This page shows architectural research either by Vikram Bhatt or Terrance Galvin.
The following three projects are research collaboration between Vikram Bhatt and Terrance Galvin:
Patterns of Living Volume 2
Architectural research in India
June 1994
The second volume of the series of case studies on architecture in India entitled Patterns of Living, which is sponsored by the McGill School of Architecture and the CIDA Youth Program. The central idea behind the Patterns of Living project is to record local places, while acting sensitively in an attempt to relate what we would traditionally call architectural research with design. Since research in architecture is not as developed as it is in other disciplines, the importance of determining culturally appropriate design through drawings, photo essays and interviews is the focus of our research. Ultimately, It is through acts of design and construction that we are able to test the success of our architectural research.
Patterns of Living Volume 1
Architectural research in India
July 1993
The first volume dealt with increasing the density of an existing industrial township called Tribeni Tissues, located in West Bengal. The present case study documents a traditional Indian village in Uttar Pradesh called Tora Village, with a population of 1300. Tora is situated on the outskirts of Agra, a popular tourist mecca due to its proximity to the Taj Mahal. As a result of the growing tourist demand, the land adjoining the village is to be used to accommodate a large hotel/conventional centre. Our goal was to assess the positive or negative impact of this hotel on the neighbouring environment, through recording the existing village and assessing the needs of the villagers in order to formulate a comprehensive development plan. As it may appear, this is not an easy task when the pressures of economic gain, political control and technological seduction are in play.
Reconstruction and Cultural Expression
The Region of Kutch, India
Minimum Cost Housing Group, 2001 - 2005
During eight months, we were partnering with long time colleagues at the Vastu-Shilpa Foundation in Ahmedabad, India, when a devastating earthquake shook the region of Kutch in January 2001. We redirected our energies to address the immediate problems of rebuilding and resettlement in the region after the dust had settled and the rubble was being sorted out and sifted through. The record of the destruction and reconstruction process that was maintained by our researches is presented in this report.
"Investigation into Quincha Construction" research was done by TUNS with Terrance Galvin, Essy Banlassad and Michael Carroll at TUNS.
Investigations into Quincha Construction
Developing an architectural language
1988 Annual Report
Research into development involves two principle areas. One concerns research about instruments of development, the other, the specific needs of the developing country. The distinction is important because provision for meeting specific needs such as shelter, food and water will not necessarily lead to the capability for future self-sufficiency and advancement of the community. It is important therefore to make the task of meeting specific needs an occasion for development within the community. The present project though addressing specific need for shelter, uses the occasion as a platform for the promotion of industry, a sense of cultural awareness, collective action and intentions that are integral to the process that leads to architecture.
The "Fingers of Hope" (Los dedos de la esperanza) report was done by the MCHG under the RAIC-CIDA program and is another example of the shared approach to recording an architecture research.
Fingers of Hope (Los dedos de la esperanza)
Upgrading Proposal for La Esperanza, Zihuatanejo, Mexico
Minimum Cost Housing Group, 1995 and 1996
The Minimum Cost Housing Group of McGill University collaborated with the municipal government of Zihuatanejo by developing upgrading proposals, which are meant to be part of a broadened, or holistic, urban upgrading undertaking. The proposals for upgrading contained in this report are the result of studies carried out from September 1995 to April 1996.