Rurban center | Thesis
Madurai, known for its culture and its great Meenakshi amman temple is also known for its agriculture, handicrafts and jasmine production famous with the tagline”MADURAI MALLI”.However, Madurai is no exception to rapid urbanization, with its fringes urbanizing haphazardly destroying agriculture and its water resources. The native farmlands are being converted into industries and real estate properties endangering its countryside. It is hightime that a sustainable approach to urbanization is implicated to preserve the existing resources and values of the Madurai city.
A new model of development for peri urban area of Madurai, “Rur-banizing” through Regional development center (RURBAN CENTER) comprising majorly of social development , agricultural hub(agriculture research and develeopment, Agro tourism and market),and allied facilities such as public parks and recreations.
Site justification
The site has been chosen in the peri urban areas of Madurai near Sholavandhan with lush farmlands, along the banks of river Vaigai. Exisitng farmland provides the essential prerequisite for setting up a regional development center with peri-urban farming , a new model of urbanization with farmlands as a major resource.
The site is connected by Kashmir kanyakumari National Highway and road to sholavandhan .With farmlands on south west and lakes on north east
Agriculture Research and Development
Agriculture Research and Development caters to the agricultural requirements of the surrounding villages, with research and testing laboratories and farmers training.
The Design has been approached with the intent of creating an inviting environment for both the researchers and farmers with open landscape transitional spaces and outdoor work spaces .The two open activity space acts as threshold and transition space between both the research and training wing.
Ground Floor
First Floor
Social Development Center
Social development center has been designed with extroverted connection to the ground, the built and the unbuilt have been alternatively combined to create transitional spaces. The terrace breaks down from each level to form stepped green roof, which is also used for farming classes and to control the micro climate of the building. The central amphitheater acts as an area of interaction, which experiences mutual shade and light play from the stepped building form.
Agriculture Interpretation Center
A Museum/ Interpretation center for agriculture showcasing the importance and technological advancements of agriculture with extroverted planning with public recreation.
