sounds disturbance from outside.
Area of this auditorium is 6200 sq. ft. and it has a capacity of 537 persons.
GROUND FLOOR PLAN OF INDIA HABITAT CENTRE
SECTION THROUGH STAIRCASE
TRINITY ROOMS (In
basement):
Kadamba, Rudraksha and
Amaltas are an extremely
flexible set with individual as
well as combined usage
possibilities. These can be
used for workshops, board
meetings, theatre, and
cultural performances.
4.8.6
AMPHITHEATRE:
This complex houses a 300
seat amphitheatre which has been located in the centre of the office
complex. This open air theatre is major been utilized for the display of
exhibits like sculptors and also sometimes for cultural events to be
conducted in the open.
4.8.7 HABITAT LIBRARY &
RESOURCE CENTRE:-
Many institutions in the centre require
library & documentations facility and a
combined facility focussing on habitat,
environment & related subjects has
become a resource of national
significance.
Apart from documentations of written material, particularly of unpublished
nature like reports, clippings, research papers, photographs, audiovisuals
and computer-generated displays would constitute important resource
material relevant to habitat in the centre. The library on the second floor has
enough natural light, and terrace too for outdoor reading. Computer cabins
for net surfing have also been provided. Various kinds of seating facilities
formal and informal have been created.
4.8.8 GUEST ROOMS & FOOD
SERVICE:
There are 57 guestrooms along with a
double loaded corridor throughout the Core
2.
There are single rooms, double rooms,
suites apartments.
View of Bar & Restaurant
4.8.9 RESTAURANTS:
There are 5 restaurants in the complex. Three of these are provided in the
guest room block which is for the members who stay in the complex.
There is Members bar (PAST TIMES) with a billiards room attached Members
Dining room (Delhi O Delhi) on the sixth floor, which opens vistas to the
citys Eclectic Skyline.
The other restaurants on the bridge between core 2 and 4 of fifth & sixth
floor.
Two restaurants namely Utopia and are meant for the general public. So
there are wide ranges of eating areas in the centre with their kitchens being
served from the eastern side access road.
4.8.10 OUTDOOR VENUES:
The beautifully landscaped environs of India Habitat Centre provide brilliant
outdoor party
and performance venues that could
bestow that extra sparkle upon any function.
Venues Area Seating View of outdoor party
The Hub 650 ---------
Margosa Lawn 5200 160
Silk Cotton 2700 85
Garden
Emerald Garden 2800 80
Cascade Court 12583 ----------
Palm Court 16170 ----------
The Plaza 4000 450
Silver Oak Garden 6000 --------- 4.8.11 HABITAT VISUAL ART
GALLERY:
As we move into the 21st century, there is a need for
developing a new critical vocabulary and the large exhibition
space can fill this void by creating a much needed Centre of
the Visual Arts.
The seeds of creative thought processes and development of a new
trajectory could be sown right in the midst of the Habitat Centre.
The Habitat Visual Arts Centre could be the springboard for the much
needed dissemination of high art and the cultural translations of popular
art.
The Habitat Visual Arts Centre (HVAC) cross-references the performing
arts and provides the ideal platform to bridge the gap.
The exhibition space, instead of being a static art gallery is turned into a
dynamic and interactive space, where the viewer and the artist are in
constant dialogue and movement.
The exhibition space is also been utilized for holding regular talks,
seminars, dance & music performances, videos, site-specific installations
and informal discussions where the gap between the artist and the
viewer could become more proactive.
4.9 ARCHITECTURAL
CHARACTERISTICS:
BUILT FORM:
The I.H.C. has different Building volumes articulated to form
interconnected internal courtyards, which are the major public
spaces.
The service cores rise to maximum height, above rest of the structure
creating interesting blocking
Building blocks are linked at the fifth and
sixth floor level and above by bridges to
form framed huge gateways for entrance to
various zones/court. The bridges form
framed view & vistas and complete the
character of the enclosed courts.
The roof of the building is designed as a
series of terraces accessible from various offices and restaurants.
FACADE:
The external and internal-court-facing facades are very thoughtfully
articulated.
The external facades, presenting a stable, almost classic appearance
with more of HUDCO favored brick masonry and less glazing; the
internal facades supporting light hanging gardens with strip
windows characterizing the faade.
The exterior elevations posses a visually solid, well detailed `base, a
simple `middle and a `cornice on top in the form of an entire floor
cantilevering out on brackets.
The external faces have been given a more formal quality, to act as a
foreground for the building.
The facades abound in window boxes, where plants will further soften the
wall surfaces.
Plaster and exposed brickwork and ceramic tiles on concrete planters.
China mosaic tiles have been used as an
additional finish material to add
reflective ness and color in the
courtyards.
Roof is finished / covered with white ivory
china mosaic.
Anodized aluminum frames for the
windows are used.
Kotah stone, first class bricks, sand stone
etc. have been used in the courtyards.
SHADING DEVICES:
The courtyard is designed as an example of
medium scale climate modification. A system
of open to sky, shaded canopies over the
large paved courts, provide relief from the
tropical sun with fixed shade casting
elements, devised to shade the courtyards in summer, and the let in the sun
in the winter. Such a shading device reduces the load on the air conditioning
system.
Three courts have been covered with a permeable, steel framed roof
screen of flat nylon panels fixed for positive sun control.
The solar screens cut off most of the summer sun, but let in most of the
sunshine in winters and act as a ceiling to the outdoor rooms that are
the courts.
Such a shading device reduces the load on the air conditioning system.
A 1.2m deep galvanized steel tubular framework stretches edge to edge
across the courtyard and is anchored to concrete overhangs at the
edges.
Shade casting leaves of PVC coated nylon fabric, approximately 1.6x1.4m in
size, are anchored at the predetermined angles with9in this framework to
provide the shading element.
THE BRIDGES:
The buildings are grouped around semi-covered
courts and linked at the 5th and 6th floor level and
above by bridges to form huge gateways for entrance
into various zones/ courts. These multi level bridges
provide office spaces as well as links between various
building zones. The bridges form framed views and
vistas and complete the character of the enclosed
courts.
FINISHES:
The external finish for the building was originally
visualized in brushed aggregate (grit),
carefully controlled to result in a dark base that
became progressively lighter as the building was
viewed against the sky. This could not be
implemented because of the lack of skilled labor.
Brick that symbolizes habitat better is used
in the Exterior.
Exposed Brickwork. With exposed R.C.C in
cantilevered corridors
Ceramic Tiles-Green, Red & Grey used in
Extensions to define verticality and also in Interiors of Lobby, Lifts
to give an effect of flow.
LANDSCAPING:
Each internal courtyard has been designed to
impart a distinct-identity to the spaces and is
conducive to the type of functions or activities that
can be anticipated.
This has been achieved by paving patterns in
different materials, the use of water, a play of
levels and plants.
Palm trees have been planted to create a
refreshing environment inside.
Sculptures have been placed at strategic points
creating an element of interest.
Water ponds are provided to cut the rigidity of harsh materials.
Sitting Area with
Landscaping Sculpture near Amphitheatre
Stepped planters serve as sitting space too.
The roof of the building, too, is designed as a series of terraces, which
have been entirely converted into roof gardens.
The external spaces have a more formal quality, to act as a foreground
for the building.
The facades abound in window boxes, where plants further soften the
wall surfaces.
SERVICES:
The building services a 53,000 sq. m. built area with two basements, each
18,000 sq. m. in area, allowing for a parking of 933 cars.
All services are centralized. Upper basement is used for car and two
wheeler parking and offices. Half of the lower basement is used for car
parking and half for the services of air conditioning, electrical panels, D.G.
sets water storage and water supply services.
The entire building is air-conditioned and the basements are mechanically
ventilated, sprinkler systems are installed in all the useable areas and the
complex has its own water purification plant.
Fire escape staircases and lobbies are pressurized to prevent the spread
of fire along vertical shafts.
All office spaces have the flexibility of providing their own wet areas,
apart from those provided in the central cores. A floor grid provides
adjustable connections for power and telephones that can be integrated
with the partitioning.
Computerized building management systems have been designed for the
efficient operation of all systems, including watering of window boxes and
the detection of faults.
SERVICE CORE:
AIR CONDITIONING:
Chilled water system has been used with a capacity of
2700 tons, 100 A.H.U. and 100F.C.U. (for guestrooms).
Generators
2 nos. of 100 kva for air conditioning
2 nos. of 500 kva for emergency lighting
1 no. of 125 kva for building management works.
PLUMBING:
3.5 lacs storage capacity for fire-lighting in upper
ground & storage capacity of 12.5 lacs litres in basement
for raw and treated water. It is fed by 3 bore wells
of 10hp & municipal water supply. Water is first
filtered, softened & distribution is done with the help of
hydro pneumatic system.
FIRE FIGHTING:
Sprinkler system provided in both the basements and automatic fire detector
system on upper floors and carbon dioxide spreading system for electric
sub-station. Fire pump room has sprinkle pump, hydrant pump, diesel pump,
and (work with diesel in case of power failure). Jockey pump with this, in case
of minor leakage pressure is maintained) Fire escape staircase &* lobbies are
pressurized to prevent the spread of fire.
PARKING:
The parking has been consigned to the basement with only landscaped
courts occupying the ground or public level.
Main parking is in the two
basements while parking space for
the essential charted busses and
private cars is just outside the site,
that the parked vehicles dont hog
the road.
Underground parking area
measures around 36000 m and
has a capacity for 933 cars and
about 2000 two wheelers.
Upper basement= 10546 sq. m.
Lower basement= 16306 sq. m.
This amounts to 30% of the gross project area.
All car & scooters are directed into levels of basements.
View of parking in basement-2
4.10
INFERENCES:
By bringing together a number of institutes from various habitat related
professions in one complex, the complex problems of meeting facilities, co-
ordination between different professionals and the problems like car parking,
food services etc. have been smartly solved.
The blocks have been functionally demarcated North block comprises of
office space and ancillary facilities are in south-block resulting in well
coordinated spaces.
The articulation of the blocks has been largely successful in achieving the
design objectives. Computerized building management system has been
designed for the efficient operation of all systems, including watering of
window boxes and the detection of faults.
The grouping of 6-7 storey building blocks has been done around climate-
tempered courtyards, which has enlivened up the atmosphere inside the
complex.
Facade treatment on the exterior presents a very stable and strong visual
effect by use of special bricks whereas the inner facades are very light,
delicate and support light hanging gardens.
The structure of the building is thought-fully designed R.C.C. framed
structure, which has created flexible spaces in the interior.
Vehicular movement is restricted only to the periphery of the site with
only pedestrian movement allowed inside the blocks creating a very clean
environment. Parking has been kept in the basement allowing rest of the
site to be landscaped.
4.11
CONCLUSION:
It marks a transition in the Architecture of Joseph Allen Stein.
The Centre is organized as a series of 4-7 storey blocks around linked
courtyards.
Office areas given access from inside the courts. 25% of total area goes
to Landscaped Court.
Services: Total service Area=53,000 sq.m built up area with two
basements, each 18,000 sq.m Allowing parking of 953 cars.
The whole building is air-conditioned and basements are mechanically
ventilated.
Fire escape stairs and Lobbies are pressurized to prevent spread of fire
along vertical shafts.
The window Boxes are watered and computer operated building
Management systems does the detection of fault.
