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J.A. Stein

Joseph Allen Stein was an American architect who worked extensively in India. Some key points about him: - He studied architecture in the US and France before working with prominent architects like Ely Jacques Kahn and Richard Neutra. - He moved to India in 1952 and helped plan cities like Durgapur, designing low-cost housing and public buildings that integrated local styles and materials. - Notable works include the Indian Express Towers in Mumbai, several buildings in Lodi Estate in New Delhi, and the IIM Kozhikode campus. - His design philosophy focused on contextual regionalism, minimal environmental impact, and guiding movement through buildings using geometry, light, and space.

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Harsh Gupta
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
164 views

J.A. Stein

Joseph Allen Stein was an American architect who worked extensively in India. Some key points about him: - He studied architecture in the US and France before working with prominent architects like Ely Jacques Kahn and Richard Neutra. - He moved to India in 1952 and helped plan cities like Durgapur, designing low-cost housing and public buildings that integrated local styles and materials. - Notable works include the Indian Express Towers in Mumbai, several buildings in Lodi Estate in New Delhi, and the IIM Kozhikode campus. - His design philosophy focused on contextual regionalism, minimal environmental impact, and guiding movement through buildings using geometry, light, and space.

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Harsh Gupta
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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JOSEPH ALLEN STEIN

-Submitted by
Aastha Saini 02/18
Harsh Gupta 13/18
Biography Influences
About the architect... 01 02 From various fields
personalities and
architects.

Philosophy Notable works


Design philosophies of 03 04 Architect’s works.
The
. architect.
.
“I’ve often thought that good architecture is
more important than great architecture.”
– Joseph Allen Stein
About the Architect...
● Joseph Allen Stein was born on 10 April 1912, in
Omaha, Nebraska.
● He studied architecture at the University of Illinois,
the École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris
and the Cranbrook Academy of Art.
● He worked for Ely Jacques Kahn in New York and with
Richard Neutra in Los Angeles, before establishing his
own practice in San Francisco.
● In San Francisco, he designed modest homes in the
California style, but also became increasingly
interested in the issues of low cost housing.
● He was also an active member of the group known as
Telesis, which sought to bring better design to the
needs of the middle and working classes.
● With the outbreak of the Korean war and the rise of
McCarthyism in 1950, he felt the need to find a location
where his talent as an architect could be more freely
expressed, and so left the US, first to Mexico and then to
Europe, and finally to teach at Bengal Engineering College
(now Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology,
Shibpur) outside Calcutta.

● In 1952 he moved to India, and became head of the


department of architecture at the Bengal Engineering College
in Calcutta. He worked in New Delhi from 1955 onwards,
starting with another American architect, Benjamin Polk and
even after retirement in 1995, continued to design for the
architecture firm he founded.
● In 1993, Building in the Garden, a study of his work, by
Stephen White, dean of the School of Architecture at Roger
Williams University in Rhode Island was published.
● He was awarded the Padma Shri, India's fourth highest
civilian honour, in 1992.
● He died on 6 October 2001, at age 89 in Raleigh, North
Carolina.
Influences
● On the world architecture scene , the expensive vision of FLW, Eliel
Saarinen,Richard Neutra and Buckminster Fuller have been of great significance to
Stein. HIs story of Influences and changes in direction was born from the time
when he studied in college, CRANBROOK EDUCATIONAL COMMUNITY,in MIchigan,
with Carl Miles-the swedish sculpture and Eliel Saarinen of Finland.
He says,”” two things have essentially guided my work,
ONE is what you might call an interest in search for an appropriate modern regionalism. I would put equal emphasis
On both words ,regional and modern ,because regional without modern is reactionary, and modern with regional is
insensitive .
SECOND one is to seek the character of the solution in the nature of the problem as much as one possibly can.

Stein found great affinity for Cranbrook’s particularly refined integration of construction, sculpture and surroundings .
Carl miles imparted to Stein an elevating humanism whose spirit is revealed in Miles’ dimensional art.
The expression -of man’s spirit of nature ,structure and materials was what Sullivan and Wright strove for ,although
these thoughts are little considered today,had great impact on Stein’s sensibility.
He believed that the statement form follows function stands for the relationships between the immaterial and the
Material ,between the subjective and the objective ,between the infinite spirit and the finite mind.
California of 1930’s

● Although not known today , but the whole collaborative concept of environmental design was itself
born in California,
● From the magnificence of natural setting combined with social and political factors .
● Stein’s work in here was typically collaborative, working with architects - Gregory Ain, In Los
Angeles and John Funk In San Francisco and wit landscape architects, Eckbo, Robert Royston.
● “I think we were all going in the same direction -that basically there is only one art, and that is
Environmental Design”-Garrett Eckbo
Design Philosophies
● Contextual Regionalism

The application of advanced skills to the traditional


principles of architecture has been discussed and their
expressions have been examined in his buildings. This part
has two main aspects. One is developing a vocabulary of
elements based on the region. This includes climatic
considerations and the concern for the characteristics of
the site and surroundings.

Other aspect is the use of advanced skills and their


appropriateness to India. This refers to a debate between
the use of prefabricated industry produced elements and in
situ components using manual labor. The use of locally
available materials is also a significant factor to make the
project economical. Implementation of these factors has
been examined in the built examples.
● Working Without Further Spoiling the
Earth

This trait of Stein's design philosophy traces his


concern for the relationship of man with nature. Here
different features of Stein's vocabulary, which
represent his effort to preserve natural beauty, have
been considered. His use of garden spaces as the
soul of design and elements like planter boxes,
rooftop gardens and water bodies to integrate the
building to these garden spaces is another significant
feature of his designs. Stein makes an attempt to use
advanced technology in an ecologically sane way. The
point has been further elaborated with the help of
examples.
● Tactile Perception
Stein's tactile perception has been
examined in his buildings by looking at
them in terms of movement pattern,
functioning of and activities within spaces,
choice of shapes and forms, and the quality
of light, color, texture, view and acoustics.
It is interesting to note that how Stein
virtually guides a visitor through the
building, being in control of his movement
and response at each level.
● Geometrical Approach

This point illustrates Stein's concern for the need of


an underlying architectural order where the elements
and systems, as constituent parts contribute to the
singular nature of the whole. Geometrical analysis of
the buildings has been undertaken to justify this
point. It also includes the study of the use of
geometry by Stein to form pleasing compositions in
jaali and cladding patterns. Also, the factors
considered during the evolution of design of the
building facade have provided an insight into Stein's
thought process.
● Structural Logic

A feature that this trait brings forward is


the expressive approach adopted by Stein
in his buildings and how he has modified
his approach to suit the developments of
the recent times. Stein aims at achieving
structural strength through geometry. The
design of his buildings emerges from an
understanding of the behaviour of
structures based on their shape and
geometry. This can be seen in the use of
shell forms by Stein, which has been an
effective way to achieve economy through
minimal use of materials and resources.
Application of these factors has been
studied in his built examples.
● Appropriate Detailing

This traces the use of appropriate details by Stein in


the buildings to make them sensitive to the feelings
and needs of the people. A properly detailed building
is more efficient and comfortable for its users.

● Movement and Spaces

It is fascinating to note that how stein virtually


guides a visitor through the building, being in control
of his movement at each level in terms of movement
pattern. He thoughtfully plans functioning of spaces
and activities within spaces, choice of shapes and
forms, and the quality of light, color, texture, view and
acoustics
Some notable works :
● 1947: Ladera Cooperative (with John Funk; landscape architect: Garrett Eckbo), Palo
Alto, California.
● 1955: Planning of Durgapur, West Bengal, India along with Benjamin Polk.
● 1968: Indian Express Towers, Nariman Point, Mumbai
● Several buildings in Lodi Estate, New Delhi, including the headquarters of the Ford
Foundation, Unicef and the World Wide Fund for Nature, a conference centre called the
India International Center (1959–62), and the India Habitat Center for housing and
environmental studies.
● Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode campus, Kerala, India
● Triveni Kala Sangam Arts centre, New Delhi, India.
● Kashmir Conference Center, India.
● Four factories for Escorts Ltd., Faridabad, India
● Delhi Public School, Gurgaon (now Gurugram).
DURGAPUR STEEL TOWNSHIP
Stein’s work at Durgapur Steel township emerges as proposals for a way of life of a new modern India.
● It aims in providing integrated neighbourhoods, in
providing pedestrian access to all facilities,
without need to cross automobile traffic , marking
parks & open space available for all, as well
providing the possibility for future expansion by
not upsetting the original balance of the
community.
● It was designed for 50,000 workers and
administrative staff at Durgapur , 100 miles up
river from Calcutta.
● In carrying planning objectives to the emerging
industrial towns in India, the designer often has to
proceed without help of effective planning
precedents.
● Designing a place where people who have only just
left the village feel at home.
TOWNSHIP & NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN

● Based on neighbourhood unit or


super block of upto 1000 dwellings.
● Each a balanced miniature
community, contains a share of
various elements necessary from
day to day of total community.
● Super block divides into 2 sectors which further is
divided into groups of 100 dwellings each
comprising of-
● Schools, bazaars and community facilities
connected by footpath and cycle bays through an
interior park strip.
● Judicial arrangements of units into pleasant
groupings, community can achieve amenities of
spaciousness , light and air; visual satisfaction
through carefully considered use of outdoor space.
● Township master plan places all buildings in every
major room and widow to face within 15 degree of
either North or South to receive prevailing breeze ,
summer sun heat avoided as shorter ends exposed
to east or west.
● Durgapur plans make each neighbourhood representative
in cross section of total community.
● Although dissimilar groups are not required to live
contagiously ,the children have an occasion to play and
work together.
● Population distribution locates each type of housing
within small enclaves not more than 150’ away, yet all
live in same neighbourhood to use same community
facilities.
● House planning and site planning maintained
interdependently determining each other.
LANDSCAPE DESIGN
(Total organisation of outdoor space)
● Low cost housing prohibits quality of
building and landscaping , brings
aesthetics within the budget.
● Its maintenance and initial labour cost
was balanced at such a platform.
Unwanted land is utilised in 4’ wide side
yards and 20’ wide deep front yards .
● Land not enclosed by house compound,
belong to neighborhood.
● Community owns the landscape in form of
parcels , which are planted plazas which
house groups face, hence introducing
park systems into neighbourhood
benefitting even the smallest house .
Thus achieving TOTAL LANDSCAPE .
● A green belt surrounding townships
insulates encroachments.
INDIAN
INTERNATIONAL
CENTRE
GENERAL INFORMATION
Location - New Delhi, India
Site area - 18600 sq.m.
Inaugurated - 1962

History -Its foundation stone was laid in


1960 by the Japanese Prince Akihito, and it
was inaugurated in 1962 by Dr. S
Radhakrishnan, the 2nd President of India.

The India International Centre (IIC) is a non-official


organisation situated in New Delhi, India. Membership of the
IIC includes Supreme Court judges, journalists, governors
and government ministers.It serves as a meeting place for
cultural and intellectual offerings, while maintaining its non-
official character, non-aligned motivations and remains
uncommitted to any particular form of governmental,
political, economic or religious affiliation.The main building
is adjacent to Lodhi Gardens
According to its official blurb, the centre is alluded to as 'Triveni', which in
Sanskrit means 'a structure of three'. It provides three activity streams:
● The Intellectual Stream, which is supported with the organisation
of seminars, symposia, meetings, discussions, and a well stocked
library that also helps publish papers.
● The Cultural Stream, through events like dance recitals, film
screenings, and drama.
● The Social Stream, through its hostel and catering facilities which
brings together people in a pleasant setting.
Site & Surroundings: - Located in the Lodi
estate which is a large garden dotted with
number of Lodi conquerors‟ tombs of 15th century.
Stein designed the centre with the objective
that it be an appropriate modern addition to the
garden landscape, expressing the techniques and
more informed attitudes of the 20th century.
Siting and development is based on a varying
sequence of indoor spaces and outdoor spaces.
The courtyards and outdoor spaces are part of
traditional architecture of Delhi. They also assume
specific functions & aspect in this complex
and are modified. Placement of the main
blocks is such that the lounge and dining room
overlook towards the Lodi Tomb.
Climate: - Addressing to the composite climatic conditions, both blocks are oriented
north south. Traditional Hindu and Muslim forms of architecture are adopted to fight against
harsh sun. Stein looked at jali for filtered light and sense of enclosure and view of the outdoors.
They are generally carved out in stone and wood and are modified here to ceramic & concrete.
Jali of traditional Delhi blue tiles are used to echo the colour of tiles of Lodi Tombs . This
element became one of the characteristic elements of Stein‟s architecture in India. Sun shading
devices as overhangs in the form of verandahs, porticoes, roof top pavilions and overhead
sunscreens in the form of flowering plants grown over a network of wires are all result of
consideration of climate as context. Deep balconies are provided with aluminium louvers to
shade them.
Design, Form and Scale: In an attitude to seek the character of the solution in the nature
of the problem, J.A.Stein has clearly opposed imposing of preconceived form. In generating
the form with respect to the function, he carefully analyzed and selected the forms that are clear
and efficient in structure and appropriate in establishing a relationship with the social and
physical context. This search has resulted into a simple direct architectural vocabulary.
Like in traditional Indian architecture, the whole complex is arranged around two courts.
Jai Rattan Bhalla opines this as the true analysis of Indian life . This depicts the consideration of user‟s
culture in design. Scale of the IIC is purposefully kept low in order to give due importance to the
surrounding tombs of Lodi dynasty. Height of the building is kept below the base of the domes of nearby
tombs.
Material and Structure: IIC has exposed concrete structural frame with local materials as infilling material. The
influence for use of rugged stone walls was from that of Lodi tombs. While exposed concrete structure is indicative of
„modern‟, local stone walls represent „traditional‟. Precast concrete and floor elements are used and they vary with
each space and function. Though modern technique of precast coffered roof and floor elements are incorporated, the
bearing walls are with local stones.A shallow six sided dome over the auditorium in the form of precast „Y‟
shaped concrete elements are both „modern‟ in technique and „traditional‟ in form. Precast vault roofs over the
rooms recall the traditional jack arch roofs and vault roofs of north India.
Landscape: A large water pond is created towards the north-west is to cool down the hot
loo. A small fountain near the east side entry is more for visual enjoyment. Lawn areas in the
courts cater well to the specified functions for both summer and winter climate for evening and
day use respectively. Large open spaces around the complex dotted with trees merge well with
neighboring Lodi garden as intended by the designer.
FACILITIES
The main complex of the Centre is laid out with three wings, on the
north, south and west, each designed to serve a separate function.
While cultural programmes are open to the interested public in the
south wing, the Centre offers residential facilities to members and
their guests in the north wing. The Lounge, Dining hall, Private Dining
Hall and Terrace Pergola are located on the west side, overlooking the
Lodi gardens.

The main complex houses the C. D. Deshmukh Auditorium, two


Conference Rooms, known as Conference Room I and Conference Room
II. The Publication Division, the Library and the main administrative
offices are also located in this complex. The other facilities here
include 48 single rooms, 28 double rooms and two Fellows’ Flats.
Most residential rooms at the main complex open directly on to the
lawns or the Lily Pond on the ground floor, and are provided with private
verandahs on the first and second floors
The Annexe houses two Lecture Halls known as Lecture Room I and Lecture Room II, two Committee Rooms known as
Committee Room I and Committee Room II, and an Art Gallery. It also has 16 double rooms.

Kamaladevi Complex houses a Multipurpose Hall, three seminar rooms, known as Seminar Room I, Seminar Room II and
Seminar Room III with sliding/folding partitions between each room so that they can be used as independent meeting rooms
or as a single conference hall, and an Art Gallery

The residential and catering services are open to members and their guests. The Fountain Lawn, the Rose Garden, the
Annexe Court and Terrace offer additional outdoor facilities for hosting lunches, dinners, high teas, book launches, etc.
The Himalayas and The Kashmir

When Stein first visited kashmir in 1968, it was still conceivable that his beautiful valley could be something that
would be a valued treasure as at this time kashmiris were getting little richer hence perfect possibility of preserving
this wonderful environment.
In course of working at Gulmarg,Stein was asked to prepare a conservation oriented tourist development plan for Dal
Lake valley.
He believed that the beauty of the valley of Kashmir lies not only in the setting , but in man’s enhancements
Of nature there over the centuries ,which Mughal gardens and the more extensive but no less remarkable grasses,
tulips which once grew from the earthen roofs that covered the city of Srinagar exemplify.

“He thought of the plan in a kind of continuum ,expanding even beyond the crest line ,coming down ,integrating the
slopes, lake and lakeshore…….it could have been a paradise,the lake to the crest line……
It is always difficult to explain how Joe sees the world”- Corneille jest
INDIAN HABITAT
CENTRE
- hub for cultural, economic, business and social
events.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Location - New Delhi, India
Site area - 9700 sq.m.
Construction on- 1993

History
● The India Habitat Centre was started in 1993. The
public agency for Housing and Urban Development
Corporation Ltd (HUDCO) wanted an office building for
its workers and made the unprecedented decision to
invite chosen non-profit organisations that shared
their concern with habitat to share that work space.
● The chairman of HUDCO and the architect Joseph
Allen Stein decided to radically change the traditional
image of an office building as an architectural project
and transformed it into an urban design project.
Purpose of the Construction
● The space was designed to permit the members of the Centre to share services
both inside and outside the building with multiple courtyards, common meeting
rooms, shared parking area, library, restaurants, museum, and hotels, some of
which are open to the general public.
● The building eschewed traditional building materials and techniques.
● The Habitat Centre would be a home not only to those offices and research
organizations but in order to facilitate their interaction, the centre provides a
range of facilities like conference venues, exhibition halls, seminar rooms, and
performance venues for cultural activities.
PLANNING
● The whole complex consists of
five main building blocks with
aerial walkways interconnecting
the building blocks.
● These building blocks being
separated manage to create
interesting courtyards that are
partially open to the elements.
● The Convention Centre can host
20 functions simultaneously
with most Halls equipped with
state-of-the-art equipment; 7
beautifully landscaped outdoor
facilities, a 424 seat Auditorium
and a business centre fitted
with all modern business aids
complete the offering. A total of
58 rooms caters to the need of
the incoming guests..
DESIGN
● The creation of a green and healthy environment forms the
backbone of the complex. This contributes to the urban level
functions and also creates a healthy and pleasant
environment for the working employees.
● The height of the building is around 30m high. The entire
facade is cladded with red bricks which give a majestic look
to the structure.
● Vertical and Horizontal ribbon windows have been used with a
special glass that restricts the entry of sunlight.
● The atrium of the structure is beautifully designed with
various landscape features such as sculptures, green areas
in the centres resulting in the formation of a roundabout in
the atrium.
● The atrium is rectangular in shape and is divided into three
parts. The middle one is left open whereas there is
landscaped roundabout formation on its either sides.
● The reflectors are installed above the building to provide
shade and prevent sun from entering into the building. The
reflectors are aligned at an angle which reflect back 70% of
the sunlight and change their angle during winter to allow
sunlight to fall on the windows.
DESIGN
● The fountain just beyond the second entrance serves purpose not
only by being spectacular, but also by relieving the surroundings
of the heat.
● The interesting glass/steel structure near the second entrance
provides natural light to the underground parking area.
● The building’s two entrances are not one and the same.
● The first entrance depicts a seemingly long deep corridor.
● The second entrance seems to hide the spacious courtyards.
● The absence of roof gutters rids the complex of clutter. Instead,
separations between walls that are lined with tiles facilitates the
disposal of rainwater.
● The external facade of the Convention centre has a mundane
appearance which masks the open inner space.
● The presence of an amphitheatre also marks an interesting
feature of the complex.
● Massive Steel girders have been for the construction purpose. The
entire office block rests on the steel girders without any support
of the columns in between the longitudinal plan.
Plants help in breaking down the scale Seating spaces Skywalks connecting the building blocks
FLOOR PLANS
THE STEIN AUDITORIUM CASUARINA FACILITIES
One of the best Auditoria in the country, the Auditorium at Habitat A fixed seating hall equipped with state-of-
World is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure enabling the-art multimedia facilities and each table
equipped with a set of mikes. Ideal for
direct telecast, 35mm projection. The hall is ideal for large
seminars, corporate presentations, press
conferences, seminars, film screenings, presentations, theatre interactions, product launches etc.
and cultural performances of all kinds. Simultaneous
interpretation can be made available on request.
THE THEATRE - AMALTAS, KADAMBA, RUDRAKSHA MAHOGANY
This 'trinity' of rooms is an extremely flexible set with individual as A hall best suited for small gatherings. Attached are
well as combined usage possibilities. Ideal for workshops, board a kitchenette and a private washroom. Ideal for VIP
meetings and theatre/cultural performances of all kinds when
1. requirements when used in conjunction with the
2.
combined. Can be used as three individual meeting rooms too. Auditorium.
GULMOHAR CHINAR & WILLOW
A large fixed seating hall with excellent acoustics and Ideal for small functions like conferences, board meetings,
state-of-the-art multimedia facilities. Each table is presentations, workshops, seminars and parties, these rooms
equipped with a set of mikes. Ideal for large seminars, can be used separately or together combining the foyer too.
corporate presentations, press interactions, product
launches etc.
SILVER OAK JACARANDA
One of the finest halls at Habitat, Silver Oak also has outdoor
attachments in form of a patio as well as garden space. Elegantly carpeted, Jacaranda could be used as one large
Ideally located on the ground floor level, the hall allows space or further divided into two independent units. Ideal for
versatile use of space for everything - ranging from corporate meetings, seminars, workshops and fine parties.
exhibitions, conferences, seminars etc. to the finest banquet
parties in the evening. The hall could even be divided into two
separate sections, further enhancing its versatility.
JALI WORK MADE IN HARMONIOUS COMPOSITION SCULPTURES
Stein’s use of jaali is one of the most characteristic features of his Indian Stein has used sculptures at many places
work. Stein has developed a series of ceramic and concrete jaalis along with to complete the architectural vocabulary
others made of composite materials. These jaali concepts have been taken of the whole unbuilt spaces. All the
from the mughal style. In India they have been further elaborated into sculptures are depicting something and
verandahs and porticoes for his oasis buildings. Jaalis are used in places they add to the beauty of whole ambience.
where less heat and light is required like dining area for convention centre and Stein has designed all the sculptures very
there it provides shade in summer and welcomes the winter sun. He respects finely and has placed it at appropriate
the traditional architecture when he uses traditional elements like jaalis to places. All the sculptures that are present
filter in light, provided an acoustical screen and at the same time gives there are based on some theme.
protection from the harsh summer climate.
CONCLUSION:
Energy Efficiency:
Every part of the building speaks different language.
One can enjoy different moods at different ● The building stands out in energy efficiency.
places.Allen stein planned the building in such a ● The interesting blue sunshade provided between the
manner so as to have clean looks. two buildings in court helps to maintain the
environment and gives a cool effect.
Emotions:I ● The trees also helps to maintain the environment and
● IHC serves different emotions at different places. gives the natural effect. Trees are planted at very part
● Gate no.2 creates curiosity to a person when of the court.
stands in front of the building. ● Fountains makes the environment more cooler & gives
● Gate no.3 gives surprise when it opens to a huge a effect of lightness.
space. ● Allen stein planned the building in such a way so that
Universal Access: the the maximum part of the floor enjoys sunlight.
● Handicap car parking is provided, plus railing is ● Allen stein also planned to give sunlight in basement
provided at very parts of the building where through very interesting ways.
needed.
● Lift is provided from basement to the terrace.
KASHMIR
CONFERENCE
CENTRE
-and re establishment of kashmir as centre of
asian culture
● Completed in 1984 on a lakefront site near chashma shahi, the scheme for a series of linked pavillion like
buildings set into a geometric garden design was conceived to echo the mughal gardens in their pattern and
terracing down by the lake.
● Promise of the valley and the potential of selective careful development to act as a lever for environmental
conservation.
● Since, his work’s in new delhi during the 1960’s this is the
perhaps the most indicative of his approach and principles of
form as its design was conceived as a celebration of nature.

● Stein wrote of his intention in the work as:


The effort has been made to crete buildings and gardens that
would merge into the surroundings ,and in the process bring
sympathetic attention to this gravely threatened place of
natural beauty.

● Accordingly the design integrates building garden and lake into


an entity so that the visitor shall be able to experience the
special mode of nature that makes visit to Kashmir so
memorable.
● His biggest concern was to minimise the presence of complex
within the valley which because of the size of its facilities
would dominate the surroundings it placed on a more
commanding height higher up in the valley.
● Stein paid careful attention to develop the site both
dignified
and discrete .
● He presented the essence of mughal gardens through
composing larger program of facility in a series of interlinked
pavilions.
● The physical characteristics individual of mughal design is
not carried through in stein’s design instead the
irregularities and the program find their own expression.
● Holistically maybe he was the only one to understand true
essence of mughal intentions about spaces.
● Only from certain positions does the centre appear from
behind its shielding screen of poplars and willows as 1
approach is over the water or when while standing on the
surrounding hillsides-thus represent an expression of
steins’s minimal and modestly scaled construction in well
tended landscape.
Developed Along Two Axis

-one leads the visitors eye from the entrance through


high ceiling rooms whose floors step down to present
a sweep to the lake view.
Gardens widening rows of magnolia trees edge a series
of walks that terminates in short descending flight of
steps and small fountains.
The lake merges into the site design through a broad
geometric extension of the water into the garden .

-second axis at 90 degrees to first lead in one


direction to the conference facilities and in opp.
Direction to guest rooms so that all overlook both lake
and mountains.
Interior spaces
● The interior spaces of auditorium were finished in
keeping with standard conference facilities .
● Most evident in sculpted form of spaces -
furnitures ,light fixtures and textiles.
● A combination of grandeur and warmth emanates
from space inlaid floor and wood wall of kashmiri
craftsmen .
● Keeping in mind orientation of project towards
nature and conservation ,changing seasons
vigorously expressed in spaces.
Banquet hall

VIP lounge
● The attempt was made in structure and materials to merge the building into the scene and become another feature
of the natural terrain.
● Precast concrete blocks and exposed green aggregate panels with a raised jali like pattern which fit within
structural frame and blue-grey slate roofs matching the colour of surrounding mountains ,comprise exterior
materials.
● Feature of the structure design is emphasis due to periodic incidents of earthquakes in valley ,ona bi-axial symmetry
and suppression of complex into independent blocks.
● Main spaces are formed by symmetrical arrangement of 8-
H shaped columns carrying interconnecting beams ,which
together provide large column free spaces .

● Thinner rectangular columns enclose each other block and


are exposed on exterior colour ,scale and shape are all
elements used to bind the structure with nature by
relating auditorium and guest room profiles :each in their
own way to the form of mountains.
SHELLS
Stein’s simultaneous understanding of structure and nature ,human aspirations as well as technical
requirements particular to indian situation.
Factory roofing system

Stein invented a new factory roofing system


controlling heat and natural light solving situations
to indian climate ,glass limited to smallest possible
area and proving uniform natural light distribution.
Light produced in three ways at the centre of roof
modules ,at edges , and in some cases both .Always
Through vertical glass to avoid light spots in
working areas.
P

Thank you

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