Bamboo is native to Assam and is intrinsic to its identity.
The Site
Conceptual Diagrams
A rhizome grows out of a bamboo node and attaches itself to the ground and to other bamboo stems strengthening the cluster.
Bamboo crafts- pride of the Assamese artist community.
Bamboo weaving by the indigenous craftsmen
Form takes its inspiration from the weaving patterns of the indigenous craft and the flexible nature of bamboo.
According to the folk tales bamboo jungles house spirits. In other words, bamboo jungles have always been referred to as a place of habitation. Taking that idea forward, the building houses a variety of functions.
As a response to the site conditions the building has been raised by 20m and sits above the existing buildings on-site, minimising destruction and creating a second layer to Dispur. This also helps the second layer be functional during floods and earthquakes.
Maps of Guwahati
Site Plan
Section through the Vertical Rhizome-raised by 20m and sits above the existing buildings on site, minimising destruction and creating a second layer to Dispur
Plans at different levels
Bamboo Diagrid on Rhizome
Despite it being the nucleus of growth for North-Eastern India, Guwahati faces earthquakes and annual floods which are heavily downplayed by the mainstream Indian media. During these calamities, the city comes to a halt and faces a huge loss of life and property. Along with a need for temporary refugee housing, there is also the need to keep the functions of the city going while also raising awareness about this issue.
Due to the twisting of the form, the building self shades in pockets and in others it capitalises on the incident solar energy enabling it to generate 206.15 MWh of energy per day, which reduces the energy consumption from the grid.
Plaza under the Rhizome celebrates Dispur
The site lies in Dispur, Guwahati, capital of the North-Eastern state of Assam in India. Located right in the middle of the Central Business District and across the Government complex lends it of political importance.
Along with a need for temporary refugee housing, there is also the need to keep the functions of the city going while also raising awareness about this issue.
Multiple towers sit at strategic locations in the city and are connected by roadways, metros and by the extended urban ropeway network. This also helps the second layer be functional during floods and earthquakes.
As a response to the site conditions the building has been raised by 20m and sits above the existing buildings on site, minimising destruction and creating a second layer to the old city of Dispur. Multiple towers sit at strategic locations in the city and are connected by roadways, metros and also by the extended urban ropeway network. This also helps the second layer be functional during floods.
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The Vertical Rhizome
Studio:
Design of High Rise Buildings
6th Semester, 2021
Studio Mentors:
Mayank Singh
Anupriya Saxena
Collaborators:
Alankreeta Bharali
Anwesha Saha
Project Description:
A High Rise raised 20M above the ground level in Dispur, Guwahati. Made of Bamboo with a concrete core, the Vertical Rhizome breaks the monotony of the concrete jungle and binds culture and development.