ARCHITECTURAL DISSERTATION

REIMAGINING KOLLERU
(2015-2019)
By
K. ASWID VARMA
Reg No: 315106101010
Under the esteemed guidance of
Mr. D. JAYA PRAKASH
DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE
ANDHRA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

(AUTONOMOUS)
VISAKHAPATNAM – 530003

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1.1.INTRODUCTION
Kolleru Lake is the largest freshwater lake located in Andhra Pradesh. Kolleru is located
between Krishna and Godavari delta and covers an area of 308 km². The lake serves as a
natural flood-balancing reservoir for these two rivers. The lake is fed directly by water
from the seasonal budameru and tammileru streams, and is connected to the Krishna and
Godavari systems by over 68 inflowing drains and channels. It serves as a habitat for
migratory birds. It supports the livelihood of fishermen and riparian population in the
area. The lake was notified as a wildlife sanctuary in November 1999 under India’s wild
life (protection) act, 1972, and designated a wetland of international importance in
November 2002 under the international RAMSAR convention.

1.2. TOPIC EVOLUTION:

Started with an idea to design floating resorts in a water body, being sensitive towards
nature and wildlife an emotion interpreted the idea.
Thus, started collecting info regarding the issue facing lakes and I personally found that the
Kolleru Lake needs care and measures as the glory of the lake is depleting and the farmers
are cruel towards their nesting spaces.
Then the idea evolved to conserve the landscape and create more nesting spaces which are
bird friendly and through architecture how to create thin balancing spaces which are eco-
friendly.

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 1.3. NEED OF THE PROJECT
Kolleru, the largest freshwater lake along the east coast of India in Andhra Pradesh had
been encroached, mainly for aquaculture, to such an extent that most of the lake area was
highly compartmentalized by 3–4 m high embankments of hundreds of fish tanks that had
sprung up in the lake bed
So the project can make the people aware of the importance of the wetland ecosystem, birds
and their habitat conservation. This could make the people also a part to bring back the lost
ecological balance prevailed over the area.
1.4. AIM AND OBJECTIVE
1.4.1. Aim
To conserve the habitat and also to promote tourism through creating a suitable eco
habitats for Humans & Birds.
1.4.2. Objectives
 Promoting Tourism: Designing Eco-friendly resorts which blend with nature.
 Museum: Creating a space for exhibiting local flora and fauna.
 Aqua Culture Learning Centre for local aqua farmers to create awareness.
 Conserving the Bird’s Habitat and explaining the measures to be taken.
 Landscaping the Water Bodies for Birds and creating nesting spaces.

1.5. SCOPE AND LIMITATION

1.5.1. Scope
 To create a resort by which tourists can experience the bird’s habitat.
 The museum can make the people aware of the importance of birds as well as other living
beings, importance of the wetland, and need of its conservation.
 The aquaculture learning centre could help the farmers about how to protect a natural
reserve and also to continue their activity.
 Conserving the landscape might rise the toll of migratory birds.
1.5.2. Limitations
 Conservation techniques are limited to proposal.
 Landscape design will be explained in conceptual form.
 Development of Economy and Occupation strategies are only explained.
 There will be limited research on museum and literature centre as the main focus is on
habitat and its conservation.
 Structural stability and construction techniques are not explained.
 Details of issues in habitat will not be explained because the habitat live site study is
seasonal.

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 1. LITERATURE STUDY

1.1.KOLLERU HABITAT STUDY

1.1.1. Why birds matter

For many people birds and nature have intrinsic worth. Birds have been important to
humans throughout h history, often used to symbolize cultural values such as peace,
freedom, and fidelity. In addition to the pleasure they can bring to people, we depend on
them for critical ecological functions. Birds consume vast quantities of 5 insects, and
control rodent populations, reducing damage to crops and forests, and helping limit the
transmission of diseases such as West Nile virus, dengue fever, and malaria. Birds play a
vital role in regenerating habitats by pollinating plants and dispersing seeds. Birds are also a
vast economic resource. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, bird watching is
one of the fastest growing leisure activities in North America, and a multi-billion-dollar
industry.
1.1.2. Birds of Kolleru lake
According to the Asian Waterfowl Census that is conducted every year, the avian
population of Kolleru was 26,062 in 1996. With the advent of illegal aquaculture, the water
fowl population has plummeted, from 23,979 in 2002 to 9,977 in 2003, slipping further
down to 2,410 and to the all-time low of 1,056 in 2005. A good number of migratory birds
visiting the freshwater lake from Siberia and the other far-off places were falling prey to
Poachers. In the 2008 census (two years after 'Operation Kolleru') the population of water
fowl in the lake in recent years increased to 75,000. The number of water fowl visiting the
lake ever since has been hovering between 70,000 and 2,40,000.
No. of bird families present in Kolleru Lake

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 Percentage of bird families in Kolleru Lake.

1.1.3. Importance of wetlands

Wetlands are a critical part of our natural environment. They protect our shores from wave
action, reduce the impacts of floods, absorb pollutants and improve water quality. They
provide habitat for animals and plants and many contain a wide diversity of life, supporting
plants and animals that are found nowhere else, indispensable for the countless benefits or
“ecosystem services” that they provide humanity, ranging from freshwater supply, food and
building materials, and biodiversity, to flood control, groundwater recharge, and climate
change mitigation.
Yet study after study demonstrates that wetland area and quality continue to decline in most
regions of the world. As a result, the ecosystem services that wetlands provide to people are
compromised.
1.1.4. Wetland loss and degradation
Major factor causing degradation of wetlands is the discharge of untreated domestic and
industrial wastewaters in the wetland. It is not readily appreciated that the upstream
wastewater discharges affect the wetlands downstream. Wastewaters also facilitate siltation
and alter the hydrological regime besides bringing in various pollutants.
Wetlands - both natural and human-made -are lost and degraded primarily because they do
not receive attention in the development plans - whether they are concerned with land use
changes or are related the development of water resources, and wetlands are treated as
dustbins for the discharge of wastewaters as well as the disposal of solid wastes.
1.1.5. Conservation of wetlands
Conservation of wetlands with the objective of protecting their biodiversity, specific
biophysical characteristics and obtaining optimum benefits from them requires a major shift
in polices related land and water use.
 Natural and human-made wetlands should be declared as specific land use category and
their hydrological characteristics (sources and regimes) should be identified.
 Conversion to any other land use or any reduction in their area or alteration in their water
regime should be prohibited, except for strategic reasons after exploring other options and
providing for compensatory measures.
 The total biodiversity of all wetlands should be assessed and periodically monitored.
 All ecosystem services of all wetlands should be assessed and valued in economic terms.
 All development projects such as those related to urban or industrial development, or those
concerned with storage, diversion and abstraction of water from any source should consider
all kinds of wetlands to be affected directly or indirectly, within the project area or far away
from them.
 The assessment of ecosystem services and their economic valuation should particularly
address the benefits to the local community and their livelihoods.

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 1.2.LANDSCAPING WETLANDS AS BIRD’S HABITAT

1.2.1. Landscape of Kolleru birds habitat

Wetland area in the Earth's relatively small, but for a large number of species on Earth
provides a good living environment. It is important ecosystems on the planet, with stable
ecological communities, wetlands in maintaining water, flood and waterlogging,
conditioned air, biodiversity conservation has an irreplaceable role. In recent years, a large
number of the establishment of wetland, wetland protection measures have gradually
improved.

1.2.2. Sustainable landscape architecture

It creates ecological designs for the outdoor and urban environment. It begins with
appropriate systems which address function, cost, energy efficiency, beauty, and
environment. Broadly speaking, sustainable landscape architecture is the integration of
ecological, social, cultural, and economic factors in designing landscapes to help protect
habitat, contribute to storm water management, conserve water, among other objectives.

1.2.3. Constructed wetlands

Natural wetlands are sometimes called “earth’s kidneys” because they serve to filter out
contaminants in the water of our ecosystems.29 Wetlands slow the flow of water, allowing
sediments to fall out. In addition, wetlands host a variety of plants and microorganisms that
can serve to improve water quality. Constructed wetlands, in recent years, have begun to be
promoted by many organizations, including the United States Environmental Protection
Agency, as an alternative method to sewage treatment.

 A constructed wetland is a shallow pond which is split into cells.

 Water flows over a vegetation supporting substrate where to roots and microorganisms filter
pollutants.
 Generally the ponds are 1 – 3 feet deep and have an impervious liner. The bottom is filled
with gravel, or some other porous material capable of supporting plant life.

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 The arrangement of the upper layers depends on the type of wetland, either subsurface flow
or surface flow.
 Subsurface flow wetlands, without a flow of water directly on the surface, are used

primarily near housing or office buildings because there is less risk of human contact, less
risk of mosquitoes, and less odour.

1.3. ECO RESORT

A tourist resort whose facilities are intended to have a minimal impact on the local
environment.
1.3.1.1.What makes an eco-resort?
An eco-resort, or a green hotel, is an environmentally sustainable hotel or accommodation
that has made important environmental improvements to its structure in order to minimize
its impact on the natural environment.
The basic definition of an eco-friendly hotel is an environmentally responsible lodging that
follows the practices of green living. These hotels have to be certified green by an
independent Third-party or by the state they are located in. Traditionally, these hotels were
mostly presented as Eco Lodges because of their location, often in jungles, and their design
inspired by the use of traditional building methods applied by skilled local craftsmen in
areas. For example; Costa Rica and Indonesia.

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 It is beneficial for these hotels to get certain certifications in order to be environmentally
compliant. One beneficial certification specifically for hotels is the LEED certification. A
LEED-certified hotel provides benefits to the environment through energy efficient
practices.
The eco-resort should follow a set of some practices. They are these improvements can
include
 Non-toxic housekeeping practices
 The use of renewable energy
 Organic soaps
 Energy-efficient light fixtures
 Recycling programs.
 serving local organic food in restaurants
 reusing linens when a guest is staying for more than one night
 Incorporating in-room recycling and composting programs.
These can attract environmentally conscious travellers and stand out from other hotels.
An eco-resort must usually meet the following criteria:
 Dependence on the natural environment
 Ecological sustainability
 Proven contribution to conservation
 Provision of environmental training programs
 Incorporation of cultural considerations
 Provision of an economic return to the local community.
An eco-resort is one that is fully integrated into the environment without damaging the
environment, contributing in some way to progress and improvement of the local
community and sustainable growth of the tourism industry.
The characteristics of an eco-resort are:
 Housekeeping uses non-toxic cleaning agents and laundry detergent
 100% organic cotton sheets, towels and mattresses
 Non-smoking environment
 Renewable energy sources like solar or wind energy
 Bulk organic soap and amenities instead of individual packages to reduce waste
 Guest room and hotel lobby recycling bins Towel and sheet re-use
 Energy-efficient lighting
 On-site transportation with green vehicles
 Serve organic and local-grown food
 Non-disposable dishes
 Offers a fresh-air exchange system
 Greywater recycling, which is the reuse of kitchen, bath and laundry water for garden and
landscaping
 Newspaper recycling program

1.3.1.2. Planning and design of an eco-resort

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 Sustainable architecture’ has also been defined as creating responsible management of a
healthy built environment based on ecological and resource-
efficient principles. Sustainable buildings aim to limit their impact on the environment
through energy and resource efficiency.
Various environments impacted on by the built environment are:

T h e i m p a c t t h a t t h e r e s o r t will make on the environment can be derived

from solutions adopted for:
 Energy and water supply
 Discharge of waste and emissions
 C o n s t r u c t i o n t e c h n o l o g y a n d m a t e r i a l s u s e d i n buildings and infrastructure
 Direct human impacts through daily activities on the site
T h e a r r a n g e m e n t of services that need to be looked at:
 water supply, including demand for potable and non-potable water, and drainage
management
 Lighting
 energy supply management
 ventilation/air-conditioning
 water heating
 sewerage and waste management
 pest management
 telecommunication and information services
 fire safety and security services

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 transportation

1.3.1.3. Waste management

1.3.1.4.Building materials
 Select materials in small modular sizes that do not require heavy machinery to handle
 Select technologies either vernacular or prefabricated, with low water requirements
 Select reusable and recyclable materials with low energy content
 Select materials that are durable and require minimum maintenance

1.3.1.5. Durability
Selecting durable materials is a key strategy in attempting to reduce overall impacts
associated with buildings. If construction materials quickly become obsolete, or require
such high levels of maintenance that replacement is the only viable option, environmental
impacts are multiplied. Even if the material in question is a relatively small component of
the initial building, repeated replacement can quickly multiply the overall impact.

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1.3.2. DESKTOP STUDY - KUMARAKOM RESORT, KERALA

A luxury eco-resort in Kumarakom, Kerala. As a boutique project, in close proximity to the

Arabian Sea, the objective was to offer an indulgent retreat experience, of life amidst the
backwaters. Physical and Visual Engagement with the natural setting laid the foundation for
the development of the globally unique design set amidst serene landscape.

The 40-acre site on the man-made Puthenkayal Island lies facing the Vembanad lake
backwaters (approx. 270m of frontage). 4.2m wide water channels run through the site with
alternate strips of land and water. High flood levels within the site, to touch the earth lightly
and the intent to retain the unique character of the striated water and land channels, helped to
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determine the stilted nature of the built up structures and connecting pathways, in order to
provide safety from the uncertain high flood level of the site.

In order to craft a built volume within the natural site scape, this natural landscape is retained
and exploited for primary movement, as the site is predominantly flooded for most part of the
year. Along with this, the condition of no vehicle movement inside the site and a clear
distinction within the location of facilities and villas helped to construct the master plan. A
script was developed with the given conditions and to maintain a sense of peace and
individual habitation, rules were set out to determine the location of the villas. (Such
as placement of node points, vehicle routes connecting the node points, pedestrian movement
connecting all the nodes by the shortest route, placement of facilities etc.) The Location of
the villas is over-layered with the water channel running through. The result was a master
plan with Interlocking movement systems of road and pathways periodically hyphenated with
nodes connecting to a tertiary movement system linking villas.
CONCEPT AND PLANNING

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Traditional references have informed the design of the villas; such as the basic module
Nalukettu, where four blocks built around a courtyard into which the roof slopes on four
sides, protecting an internal veranda from rain and sun. The covered pathways and villas
allow one to experience the rain without getting wet.

Environmental concerns dictated the form development and help to regulate the microclimate
within the resort. Location and orientation of the villas, is optimized to achieve maximum
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 porosity to westerly winds, leading to wind movement acceleration throughout the site. The
roof form has been derived from a tree, where the foliage spread is used to provide shade,
whilst simultaneously creating a wind tunnel effect to regulate the temperature. This
aerodynamic, retractable roof form with large perforated cantilevers traps the wind and filters
the sun, thus increasing the thermal circulation of the space, yet maintaining light quality in
the internal spaces, and further emphasizing on the views. During the day, when the winds
are strong, the roof of the inner volume can be retracted, to allow the thermal regulation of
the interior space. At night, when the winds are less prevalent, the roof can be retracted to
divide the whole volume into two individual spaces, thereby providing the option to control
the interior environment mechanically/manually. High humidity levels are countered by air-
conditioning the internal environment. Rain Protection is provided with the help of covered
walkways throughout the site.

1.3.3. THE DATAI

 A completely unique setting, with rainforest and coral reef within 100 metres of each other
 One of the most luxurious resorts in Malaysia
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 Elevated in the forest, in an open-air setting enjoy the authentic Thai cuisine at The Pavilion
 The Datai features a private beach and a nearby exclusive 18-hole Championship golf course
 Full-service spa, two tennis courts, two outdoor swimming pools, and a health club

Located in the main building, the Canopy Collection rooms and suites feature a combined
bedroom and seating area and have a balcony, with views across the rainforest to the
Andaman Sea beyond.
Villas are much larger with enhanced facilities such as DVD player, Bose sound system and
Lavazza coffee machine. Lofty thatched roofs and polished wood enhance the enormous
bedrooms, with equally expansive bathrooms attached. These private villas are dotted
throughout the rainforest providing a truly immersive experience.
The enormous and beautifully designed Beach Villas boast huge gardens, oversized private
pools and a private butler service.

THE DATAI SUITE

The hotels only Datai Suite has fantastic panoramic views of the verdant jungle and sparkling
sea beyond which you can enjoy from the balcony which extends the length of the suite. With
fully equipped kitchen, dining area with dining table for up to 6 people truly make yourself at
home. The bathroom has twin vanities and there is a walk in wardrobe with extra space for
those with a little more luggage. With a king bedroom and 2 twin beds and total living space
of over 200 msq this suite is perfect for families or groups

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1.4.LOCAL HISTORY MUSEUM

A local history museum is a museum that covers local history. Such museums are often
small in nature and have a low budget for their running costs. Entry costs are normally low
as well.

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 The objective of the Museum it to collect, pre serve, study on exhibit significant objects of
the com m unity, and provide related educational services in order to increase public
knowledge and stimulate creative activity.

1.4.1. Spaces and function of a Museum

There must be sufficient diversification of spaces to allow each function to be undertaken
separately while at the same time combining certain activities in a single area as required for
economy in a small museum. Because of the many and varied kinds of tasks which a
museum has to perform, it is absolutely impossible to maintain good housekeeping and
curatorial procedures without separation of functions into separate rooms. This relation
between functions and physical facilities is summarized in the following.
Curatorial Functions
a) Collection, preservation, identification, documentation, study.

b)Storage of collections.

2. Display Function

3. Display Preparation Function The preparation of exhibits.

4. Educational and Public Function

a. Lectures, school lours, society meetings, films, and social functions.

b. Reception, information, tales, supervision of display gallery.

c. Public requirements.

5. Other Services a, Mechanical, b Janitorial.

a. Office workroom. Workshop b, Reserve Collection Room

Display Gallery

Workshop, Office-workroom

a. Lecture room. Chair storage closet. Kitchenette

b. Lobby

1.5. AQUA CULTURE LEARNING CENTRE

This learning centre is a platform for the farmers to learn about aqua culture and its
importance this also creates awareness in cultivating the fresh water fish and its
maintenance.
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 The learning centre is designed by providing a seminar hall for the farmers to explain and
visualise them regarding any new methods implemented.

1.5.1. Spaces required for learning centre

 Reception
 Lobby areas
 Administration room
 Seminar hall
 Classroom
 Aqua lab
 Training centre (small)

2. CASE STUDIES

2.1. Bharathpur Bird Sanctuary

Keoladeo Ghana National Park, Bharatpur, Rajasthan, India

The sanctuary was created 250 years ago and is named after a Keoladeo (Shiva) temple
within its boundaries. Initially, it was a natural depression; and was flooded after the Ajan
Bund was constructed by Maharaja Suraj Mal, then the ruler of the princely state
of Bharatpur, between 1726–1763.
The park is a wetland of international importance for migratory waterfowl. It is the wintering
ground for the rare Siberian crane and habitat for large numbers of resident nesting birds.”
According to the revised Operational Guidelines of 2005, the park falls under Criteria
(x) which states that to be conferred the status of World Heritage, the site should “contain the
most important and significant natural habitats for in-site conservation of biological diversity,
including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of
view of science or conservation.

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The management objective is to allow the area to flood and dry out annually, rather than be
maintained as a system of permanent marshes. Water for the wetlands is supplied from the
dam outside the park boundaries. Usually, some 14.17 million cubic meters of water is the
estimated annual requirement of the park. The water level inside the park is regulated by
means of dykes and artificial embankments. The alternative arrangement of water in case of
emergencies such as danger of marshes and water bodies drying out completely is ensured
through four boreholes so that survival of the aquatic flora and fauna is not endangered
before the arrival of monsoon. The boundaries of the park are clearly delineated by a thirty-
two Kilometre long boundary encircling the park restricting the encroachment of humans and
domestic cattle inside the perimeters of the park Due to the heavy density of population and
more than 15 villages settled on the periphery of park, it was impossible for authorities to create
a buffer zone around the bird sanctuary. Grazing and collection of firewood and grass was
phased out from the park as far back as 1983.

BHARATHPUR KEOLADO BIRD SANCTUARY

Site area – 5577 acres
2.1.1. Why Bharathpur Bird Sanctuary

As Bharathpur bird sanctuary is the only man made and man maintained bird
sanctuaries in India, to understand the constraints and measures taken by the
government and implementation of them and also to understand the conservation of
wetlands.
2.2. Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary
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Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary is a 30-hectare (74-acre) protected area located in
the Kancheepuram District and Madurantakam taluk of the state of Tamil Nadu, India.
The sanctuary is about 75 kilometres (47 mi) from Chennaion National Highway 45
(NH45). Easily reachable from Madurantakam and Chengalpattu. More than 40,000 birds
(including 26 rare species), from various parts of the world visit the sanctuary during the
migratory season every year.It is the oldest water bird sanctuary in the country.

Conservation Measures:
Several steps have been taken by the Government of Tamil Nadu to protect the area.
Water channels have been built by the Public Works Department to facilitate water
supply to the sanctuary from neighbouring lakes.

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2.3. ECO – RESORT

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kottayam, Kerala.

The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is operated and managed by KTDC. They have the KTDC Hotel
inside the sanctuary. Inside the sanctuary, up to the gate of the KTDC hotel, the place looks very
nice and well maintained. After passing the hotel gate, you will see no development or
maintenance, which is good in one way - the natural beauty is preserved or undisturbed.

The Kumarakom bird sanctuary is a hub of eco-resorts and the floating resorts in wetlands
along with bird watch towers.
These wetland lying resorts are the perfect example for my design idea having various spaces
and levels of structures this will be a good site for the case study.
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