19AR10001 ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN THESIS
Urban Water Hub: A prototype for Urban Resilience with Water
Guide : Ar. Zenia V
NAME OF THE STUDENT : ALFIYA MUHAMMED
University Register Number : 203241910502
Cluster Rejury 1_06/03/2025
01 INTRODUCTION & BACKGROUND STUDY
INTRODUCTION BACKGROUND STUDY
Water has been a fundamental element in architectural design throughout history,
Water-centric architecture emphasizes the integration of water management within
serving both functional and symbolic purposes. Its integration into built
building design, promoting sustainability and resilience in urban environments. This
environments not only addresses practical needs but also enhances aesthetic
approach addresses the increasing global demand for water, projected to rise by 20-
appeal and evokes emotional responses. Architects have utilized water to create
50% by 2050 due to population growth and urbanization. Water-inspired architectural
serene spaces, facilitate natural cooling, and establish sensory connections with
designs also enhance human well-being by fostering connections to natural "blue
occupants. For instance, the use of reflecting pools can promote tranquility and
spaces.“
contemplation, while fountains introduce movement and sound, enriching the
sensory experience within a space.
The behavior of water varies dramatically with its scale and circumstances,
reflecting its unpredictable nature. A light drizzle can be soothing, nurturing the
earth and symbolizing renewal, while heavy rains may lead to floods, demonstrating
water's potential for destruction. This dichotomy reflects water's capacity to both
sustain and challenge life, underscoring the importance of thoughtful integration in
architectural design.
Incorporating water into architectural spaces serves various practical purposes.
Water features can naturally cool surrounding areas through evaporation, enhancing
thermal comfort. The sound of flowing water can mask urban noise, creating tranquil
environments conducive to relaxation and reflection. Reflective surfaces of water
bodies add visual interest, creating dynamic interactions with light and surrounding
structures
Framework of Water in Circular Economy and Resilience (WICER) taken from
(Delgado et al., 2021).
Source: Re-thinkfuture.com Source:researchgate.net
02 INTRODUCTION
AIM:
The aim of this thesis is to choreograph water through architecture with the natural water cycle, ensuring that built environments not only mitigate water-related
challenges but also celebrate water as a vital element in urban life.
OBJECTIVES:
1.Develop architectural solutions that integrate water systems into the built environment through storage, filtration, and reuse, ensuring sustainable water
management.
2.Design multifunctional spaces that respond to climate variations, and temporality nature of water.
3.Incorporate educational and interactive spaces that promote water literacy, highlighting sustainable water practices and their impact on urban life.
4.Celebrate water architecturally by integrating it as an interactive design element that enhances human experience while maintaining ecological balance.
SCOPE:
•Exploration of architectural frameworks that integrate water as a dynamic element rather than a passive utility.
•Study of traditional and modern water management systems that can be adapted to contemporary urban contexts.
•Incorporation of innovative technologies, materials, and landscape elements that contribute to water conservation and quality improvement.
•Development of a water-sensitive urban design approach that promotes self-sustaining water cycles within architecture.
•Application of case studies from regions facing water scarcity, urban flooding, and climate-induced water challenges to develop a responsive design strategy.
LIMITATIONS:
•The thesis will focus primarily on architectural and urban-scale interventions, not delving into civil engineering solutions for large-scale water infrastructure.
•Economic feasibility and regulatory constraints for implementation will be considered conceptually but not in detailed financial analysis.
•The scope will be limited to urban conditions, excluding rural and agricultural water management strategies.
•The study will not cover industrial-scale water treatment plants but will focus on decentralized architectural water systems for urban environments.
SIGNIFICANCE:
•Provides a framework for architects to design water-resilient structures that are adaptive to urban and climate challenges.
•Encourages sustainable design thinking by integrating water conservation methods within architectural practices.
•Reinforces the cultural, social, and environmental importance of water by re-establishing its role in public spaces.
•Supports policy-making and urban planning strategies by demonstrating the benefits of water-sensitive architectural interventions.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES:
•A prototype or conceptual design for an architectural system that manages, conserves, and celebrates water efficiently.
•Design strategies for creating self-sustaining water loops within built environments, integrating nature-based solutions and modern innovations.
•Guidelines for architects and urban planners on embedding water-sensitive principles in future developments.
•Increased public awareness and engagement with water conservation through the built environment.
02 Functional programming
1. Water Purification & Management Facilities
• Constructed Wetlands: Natural filtration systems to treat stormwater and improve water quality.
•Rainwater Harvesting Systems: Infrastructure to collect and store rainwater for non-potable uses.
•Greywater Recycling Units: Facilities to treat and reuse greywater within the hub.
2. Mixed-Use Development Spaces
• Commercial Areas: Shops and cafés promoting local, sustainable products.
• Community Center: Spaces for workshops and events on environmental awareness.
• Co-Working Spaces: Offices for startups focusing on green technologies.
3. Public Green Spaces & Recreational Areas
• Urban Park ;Green space with native vegetation to support biodiversity.
•Waterfront Promenade :Walkways along water features for public enjoyment.
•Museum: that incorporate kochis heritage connections.
4. Educational & Research Facilities
• Environmental Education Center :Interactive exhibits on water conservation and climate change.
• Research Labs :Spaces dedicated to studying urban ecology and sustainability.
03 LITERATURE STUDY
• Blur Building by Diller Scofidio + RenfroSituated
• in Yverdon-les-Bains, Switzerland, the Blur Building is an iconic example of architecture that melds seamlessly with its aquatic
environment. Constructed for the Swiss Expo 2002, this pavilion is enveloped in a perpetual mist, creating an ethereal, cloud-like
appearance. The structure pumps water from Lake Neuchâtel, filters it, and disperses it through 31,400 high-pressure nozzles to form
the mist, effectively blurring the boundaries between the building and its surroundings.
• Falling Water – F.L Wright
• Water + Life Museums and Campus, USADesigned by Lehrer Architects and Gangi Architects, this campus in Hemet, California,
celebrates water's central role in life and development. As the world's first LEED Platinum-certified museums, they showcase
sustainable practices, including water conservation and management systems, reflecting the intrinsic connection between water and
architecture
03 CASE STUDY
TITAN NEW CORPORATE CAMPUS, BANGALORE Bansilalpet Stepwell, Hyderabad
06 INTRODUCTION TO SITE
Google earth map/survey maps/any other site drawings
Source: GOOGLE EARTH
06 SITE SELECTION JUSTIFICATION
Proposed Site: Eloor, Kochi
Why Eloor?
Eloor, an island along the Periyar River, is a highly industrialized and polluted area, making it an urgent site for water management,
research, and awareness. Despite being surrounded by water, the region faces severe river pollution, ecological degradation, and
water contamination due to industrial waste.
Existing Site Issues:
1.Severe Water Pollution
•The Periyar River in Eloor is one of the most polluted rivers in Kerala, with industrial discharge affecting water quality and aquatic life.
•A Water Hub here could serve as a research and education center for water purification, conservation, and sustainable urban water
systems.
2.Lack of Public Awareness & Engagement
•Despite its environmental significance, local communities have limited awareness of water sustainability and pollution control.
•The project can act as an interactive hub to educate people on water conservation, treatment, and resilience strategies.
3.Industrial & Urban Conflict with Water
•Eloor is home to several chemical industries, leading to a conflict between development and environmental health.
•The Water Hub can explore solutions for coexisting with industry while restoring the river ecosystem.
10 THE THESIS ENQUIRY
CENTRAL THESIS QUESTION:
How can architecture integrate water as a dynamic, functional, and experiential element to create a self-sustaining, water-centric
urban hub that promotes conservation, awareness, and mixed-use development in Kochi?
SUB THESIS QUESTION:
1. How can water be incorporated into architectural design beyond aesthetics, making it a core element of sustainability and
functionality?
2. How can mixed-use spaces be designed to integrate water-sensitive architecture while balancing ecological and commercial
needs?
THANK YOU
