INTERPRETATIO CENTER, MAHABALIPURAM

A THESIS REPORT

Submitted by

P.SWETHA
RA1611201010059

In partial fulfilment for the award of the degree

Of

BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE

SRM INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

KATTANKULATHUR

KANCHEEPURAM DISTRICT – 603 203.

SRM SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE & INTERIOR DESIGN

NOVEMBER 2020
 SRM INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE

Certified that this project “INTERPRETATION CENTER,

MAHABALIPURAM”is the bonafide work of P.SWETHA –

RA1611201010059 who

Carried out the thesis work under my supervision.

Ar. Ganesh Joghee Prof. Kamalakannan.T.R Prof. Prashant.P

ADVISOR/GUIDE INTERNAL PANEL
THESIS COORDINATOR
MEMBER

SIGNATURE Dr.P.Satheesh Kumar

EXTERNAL EXAMINER - 1 EXTERNAL EXAMINER - 2 DEAN, School of Architecture

& Interior Design
 DECLARATION

I declare this thesis titled “INTERPRETATION CENTER” at “Mahabalipuram,

Tamil Nadu” is the bonafide work by me, under the guidance of Ar. Ganesh Joghee

School of Architecture and Interior Design, SRM INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE &

TECHNOLOGY, Kattankulathur, during the session of June 2020 – November 2020.

I declare further that the work reported therein does not form a part of any other thesis
based on which a Degree or Award was conferred on an earlier occasion.

CHENNAI : STUDENT SIGNATURE

DATE : P.SWETHA
RA1611201010059
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you,
knowing that every step forward is a step towards achieving something bigger and
better than your current situation.
--Brian Tracy--

I would like to express my gratitude to Dr.P.Satheesh Kumar, Dean, School of

Architecture and Interior Design, Prof. Kamalakannan T.R (Internal Panel Members) for
their suggestions, encouragements, comments and constructive criticism given which
has made this project a success.

I am thankful to Ar.Periannan, for enriching me with his/her knowledge and guiding

me with his/her valuable experience during various stages of my thesis review sessions.

I am thankful to Ar. Ganesh Joghee for the patience he/she extended towards me;
offering his/her guidance and immense support during this entire semester and helping
me complete this project.

I am also thankful to Prof.Prashant.P (Thesis Coordinator), Ar.Manjari.K and

Ar.Geeva Chandana.B (Assistant Thesis Coordinators) for their immense support during
this entire semester and helping me complete this project.

I thank all the faculty members of the Department of Architecture for the
encouragement and inspiration to execute the project.

I also thank my family for all their support through these years. Lastly, I thank all my
fellow batch mates, who stood beside and aided me in making this project a success.

TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE.NO

• Bonafide Certificate…………………………………………………. i
• Declaration …………………………………………………………. ii
• Acknowledgement………………………………………................... iii
• List of Figures……………………………………………………….. iv
 • List of Tables………………………………………………………... v

PART I: ABSTRACT…………………………………………… 01

PART II: INTRODUCTION……………………………………..

• Introduction …..………………………………………....………….. 02
• Need for the project……………………………………….................. 03
• Justification for the project…………………………………………... 04

PART III: CASE STUDIES………………………………………

• Literature Study…………………………………………………….. 09
• Live Case Study…………………………………………………….. 10
• Book Study …………………………………………………………. 12
• Net Study …………………………………………………………. 14
• Special study / Thrust Area…………………………………….…… 14

PART IV: SITE DATA…………………………………………..

• Site Maps……………………………………………………………….. 17
• Site Images/photographs……………………………………………….. 18
• Development control rules/ Parking Standards………………………... 19
• Site Analysis……………………………………………………………. 17

PART V: REQUIREMENTS……………………………………
• Functional Brief …………………………………………………… 21
• Area Requirements …………………………………………………. 22

PART VI: DESIGN DEVELOPMENT…………………………...

• Site Zoning…………………………………………………………….23
• Bubble Diagrams ……………………………………………………. 23

PART VII: DESIGN…………………………………………………..

• Master plan………………………………………………………………..24
• Site Plan………………………………………………………………….. 24
• Floor Plans…………………………………………………………………25
• Sections…………………………………………………………………….29
 • Elevations………………………………………………………………….30
• 3D Views …………………………………………………………………. 31

PART VIII: REFERENCES…………………………………………

• Bibliography………………………………………………………………..33

ENCLOSURES……………………………………………………….
• Design sheets
• CD
 THESIS 2020

(INTERPRETATION CENTER, MAHABALIPURAM)

INTRODUCTION
 CHAPTER 1: ABSTRACT
A. Abstract:
Humans, from the start of time, were able to settle nearby every landmass on this planet,
changing and shaping it to suit their needs. Humans started to study and relate to their
surrounding landmass to reap maximum benefits from the resources of the land. The early
human habitation sites were located on the migratory routes of the herding animals.

Soon, they understood wild plants could be domesticated and planted on a fixed piece of
land, which enabled them to produce food and support the population. The permanency in
food supply made migration for the most part absolute, fueling permanent settlement
patterns.

From history till present date, humans shape the surroundings according to their comfort
and needs, and the settlement patterns speak of the same.As more people started to live
in close proximity, they began to share knowledge, which laid the foundation of culture
and heritage.

UNDERSTANDING HERITAGE

Cultural Heritage is an expression of the ways of living developed by the community and
passed on from generation to generation, including customs, practices, places objects,
artistic expressions and values

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 CHAPTER 2: INTRODUCTION

B. Introduction:
• An interpretation center, interpretive center, or visitor interpretive center is an institution
for dissemination of knowledge of natural or cultural heritage. Interpretation centers are a
kind of new-style museum, often associated with visitor centers or Eco museums, and
located in connection to cultural, historic or natural sites

• Interpretation centers use different means of communication to enhance the understanding of

heritage. To aid and stimulate the discovery process and the visitor's intellectual and
emotional connection to heritage, the main presentation strategy tends to be user-friendly and
interactive, and often use scenography exhibitions and multimedia programs
C. Need for the project:
Mahabalipuram ‘s primary strength is the magnificent Shore temple, an international
destination. This project showcases the Pallava history, culture, cuisine, performing arts,
handicrafts, literature, administrative manuscripts, weaponary. It is part of a larger masterplan
to improve visitor facilities in the area surrounding the monuments, which attracts upto eight
millioin visitors a year.

My Interpretation of the museum is envisioned as a museum for the city, a interpretation center
which presents the political and cultural milestones of the different eras of its history and the
present through its art and architecture.

The project is expected to enhance the quality of tourism related fuctions. And in return increase
the inflow of tourists. Moreover, the project is to facilitate the local craftsmen and artists in
providing them a platform to produce better quality artifacts, learn and share skills, exhibit their
work and eventually market it.
C. Justification for the project

In Mahabalipuram, foreign tourism, which infuses significant amount of money into the
local economy, has dropped significantly over the last few years. Anecdotally, tourist report
that the Shore temple is magnificent, but that Mahabalipuram and its craftsmen are been
avoided. The failure to light monuments and heritage means that the city’s cultural icons are
“left in the dark” for significant periods.

Further, there is no place for proper organized shopping and entertainment. As a result, many
tourist are just day-trippers that just stop and go, visiting Shore temple, beach at most and then
return quickly without visiting Mahabalipuram’s other equally rich sites or spending money
with local merchants. Consequently the unique arts and crafts of the region are fighting a tough
battle for survival and sustenance. The visitors and infact even locals are hardly aware of the
wealth of the city’s heritage evident in the form of monuments structures, local street markets,
craftsmen clusters, cuisine, language etc.

The lifestyle and the activity patterns of the people are changing constantly at a rapid rate and
as a result the architecture too. Globalisation is a major factor responsible for instigating this
change. But at the same time, I believe every city or rather every human settlement has

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something very unique in itself that should not be sacrificed in the race towards moderniation.
And incase of Mahabalipuram it is its heritage.

Therefore, there is an urgent need to develope and connect the city’s pouring heritage within
the contemporary urban fabric, to realise the value of past for us to create an identity for
ourselves in the face of globalisatio, it is necessary to insert a strong way of expressing the
values of rich heritage.

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 CHAPTER 3: LITERATURE STUDY

A.COASTAL ZONE REGULATIONS:

The coastal zone, the meeting place of land, sea and air is a dynamite area with many
cyclic and random processes owing to a variety of resources and habitats. Nearly three
quarters of the world population live near on the coast, as found to be true in India also,
which has about 7500km of coastline with many sprawling and still growing coastal cities.
the coastal regulation is thus a place of hectic human activity, followed by intense
urbanisation, resulting in human interference because of rapid development. The coastal
ecosystem is now highly disturbed due to problems like pollution, erosion, flooding, etc.,
as the only way to combat these problems and to preserve coastal zone for future
generations, the concept of coastal zone regulations has been developed by many
countries around the world.

TamilNadu coast is nearly 950km long, endowed with a variety of coastal habitats like the
coral reef, mangroves, seaweeds and variety of coastal industries. There is an urgent need
to protect this coastal environment while ensuring its continued production and
development. Hence, there arises a need to collect, analyse and assess the data for the
effective monitoring and management of the coastal area.

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CLASSIFICATION OF COSTAL REGULATION ZONE

As per the notification, Coastal regulation zone is the boundary from the high tide line up to
500m in the land ward side and a stage of 100m along banks of creeks, estuaries, backwater and
rivers subject to tidal fluctuations, is called the coastal regulation zone (CRZ). CRZ along the
country has been placed in four categories:

Category I (CRZ-1)

Areas that are ecologically sensitive and important, such as national parks/marine parks,
sanctuaries, reserve forests, wild habitats, mangroves, corals/coral reefs, area close to breeding
and spawning grounds of fish and other marine life, areas of outstanding natural beauty,
historical and heritage areas, areas rich in genetic biodiversity, areas likely to be inundated due to
rise in sea level consequent upon global warming and such areas as may be declared by the
authorities.

Areas between the Low Tide Line and High Tide Line

Regulations:

No new constructions shall be permitted within 500m of the HTL.

Category II (CRZ-II)

The area that have already been developed up to or the shoreline. For this purpose, ' Developed
Area' is referred to as that area within the municipal limits or in other legally designated urban
areas which is already substantially built up and which has been provided with drainage and
approach roads and other infrastructural facilities, such as water supply and sewerage mains.

Regulations:

Buildings shall be permitted neither on the seaward side of the existing road (or roads proposed
in the approved Coastal Zone Plane of the area) nor on the seaward side of the existing and
proposed road. Existing authorized structures shall be subject to the existing local Town and
Country Planning regulations including the existing norms of FIS/FAR.

Reconstruction of the authorized building to be permitted subject to the existing FSI/FAR norms
and without change in the existing use.

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The design and construction of buildings shall be consistent with the surrounding landscape and
architectural style.

Category III (CRZ-III)

Areas that are relatively undisturbed and those which do not belong to either Category I or II.
These will include coastal zone in the areas (developed and undeveloped) and areas within
Municipal limits or in other legally designated urban areas which are not substantially built up.

Regulations:

The area up to 200m from the HTL is be earmarked as 'No Development Zone'. No construction
shall be permitted in this zone except for repairs of existing authorized structures not exceeding
existing FSI, existing plinth area and existing density. However, the following uses may be
permissible in this zone-agriculture, horticulture, gardens, pastures, parks, play fields, forestry
and salt manufacture from sea water.

Development of vacant plots between 200 and 500m of High Tide Line in designated areas of
CRZ-III with prior approval of Ministry of Environment and forests permitted for construction of
hotels/beach resorts for temporary occupation of tourists / visitors.

Construction/ reconstruction of dwelling units between 200m and 500m of the High Tidal Line
permitted so long as it is within the ambit of traditional rights and customary uses such as
existing fishing villages and gothans. Building permission for such Construction/reconstruction
will be subject to the conditions that the total member of dwelling unit shall not be more than
twice the number of existing units; total area covered on all floors shall not exceed 9 meters and
construction shall not be more than 2 floors (ground floor plus one floor).

Category IV (CRZ-IV)

Coastal stretches in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep and small islands, except
those designated as CRZ I, CRZ II and CRZ III.

Regulations

Andaman and Nicobar Islands:

1. No new construction of buildings shall be permitted within 200m of HTL.

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2. The buildings between 200m and 500m from the HTL shall not more than 2 floors, the total
area covered on all floors shall not be more than 50% of the plot size and total height of
construction shall not exceed 9m.

3. The design and construction of buildings shall be consistent with the surrounding landscape
and local architectural style.

4. Corals and sand from the beaches and coastal waters shall not be used for construction and
purposes.

5. Dredging and underwater blasting in and around coral formations shall not be permitted

6. However, in some of the islands, coastal stretches may also be classified into categories of CRZ-
I or II or III with the prior approval of the MoEF and in such designated structures.

Activities prohibited within the CRZ

The following activities are declared as prohibited within the CRZ:

1. Setting up of new industries and expansion of existing industries, except those directly related
to waterfront or directly needing foreshore facilities.

2. Manufacture or handling or disposal of hazardous substances.

3. Setting up and expansion of fish processing units including warehousing (excluding hatchery
and natural fish drying in permitted areas)

4. Setting up and expansion of units/mechanism for disposal of waste and effluents into the
water course.

5. Discharging of city untreated waters and effluents from industries, cities or towns and other
human settlements.

6. Dumping of city or town waste for the purposes of land filling or otherwise; the existing
practice, if any, shall be phased out within a reasonable time not exceeding three years from the
date of notification.

7. Dumping of ash or any wastes from the date of notification.

8. Land reclamation, building or disturbing the natural course of sea water with similar
observations, except those required for control of coastal erosion and maintenance or sandbars
except tidal regulators, storm water recharge.

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9. Mining of sand, rocks and other substrata materials not available outside CRZ areas.

10. Harvesting or drawl of groundwater and construction of transfer within 200m of HTL; in the
200m to 500m zone it shall be permitted only when done manually through ordinary wells for
drinking, horticulture, agriculture and fisheries.

11. Construction activities in ecologically sensitive areas 15

12. Any construction between LTL and HTL except facilities for carrying treated effluents and
waste discharges, oil, gas and similar pipelines and dressing or altering of sand dunes, hills natural
features including landscape changes for beautification, recreational and other such purposes.

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CASE STUDIES

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SPECIAL STUDY/THRUST AREA

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CHAPTER 4: SITE DATA AND ANALYSIS

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18
SITE IMAGES

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DEVELOPMENT RULES

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CHAPTER 5 REQUIREMENTS

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 CHAPTER 6: DESIGN DEVELOPEMENT

SITE ZONING AND CIRCULATION

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CHAPTER 7: DESIGN

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ADMIN BLOCK

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AUDITORIUM

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SCULPTURE CORRIDOR

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AMPHITHEATER

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SECTIONS

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VIEWS

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 CHAPTER 8: REFERECES

• http://www.chennaicorporation.gov.in/images/TNCDRBR-2019.pdf
• https://www.archdaily.com/search/all?q=NEW%20ACROPOLIS%20MUSEUM
• https://www.safdiearchitects.com/projects/khalsa-heritage-centre
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interpretation_centre#:~:text=Interpretation%20centres
%20are%20a%20kind,enhance%20the%20understanding%20of%20heritage.
• https://www.pdfdrive.com/neufert-architects-data-fourth-edition-e189955627.html
• https://www.google.com/search?q=slideshare&rlz=1C1CHBF_enIN917IN917&oq=S
LI&aqs=chrome.2.69i57j0i433i457j0i433l6.2472j0j9&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
• https://www.google.com/search?q=issuu&rlz=1C1CHBF_enIN917IN917&oq=ISSU
U&aqs=chrome.0.0i433i457j0l2j0i433j0l4.2751j0j9&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
• https://www.google.com/search?q=google+earth+web&rlz=1C1CHBF_enIN917IN91
7&oq=GOOGLE+EAR&aqs=chrome.1.0i433i457j0i20i263i433j69i57j0i433l2j0l2j69
i60.5612j0j9&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
• https://www.google.com/search?q=google+maps&rlz=1C1CHBF_enIN917IN917&o
q=GOOGLE+MAPS&aqs=chrome.0.0i433i457j0i20i263i433j0j0i20i263i433j0i433j0
l2j0i433.4144j0j9&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
• https://www.google.com/search?q=google+images&rlz=1C1CHBF_enIN917IN917&
oq=GOOGLE+IMAGES&aqs=chrome.0.0i433i457j0i20i263j0l5j69i64.4521j0j9&so
urceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

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