In conversation with Charulatha, Correspondent, Homes India Magazine. Priyamvada expressed her thoughts on the influence of effective planning on energy efficiency in apartment complexes, discussed the role of zoning and building codes in shaping residential design, and explored the impact of historical architectural styles on modern residential building design.
Priyamvada Chaudhary, an Indian Architect trained to Design, Construct and Manage Projects, wide ranging, from Large Master Planning assignments for Industrial and Logistics, premium Commercial, Residential, and Retail projects to finer details of Individual homes. Spent the last 27 years, designing or managing some award winning projects in India and over 7 countries abroad. A long journey which has fine tuned the understanding of relevant processes to be undertaken in each assignment.
What are the essential principles in architectural planning and potential issues arising from poor residential design planning?
Architectural planning is broad spectrum however planning of Residential buildings esp. In the Indian context is a complex Subject. The way we live should be the basis of the planning, most cases it doesn't address it.
1. We remove our shoes worn outdoor we require shoe cabinets at entrances
2. We have courier companies delivering packages we do not have a receiving lobby,
3. Common servant facilities are missing in these buildings which has a large workforce, maids, drivers, janitors in and out of it.
4. Clothes dry balconies are extensions of kitchen when they should be of washrooms.
5. Indian cooking has a requirement of washing vessels in a larger spaces than a n inadequateTwin sink space, as there are large number and variety utensils used in them.
6. Indian homes require lot of storage spaces, in new flats is almost nil, in older flats there were lofts and wall niches were the essential storages we required.
How can large flat layouts achieve both functionality and aesthetics, and what is the role of natural light in residential building design?
In my opinion, natural light and cross ventilation should be the most important criteria in selection of a home. Air conditioning is now essential however naturally ventilated homes conserve energy, infusion of fresh air and movement lends a positive vibes in a flat. Natural day light reduces our dependency on lighting, conserves energy, reduces heat, it is the most important criteria in selection, people feel positive vibes in a well naturally lit home.
"Natural light and cross ventilation should be the most important criteria in selection of a home."
What impact does efficient planning have on energy efficiency in flats, and how do zoning and building codes influence residential design?
It's the master planners in a cluster development who can have a significant role to play to ensure building as oriented in a manner to allow natural light penetration, wind movement, avoid rain ingress and reduce heat facing sides. Zoning is at a city level, it's a dye which is cast, it's almost unchangeable. However building codes play a significant role to guide planning. If we take the case of the metros, the increased FSI and tall buildings may be located at minimum distances from each other. This makes for dense populated communities. The social fabric is affected greatly by this density.
"Contemporary residential design only addresses usable area which translates to price per sq. ft.; it has lost the community living aspect."
Can you discuss the influence of historical architectural styles on contemporary residential building design?
Historical architectural styles are seen in old Mumbai homes or the older homes in any Indian city. Tall ceilings, plenty of light, ventilation, windows which were designed to bring in both light and ventilation at different heights. There used to be 3 sections of windows, top one as ventilator, Middle one to interact and view, bottom one to bring in the breeze as many slept on floors. There were common areas on floors for residents to interact, these are now found on podiums. Balconies were used as interaction spaces, as the buildings were not too tall. Tall buildings which have patios, decks can only be used in the evenings, provided they are well protected from wind and rain.
Contemporary residential design only addresses usable area which translates to price per sq.ft.,it has lost the community living aspect. The aesthetics as increasingly aping the West. Most of the tall buildings have Glass Facades. These require expensive detailing like double glazing, low transmission coating, to keep out the heat, which if not done, leads to Air conditioning as a need not luxury.
How does the urban landscape affect the planning of residential buildings and flats?
Urban landscape affects planning majorly. Sea or green open areas facing plots vs slum facing plots decide whether the building will be outward or inward looking. Rising above the immediate surrounding is what we see in new development as the first floor usually at a height of the 4th floor due to parking floors requirement. Connect with the street is non-existent. The overload on infrastructure like road, streets is evident.
What role does community engagement and feedback play in the planning and development of residential projects in our city?
Feedback is a mere formality for most Developers as individual voices remain unheard. In a Redevelopment scenario the tenants have a say which is considered. The planning communities seem to have a dialogues and some initiative in the recent past is improving certain aspects of development of residential projects in our city. RERA has improved the accountability of Projects being launched,completed, handed over by Developers to flat owners.
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