AMDD Designs

Implementation of GRAP in NCR and its Impact on the Construction Industry

– by Ar. Akshay Kumar Garg

We all know that after Agriculture the biggest manpower-oriented industry is the Construction Industry.

With the invocation of GRAP – 1, 2, 3 or 4 (Graded Response Action Plan) in NCR the rhythm of construction industry gets affected severely.

This not only affects the daily wadges labours, but also the plant and machinery which most of the time is on rental basis. Thus, every disruption of Construction activities leads to cost over runs due to demobilisation and remobilisation activities of both i.e., manpower as well as Plant and machinery. So effectively the duration of construction gets reduced to 8 to 9 months only, which is also due to various big festivals during the year and the movement of labour to home town due to harvesting season etc.

Now why this happens? If one notices, every year post October i.e. between November to January due to the spike in pollution levels post monsoon in the region, the Construction activities get the blame for pollution in the NCR apart from stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana.

However, as per the data available, (as indicated in one of the writeups by UDBARU foundation) “Delhi’s pollution has often been framed in terms of stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana, particularly because satellite images and smog episodes during October–November are visually dramatic. But the deeper understanding that has emerged from IIT Kanpur, TERI, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) and other independent agencies paints a more precise picture.”

The main source of Delhi’s everyday pollution is local emissions. Together with vehicles, re-suspended road dust, construction dust, waste burning, diesel generators, and emissions from nearby industrial clusters, the city’s PM2.5 and PM10 load is high. Winds in Punjab and Haryana bring particulate matter from agricultural residue burning in October and November, causing sharp temporary spikes. But over the course of the winter, Delhi’s PM2.5 load’s share of stubble burning is typically much lower than the cumulative contribution of local sources.

According to another recent study of PM10 load in NCR districts, road dust alone contributed 42% of PM10, with transport (vehicles) contributing another 25%, and ongoing construction adding an additional 15%.

However, as per geographical studies, Delhi is situated within the Indo-Gangetic Plain, an expansive flat region that spans northern India. It is flanked by the Himalayas, the Peninsular Plateau, the Aravalli Hills, and the Brahmaputra Valley. Due to its low and bowl-like terrain, air circulation is restricted. Consequently, contaminated air remains close to the surface, particularly during the colder months when winds are gentle. Furthermore, Delhi is encircled by natural barriers on two sides. The imposing Himalayas to the north hinder the flow of cold, clean air. Meanwhile, the Aravalli Hills to the southwest obstruct any wind movement. As a result, the polluted air cannot disperse and has no means of escape. This obstruction of airflow renders Delhi and the surrounding areas some of the most polluted regions in the world.

The October and November temperature inversion is another significant factor. Normally, warm air near the ground rises and carries pollutants upward. But during inversion, the air above becomes warmer than the air below acting like a lid covering the whole capital. This “lid” traps pollutants below, reducing the vertical mixing height. Because of this, smog accumulates rapidly at this time of year after sunset.

Delhi’s air pollution issue is both man-made and a result of the city’s geographical location. Every winter, Delhi turns into a natural pollution trap due to its basin-shaped plain, surrounding hills, slow winds, and temperature inversion.

So then, what is the solution to this problem?

The best solutions to this problem, in my opinion, are as follows:

Completion of road side pavements along the highways and Delhi’s major and sub-major roads.
Expanding urban green spaces with native plant species, restoring wetlands, and establishing green corridors for air ventilation are all examples of terrain-sensitive urban planning that can help control temperature and trap pollutants.
Better ways of mechanised sprinkling of water on major and sub-major roads.
Car-pooling for office goers.
Creating artificial rain through cloud seeding is possible.
Stopping of waste burning or tyre burning by locals and stricter fines be imposed.

Today ISRO is doing fantastic job on projecting indigenous Satellites into space! Can these be used to monitor the waste burning and imposing fines on the culprit.

Secondly, I believe that as a region we cannot change the geographical position of Delhi but improve the public transport system. The dilapidated pavements along the roads to curb the dust. The government at the centre as well as the state level should prioritise the mass transport system of Delhi-NCR as a Double Engine Government.

I feel if the air quality of Delhi is not taken seriously, the future generation of Delhi-NCR region will be more like respiratory patients rather than contributing to the growth of India!

Therefore, the Government cannot be reactive to the situation, and rather, they need to be more vigilant on same.

Sustainable Green Building Design versus Vernacular Architecture Design – What is the difference?

– by Ar. Akshay Kumar Garg

Today, everyone is going gaga over Climate change, Sustainable architecture, Green Buildings, etc.

Thanks to God, today it is only our Architecture fraternity who have realized the importance of Sustainable Green Buildings for the future generations, and of course the government. We realized that there is no other planet like EARTH, which is conducive for life. We realized that what will we pass on to our future generations to come if we do not care about our natural resources and ecosystem, which takes years or rather centuries to grow and bloom for life to exist.

With the coming of the Industrial Revolution, we started impacting the surrounding climate. Initially, in the early decades post-independence, we still adopted the rule of climate and ecosystem. But in the late nineties and the initial decade of the new millennium, most of the architects were following the foreign concept of plush-looking glass buildings with cladding of aluminium composite panels. Everyone thought that maintaining such buildings would be easier, without realising that India’s climatic zone is Tropical. It will demand more air-conditioning, thus impacting the electrical consumption and the groundwater resources. They sold this idea blindly to the Real estate builders who wholeheartedly accepted the idea to convert the Indian cities into new look-alike European or western world Cities. Without realising that India’s climatic zone is Tropical, unlike the western world with a marine climate characterised by mild, wet winters and cool, moist summers. And if blindly followed, its impact on climate and nature will be adverse.

What is sustainable Green-building concepts? Simply put, designing, executing, and maintaining the building structures in an eco-friendly and resource-efficient manner. By increasing efficiency and encouraging a healthy indoor environment, it seeks to reduce the unfavourable effects of buildings on the surrounding environment, natural resources, and human health.

Then, what is Vernacular Architecture? Using materials that are native to the area and traditional construction techniques, and referring to architectural styles that are unique to a specific area or culture or both. The architecture, which frequently incorporates skills passed down through generations and reflects the local environment and social traditions. An architecture style which is designed and constructed by local artisans.

So, Vernacular Architecture’s basic principles are that while designing, prioritize sustainability, climate responsiveness, cultural representation, and adaptability.

So, if we critically see the old Indian Architecture in different climatic regions of India cities or towns, we find that they were purely using materials that are native to the area and the traditional construction techniques developed by then local artisans which they imbibed from their forefathers through generations and which reflects the local environment and social traditions.

Natural ventilation, shading, and evaporative cooling were the mainstays of the traditional Indian home cooling, which frequently included architectural elements like courtyards, Jaali, and thick walls to produce cooler microclimates. Water features and step wells contributed to evaporative cooling as well. This is like the design principles of Sustainable Architecture.

In India, the principles of Vaastu were very much prominent, which stresses the orientation of building as per the cardinal direction, sun movement, wind directions, etc., RIGHT?

In modern Architecture design and Sustainable Green Building concepts, we stress the orientation of the building as per the cardinal direction, i.e., closing the entire South-West region to avoid harsh sun, and keeping the East, North and North-East open as much as possible. Allowing wind flow with maximum openings towards the East, North and North-East and minimal openings towards the West, South and South-West region and of course with shading elements to cut the harsh heat of the sun.

So, in India, we were already following the concept of Sustainable Architecture largely through Vaastu concepts and Vernacular design principles. With the modernisation of Architecture, we relied totally on modern principles given by the West and started losing sight of what our forefathers taught us about the Vaastu principles and the vernacular system of designing & construction.

Now, then, what is the difference between Sustainable Architecture & Vernacular Architecture?

I feel that both design and construction systems are the same, with only one difference and i.e., the system of measuring the performance of built mass or buildings.

The Sustainable Green Building insists upon measuring the energy efficiencies of the structure which are being built today through a performance rating criterion.

What does our Architecture fraternity think? Is my understanding true?

Architecture and Creativity – What is the relation?

– by Ar. Akshay Kumar Garg

When we think about creativity, our minds venders into different places, say some art work in a museum, a cool dress or outfit in an apparel’s showroom or a latest building erected in some corner of the city or an iconic building created by a well-known Architect, internationally.

Creativity is an ambiguous term and will be difficult to provide a precise definition for it. However, in general, one can say that creativity is a mental process that combines flexibility and inventiveness to create a valuable, useful, and novel product. Right?

Creativity covers many paths and disciplines, and it’s an art in and of itself. Architects depend on creativity in both straightforward and intricate ways.

A students may be tempted to pursue a career as an architect because of the practice’s inherently creative nature. But what’s the truth when it comes down to it? It’s no secret that creativity thrives in architecture. After all, it is a free-for-all where the mind is at its most creative form.

When we’re in the studio, we may feel that we can be at liberty, more inquisitive, and bolder in our designs. Our professors and mentors push us and challenge us to be more creative architects. But how creative architects actually are? And does anything ever stand in the way of their growth? Yes – limitation of thoughts some times.

Important aspect in the process of solving design problems is creativity. Using one’s creativity is very essential when solving problems related to design assignments be it in architecture, engineering, product design etc. Most design problems are ill-defined. They are typically not fully solvable by standard problem-solving skills or techniques.

One feature of design problems is their complexity, ambiguity, and uniqueness. Design problems are non-routine and ambiguous, making it impossible to predict what kind of information will result in what kind of solutions. Therefore, solving design problems requires coming up with a wide range of original, possibly inventive ideas as well as unexpected solutions.

What it means to be a creative architect depends on who you are, both as a designer and as a consumer. A simple design that focuses on a few elements, such as light and form, massing etc. can be as powerful as buildings that are curved and appear to floating or fluidic. How people interact with a building or use also determines whether the creativity of an architect fulfils the users/ occupant’s requirements.

**THE ABOVE IMAGE AND PRINCIPALS ALSO APPLY FOR CREATIVE THINKING**

Ingenious architects and designers are the brains behind every structure, urban area, and buildings who remain true to their goals and do things wholeheartedly. Since everyone displays creativity in some way, it is impossible to define what it means to be a creative architect. Unknowingly, we occasionally tend to be more creative than we are. Discovering how to push yourself and incorporate your viewpoint into your designs is an exciting journey.

Le Corbusier use to feel that creativity is something religious, whereas Frank Lloyd Wright use to feel that creative thought is “human light on mankind” and that creative people are attributed to God. Because of this, artistic creativity can be understood in the majority of artistic fields of study by simply examining the lives, emotions, and creations of artists.

Is Hiring an Architect Important?

– by Ar. Akshay Kumar Garg

Often people ask me why an Architect is important for designing a good building when his requirement is restricted only to the Approval of Plans and getting an Occupancy Certificate post completing the Construction.

To this, many of my fellow Architects reply that we undergo a proper graduation program and spend so much time learning the trade about the different aspects of buildings, etc. which sometimes doesn’t convince the prospective clients and they end up engaging unqualified people who are either draftsmen or with some interior designing certification course and who are charging less fees compared to the correct fees as per the guidelines defined by the regulating body of Architects.

I came across various articles where the various authors feel that hiring an Architect is not at all important and that it is not an important need as one can learn Architecture through sheer experience. After all, we have been living in this world for so many thousands of years and it is very easy to make your own house.

Confused? Yes.

I feel that all of the above statements are sometimes true and sometimes false. How? Let us explore the journey by a little peek into its history and then its evolution.

In the good old days, there was no concept of Architects. The design and construction of buildings was the job of Chief Artisans in the historical era. But they were hired for the design and construction of important buildings of the Town/City and not for the designing of homes. We all know that the oldest Civilization of India – The “Indus Valley Civilization” (Mohenjo-Daro & Harappa) has a well-crafted layout with covered and neatly laid out drainage system, neatly built housing structures – properly streamlined, with well-defined spaces for habitation, space for household animals, well-defined road networks, etc. We all agree to it. Yes? All this is evident through physical pieces of evidence of that settlement. This means that someone designed the entire settlement, keeping the overall intent and execution of the designed entity in mind. Correct? This person (the so-called designer or planner of settlement) had the overall picture of the intended design, how it would look, what needed to be taken care of while planning the settlement, the size of the clusters, the road widths, the space for shops, the congregation spaces, etc.

During the era of Mohenjo-Daro & and Harappa, there were no trained Architects or Artisans. The term “Artisan” was used for people who were involved in a particular type of Skill. These Artisans could be settlement planners, sculptors, furniture makers, cart-wheel makers, shoemakers, earthen pot makers, weavers, etc. This means that some people among them had that in-built skill to do such works, i.e., implementing the envisaged design/creativity. For that matter, it could be a village or a town settlement.

Now, one may argue that what is the big deal? Here also, a non-qualified person designed these settlements. They were not trained, so why so much importance for hiring an Architect? This is exactly what an Architect does. They are the people who understand the complications involved in a building design and that alone is why it is better to hire a professional Architect.

Let us see the same thing from a different perspective. Some people can sing a song well, but some don’t even understand the rhythmic notations of singing. Those who understand the tune and rhythm learn the music from already-trained legends who are called Maestros in the field of music.

Similarly, the so-called trained Architects had that in-built skill to design and understand the spatial aspects, proportions, massing, and relation of various aspects required for designing. These people discuss and run the client through the intended requirements, the pros and cons of what is right for the building, and what will be a bad decision. When a client decides to build a project, it is complicated and one is bound to get lost in the maze of designing, regulations, building codes, zoning laws, etc. It is the trained Architect who has the desired education, training, experience, and vision to pave the way for the client to understand the designing and construction process. They are molded and trained to see the bigger picture. They are not just designed with four walls and a roof. They are responsible for creating a holistic environment. Be it interiors and exteriors of the spaces, that will satisfy the functional requirements and are exciting, dynamic spaces in which to work and live. In the process, they help their Client save unnecessary expenses by thinking ahead on Paper before it is being built.

In the concluding statement, I will say that if we intend to live in good-looking, aesthetic, hygienic, well-thought-out spatially relevant spaces.
Architects are trained to design for the present with awareness of the past and for the future which is unknown – A phrase by Ar. Norman Foster.
So. I will request all who intend to build a thoughtful timeless building, to think and decide wisely.

Why Should You Hire an Architect?

Few people realize how complicated it is to build – that is until they find themselves lost in the maze of design options, building codes, zoning laws, contractors, and so on. No two building projects are exactly alike, so there is no single, clear-cut path to follow.

The architect is the one professional who has the education, training, experience, and vision to guide you through the entire design and construction process, from helping you define what you want to build to helping you get the most for your construction dollar.

Architects see the big picture. They don’t just design four walls and a roof – they create total environments, interiors, and exteriors, that satisfy functional needs and are exciting, dynamic spaces in which to work and live.

Whether you are remodeling, adding on, or building from scratch, the architect can guide the way. Working with contractors and other construction professionals, architects can help you end up with a well-designed project that meets your needs and works within your budget and time frame.

Architects Solve Problems

Most building projects start with a want or need. “I need more file space in my office.” Or, “We’ve outgrown our house.” But how does that need or want to get translated into square feet and three-dimensional space?

That is what architects are trained to do, solve problems in creative ways. With their broad knowledge of design and construction, architects can show you alternatives and options you might never think of on your own.

Need more room for your growing family? An architect can show you how to enlarge your home so you don’t have to move. Not sure how fast your business is going to grow? An architect can design an office that meets your needs today and can be adapted for tomorrow. Have a limited budget? The architect looks for ways to make your project cost-effective.

Architects Can Save You Money

The architect’s services are a wise investment for the money, not an added cost to your project. Why?

Because a well-conceived project can be built more efficiently and economically. Architects plan your project with you. As your ideas evolve, changes can be made on paper much less expensively than later on when construction is underway. Thorough drawings also make it easier for the contractor to accurately price and build your project.

Because energy-efficient buildings can save you money on fuel bills down the road. An architect can design a building to maximize heating from the sun and let in natural light, thus reducing your heating, cooling, and electric bills over time.

Because the architect can work with your budget and help you select the appropriate materials and workmanship at a fair price. Architects develop the drawings and specifications to help you get bids for construction that are based on your requirements.

Because an architect can help you choose materials and finishes that are durable as well as beautiful, saving on frequent maintenance and replacement costs. Architects work to stay abreast of advances in roofing, brickwork, floor tiling, paint finishes, etc. Their familiarity with the full range of materials enables them to suggest the appropriate materials for your project.

Because good design sells. A well-designed house has a higher resale value. A well-designed store draws customers. A well-designed work environment attracts employees and increases productivity.

Architects Can Make Your Life Easier

Let’s face it, building is a long process that is often messy and disruptive, particularly if you are living or working in the space under construction. The architect you hire looks out for your interests and tries to find ways to make that process go smoothly.

If your project requires engineering or other design services, the architect can coordinate this team of experts so you don’t have to. The architect sorts out complex building codes and zoning laws. The architect can help you find qualified construction contractors based on your requirements. The architect visits the construction site to help verify that the project is being built according to plans and specifications.