Sports Complex

The site located amidst the residential zone of Katpadi is along the irrigation canal carrying the surplus water from Kalinjur lake. Katpadi is devoid of potential recreaational spaces and need one as a breathing space escaping from the rushing commercial spine and inward looking residential environment. The irrigation canal currently carrying sewage and sullage of Katpadi is reclaimed with the new government underground sewage system proposal can be used as potential open and recreational spaces as it runs cutting through Katpadi along the roads making it easily accessible. Devoid of open spaces and provision of sports and fitness stresses the ibtroduction of sports complex in the area. With mostly residential buildings expect for the Vellore - Chitoor road commercial spine the areas are empty in the day time with no activities as the men go to Vellore or Chennai for work on daily basis leaving the housewives behind with no provision to spend time outside home. Hence a combination of self-help group and sports complex in a community hall along the canal would be a potential intervention for the residents.

Urban Intervention | Katpadi

Site Location and Orientation

The site chosen to house the Community hall is a 1700 sq.m corner plot located in VG Rao nagar along the irrigation canal accessible through 7th East main road and Second main road. The junction is always active with people as it is shaded with neighbouring buildings and also falls on the school route. Frontage to the site is given on the eastern side with a larger front setback so that the building doesn't make the junction crampy and is used for parking. The Northern side is opened to the canal which is integrated with check dams and steps to store water throughout the year. With Vellore getting average rainfall of about 150 cm rainfall per year, if rainwater is stored in the site only in an underground sump it would be sufficient to pump water to the canal stretch along the site during the months of April May June when the weather is extremely hot and dry. With water on the canal on these three months, the residential zone along the canal gets humidified air with the eastern dry wind hitting the water. The southern side is lined with services thus cutting down the heat in the usable areas.

Ground Floor

The Community hall is put in the front for ease of access for people and the sports complex is provided in the rear part of the site. An amphitheatre is provided at the front looking into the junction making it feel more open and connecting with the street. The amphitheatre has a waterbody which humidify the dry eastern wind thus making the amphitheatre usable in hot summer time noon to the housewives who generally sit out on the streets. The space under amphitheatre is used as arena for box-cricket. Separate courtyard, informal seating and storage area are given to the self-help group for unhindered functioning within the diversely functioning building Provision of a library with a mezzanine reading area is made as there is no library nearby in VG Rao nagar. The rear part of the site has a sunken multipurpose hall which can be used as a skating ring, futsal court, performance and exhibition area. A rear entrance is provided from the canal and also a passage from front entrance giving direct access to sports complex.

first Floor

Climbing up the amphitheatre one can access the viewing balcony on the northern side looking into the canal. Two levels of open terrace are provided with access from the self-help group courtyard and the central spine which is covered by MS box sections as pergolas..The first floor has a gymnasium, Table tennis court, Badminton court and an admin for the sports complex connected through a central spine and opening to the northern side with larger openings with shading skin cutting down the harsh northen summer sun. Table tennis court and Badminton court are interconnected with viewing platform and waiting lounge. Provision of Admin is given for the complex to function as a club.

Sectional Perspective

Exploded View