Poonam Gallery 2

Jeeva Nivas - Orphanage for HIV+ youth, ChinnaKalapet, Pondicherry: 2008 – ‘09

This project had been commissioned by Arul Ashram which provides a refuge for adults and children with AIDS/ HIV . The home is a stepping stone for young HIV + orphans to an independent life; a place where teenagers grow into young men who can manage their health and pursue higher education or a trade.

Design approach:

The requirement of areas, functions and their relation was quite complex. The building was to host, 15 youth, 1 special educator, 2 volunteers, a cook's family. Due to the site surface area limitation, the built form had to be extruded vertically to be able to accommodate all these multiple functions. Also the principle wind direction was only on the narrow end of the site. A composition of vertical load-bearing Wall fins was devised as the main structure. These wall fins were staggered to allow cross ventilation even in the rooms on the far side of the wind direction.

The interiors provide a clean and organized living environment which by design, stays very cool in the summer, without mechanical ventilation.

Farm Units, Mathur Village, Tamil Nadu : 2008 –‘09

Design brief:

This project was commissioned by Arul Ashram, Pondicherry , India .  The Ashram provides a refuge for adults and children with AIDS/ HIV . They frequently receive volunteers from different countries, who come in large groups, to help with the patients and children. They needed a simple facility to accommodate these groups for periods ranging from 1 to 3 months.

10 Units in 2 clusters were conceived which would be able to house from 3 to 5 individuals each, with shared bathroom, toilet and laundry facilities, altogether for 30 people .

Design Approach :

The units have been playfully composed, with open verandahs enveloping each unit, creating vibrant spaces for young volunteers to ‘hang out' in their leisure time . This allows a close contact with the outer environment – open coconut fields. The Verandahs also shade the enclosure of the units and protect it from windy rains.

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Contact: poonam@auroville.org.in