THIRD PLACE
The community library
Design Process
Step 1: SITE ANALYSIS - The design process started off with analyzing the site and its surroundings.
The climate observed in Rajasthan is Hot and Dry climate and hence, the Library is designed to be climatically responsive.
Climate responsive techniques--
1) Water body for evaporative cooling oriented along the prevailing wind direction.
2) Pocket courtyard acts as breathing space maximizing natural ventilation.
3) Openings- are oriented towards the North to maximize the daylighting. Whereas, South facade has minimum openings to minimize solar heat gain.
Socio cultural aspects--
1) Kathputli workshop( traditional puppet art of rajasthan) - An amphiyard( amphitheatre+ courtyard) is designed centrally on the site to stage kathputli shows, which invites the people living in the neighborhood.
2) Panchayat space - A traditional panchayat seating ( circular seating around tree) is designed on the site to address common issues.
3) Private courtyard - Its semi open private reading space for silent reading,helps connect people with the surrounding environment.
Step 2 : DESIGN IDEAS AND CONCEPTS -
1) There is a Smooth transition from public to private spaces.
2) Concept of Third Place -- A home away from home ( community gathering space).
3) All Age inclusive design -- All people including kids, young adults and elderly are free to access and be a part of the community.
Step 3: MATERIALITY -
The materials used for the library design is locally available material of Rajasthan which is sandstone. Sandstone has high thermal mass and hence reduces heat dissipation into the library.
Modularity of the library is maintained in other regions by incorporating the materials that are locally available in that region.
Step 4: PLANNING -
The aim of the design is to be welcoming to all age groups with the people friendly design.
The planning is carried out in such a way that it encourages children from the neighborhood to access the learning spaces and also be a part of community living.
The entire site is planned out after carefully analyzing the economic , socio- cultural and environmental aspects.
The best orientation for the library was planned after understanding the wind flow through the building with various orientations. The fluxo vento software helped to analyze the wind flow through the module.
