Criteria for Case Study:

1. Location of the Project.

2. Facilities provided by the Project.
3. Sustainability of the project.
4. After effect of the Project on area.
5. Effective design of transition spaces connecting outdoor with indoor.

3.1 Quiet Healing Centre, Auroville, India

Architect: Ar.Poppo Pingel

Location: Auroville, TamilNadu, India

Quiet is a wellness centre located on banks of Bay of Bengal. It occupies over

7 acrea beachfront compound. It offers a wide variety f natural healing
therapies. It is a place to relax, rejuvenate, recharge and heal. The healing
work at Quiet is based on the understanding that aperson is first and foremost
a spiritual being seeking to express its truth through the instrumentality of
mental, vital and physical nature.

Architects Ideology: He was strongly influenced by the growing

environmental awareness, baubiological* and sensory issues plus
physiological concerns in architecture. These included health hazards through
industrial building materials, electro-smog, the blind use of industrial synthetic
building products monotonously applied, and the waste and misuse of natural
resources.

(Diagram 1: Site Context)

Site Context: The site selected for this project is apt as it connects the place
well to both nearest community, city and on other side the nature. One side the
structure is surrounded by tall palm trees and bay of Bengal. The other side
leads to the Pondicherry market and city further connecting to heart of
Auroville. Thus the requirement of silent environment for the therapies is
fulfilled as well they are well connected to community.
 (Diagram 2: Zoning)

The built up and open space zoning explains that the structure is well planned with
green open spaces in between thus maintaining the connection of nature from exterior
to interior. The project is not yet built completely as planned, the extension is aimed
to be built in coming near future. The zoning of areas as per the activities is well
planned, separating the private and public zones.

(Diagram 3: Activity Zoning)

The circulation of the site is well managed and separated. The frequently
coming vehicular does not disturb the regular actvities on site.There is only
one node creating a traffic node, when there is service vehicle movement.
(Diagram 4: Site Plan)

1- Security Cabin 2- Residential Block

3- Reception 4- Healing Spheres
5-Hall of Harmony 6- Extended Residential Block
7-Kitchen and Laundry 8-Dining

Its location on the beachfront makes it highly susceptible to cyclones. The

structures are well spaced out as to minimize the effect of any damage caused
due to cyclones. The climate conditions are both constraints and opportunities
for development.

DESIGN AND STRUCTURE DETAILS

(Diagram 5: Chajja) (Diagram 6: Gutter detail)

The sloping chajjas act as dnp moulds as the architect did not wish to have
additional projection on facade. The gutter detail is exaggerated and forms as
part of the detail.The water from the gutters falls fdirectly to the landscaped
area below.

(Diagram 6: Plinth beam) (Diagram 6: Structural members)

Architects truthful use of material called for exaggeration of details to depict

the virtue of the material. The plinth beam in residential block, projects
diagonally from the sloping wall, holding the first course of bricks in place.
The detail is enhanced by the projection of plinth beam, which protrudes from
coping. The beams continue over the vaulted passage-ways and also project
out of the external walls. The beams have punctures to facilitate easy
maneuvering by tying a rope through it. This helps in placement of precast
beams.

The Quiet Healing Centre stands as an outstanding example of fusion art,

craftsmanship and structural excellency. His attention to details, from the
construction of a beam to designing a door handle is impeccable and this
breathes life to his structure.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:

(Diagram 7: Therapy Room Section)

The hot and humid climate on site compelled the architect to use materials that
would resist dampness.
Thus, porous materials such as first class bricks, lime mortar and timber have
been used. They keep the interiors dry and cooler compared to outside. The
domes are cladded with China mosaic which reflects maximum part of the
heat incident on it, assisting in keeping the healing rooms cool throughout the
day.

(Diagram 8: Solar Panels) (Diagram 9: Green cover)

It incorporates minimal use of artificial electromagnetic fields. These panels

have been oriented in North-South direction so that the harsh incident sunlight
is concentrated on the solar panels. The green cover acts as buffer from the
noise around the site, creating peaceful environment for healing.

(Diagram 10: Hall of Harmony)

(Diagram 10: Opening in the buttress with precast concrete rings used generally for
septic tank.)

(Diagram 11: Courtyards joining the structure internally.)

(Diagram 11: Transitional space: connecting inside to outside.)

(Diagram 12: Appropriate amount of natural lighting inside the structure.)

Inference:

The facilities provided by the centre are one of the best in India.
The site for the centre is a transitional zone between busy city zone and the
calm peaceful beach (Nature).
The use of local materials and local artisans has made it economically and
environmentally sustainable.
The planning and designing of the center is so done that the nature has been
merged with the indoors providing small pockets of open and semi-open
spaces, thus helping in the treatment procedures too.
The small details have helped the project be aesthetically better.