Madras literary society urban conservation and design proposals final2

GROUP MEMBERS :1.MADHURI.K2.HARINI.S3.RAMYA.V4.PRIYA.K.J5.RAMESH.A

MADRAS LITERARY SOCIETY

DOCUMENTATION & DESIGN PROPOSALS FOR ACTIVE PUBLIC USE

TABLE OF CONTENTPART-A1.Preliminary Observation .................................................1

2.The Context Of Mls in

i)Urban Scale......................................................................1

ii)precint Context................................................................1

iii)scenario context.............................................................2

iv)Historical Context...........................................................3

PART-B&C1.Ideology...........................................................................3

2.Intent...............................................................................3

3.Need.................................................................................3

4.Concept............................................................................3

5.Context.............................................................................4

6.Appropriateness...............................................................4

7.Justification.....................................................................4

8.Proposal in Terms of

i)Design...............................................................................4

ii)Guidelines........................................................................4

iii)Future Developtment......................................................4

iv)Long Term Goals.............................................................4

v)Short Term Goals.............................................................4

PART-D1.How That place would perform ?....................................5

2.Story board......................................................................5

3.Interviews........................................................................5

4.Timeline...........................................................................5

PART-D

1.Design Presentation...................................................... 6

2.Design Presentation........................................................7

URBAN CONSERVATION – MADRAS LITERARY SOCIETYDOCUMENTATION & DESIGN PROPOSALS FOR ACTIVE PUBLIC USE

PART AMADRAS LITERARY SOCIETY – ORIGIN

Madras Literary Society, One of the oldest public libraries in India, the Madras Literary Society dates back to 1817, when it was established began as an adjunct to the Asiatic Society.

In The early 19th Century, the East India Company trained its Madras employees in administration, languages, law, religion and customs at the college of Fort.St. George, that functioned on College Road between 1812 and 1854. The college was set up chiefly to teach local languages to the British Englishmen who joined the service of the East India Company.

The Madras Literary Society MLS was a part of the college: A learned body where papers were presented on science, manuscripts, geology, archaeology, anthropology, sociology and the like and a repository for related collections.

The collections later became start up assets of universities and museums, but this Library - MLS remained and still continues to remain. MLS has become one of the heritage buildings of Chennai and is due for heritage conservation, not only a building as a whole but also its contents – the books rare, furniture and interior elements.

DESCRIPTION AND ORIENTATION TOWARDS HERITAGE CONSERVATION OF MLSThe MLS, which is the sole survivor of what was once the College, now houses more than 83,000 books. MLS has become a historic site or heritage site since it is an official location where pieces of political, military, cultural, social history have been preserved due to

their cultural heritage value. The Tamilnadu government has completed the restoration work on the heritage building in 2009.

Though the restoration of the structure was completed MLS and conservation of books still in the process, rare furniture, safe, architectural elements etc needs attention. So MLS as a whole is to be conserved. These processes need funds. This documentation of MLS is oriented towards creating a public awareness, means by which the frontage of MLS can be put to use, means by which active participation of the public can be achieved so as to generate sufficient funds for further maintenance so that MLS becomes self dependant.

PRELIMINARY OBSERVATION REPORTThe following points are observed at a glimpse of MLS

The building is two storey heights with clerestory ventilators. The building has Palatial style of architecture, which has

Jharokhas, highly carved arches on the facades, finials and trimmings, sunshades with decorative brackets - A Rajasthan style Feature

Made of stone slabs and bricks, with madras terrace roofing which imparts a heritage value to the structure – A vernacular/ native Feature!

Has pointed arch in facades – An Indo Saracenic Feature! Has tall segmental arched doorways with clerestory glazing – A

Colonial Architecture Feature!

THE CONTEXT OF MLS IN URBAN SCALEMLS as a structure has a heritage value. By way of its function it is a repository of knowledge and has a social value. Though MLS is predominant in its own way, it is often noticed or unseen by the passer bys. This documentation orients to the ways by which MLS can be made as a part of heritage tourism circuit of Chennai and thereby contributing to the economic value of Chennai in near future.

MLS – PRECINCT CONTEXTMLS has no clue about the architect or conservationist. The history of MLS is still a mystery. Research about the precinct of MLS reveals the following:

Its spatial organisation is cruciform structure with madras terrace roofing.

The structure as a whole is acoustically sound with absolutely no echoes, in spite of two storeys height.

Partial rajasthan style with false balconies – jharokhas, tall windows and doorways with clerestory lighting and ventilation.

Wrought iron girders and channel sections which has “ middlesbough – England ” engraving on it – shows that they were transported from England. Else no other traces that an English architect could have designed the structure.

Carved Wooden panels covering the beams are similar to the ones in Connemara Library- else no other trace that the one who designed Connemara could have designed MLS too.

The scale and the structural arrangement of the book racks and the wrought iron walkways/ catways for accessing the tallest books are a feature of a military set up and it can be traced that MLS was originally a Military Library. 1

Wrought iron catways are not solid, they are made structurally stable and framed with wrought iron rods that allows light to


travel to the bottom most rack, avoiding the need for artificial lighting.

MLS has pulley system of transporting the books from ground floor to the top most floor level – being the only one existing system in India. Origiunally there were 17 libraries which had this system, others now obsolete since they have been mechanised.

Natural slate flooring inside the library builing and rustic stone pavement in the facades were used. These have gained beauty and antiqueness over years. This imparts a heritage / historic value to the structure.

Windows and doors are of solid wood – venetian type which is colonial in style, Can be adjusted to control the flow of light into the building. This may be used to avoid glare. Tall windows and doors may be used to allow the light enter from above eye level / human scale to avoid glare while reading, and to evenly light the entire interiors, avoiding darkspots.

MLS houses an original wrought iron safe vault, adding to its heritage value. PWD has tried to remove the safe from its location two times, thinking that its of no use today. But it has been put to position by the heritage activists and conservationists to preserve the heritage of MLS.

The structure is made of stone and bricks with lime plasters, which keeps the interiors cool in summer. Sunshades and decortative brackets ate of natural dressed stones. Wood and wrought iron are used elaborately in natural forms. The use of natural materials imparts a native style and brings us closer to structure. We feel as if we are living there since ages.

The clerestory windows are characterized exteriorly by stone sunshades with brackets and lime plaster, which prevents rain beating

Terrace floor of MLS has lot of built in spout openings with proper gradient to flush out the collected rain water.

Some of the structural columns are raised up above the terrace floor level – may be left for future expansion of the structure.

Terrace floor is accessed by a steel stairway from the rear exterior side.

MLS – SCENARIO CONTEXTPresent state of affairs in MLS demands further renovation and attention towards preserving the heritage value of the structure.

Following points are observed:

Clerestory windows meant for lighting and ventilation are characterised by “N” type ventilators. The inbetween gap paves way for pigeons and birds to enter in and nest in odd corners and cubby holes.

Water has entered during the heavy rains in Nov – Dec 2015, through the broken clerestory window panels which has caused efflorescence and peeling of paint finishes and plasters which needs to be repaired. Damp and waterproofing can be done in terrace floor and wall joints to prevent further damage.

Broken window glass panes needs to be replaced Cracks in safe vault masonry structure needs to be addressed Exterior plastering defects and painting needs to be redone. Antique furnitures like book racks and tables to be polished

properly to prevent further ruin. The age old library chair with mat/reed weaving has to be repaired and put to use again. Replica of same can be brought in to add antique value.

Proper maintenance of terrace – sweeping of the dry leaves, clearing the cobwebs etc to be done.

Unanimous visitors illegally using the terraces and odd corners for drinking and smoking to be prohibited. ( As they leave the empty bottles, match sticks and left out cigarettes in the respective places itself creating a negative environment).

Above all its the books that are in sad state of affairs and they need to be preserved for maintaining the historical importance.

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MLS – HISTORICAL CONTEXTThe vast campus in which MLS is housed (presently occupied by the Directorate of Public Instruction) is where the first studies of Indian languages – Sanskrit, Tamil, Hindustani, Kannada, Telugu and Malayalam – were taken up by the British people in 1817. This was where the first Dravidian proofs, that the South Indian languages were classical in their own right, independent of Sanskrit, were first presented. The campus remains a memorial to F.W. Ellis, who first translated the Thirukkural to English.

The following elements, books, articles, letters and magazines adds historical value to MLS

MLS has the oldest book Opera Omnia dated 1619 by Aristotle.

A letter by Subhash Chandra Bose about the Formation of Indian National Army.

A letter by Anne Besant which states that she has paid her subscription and that not to stop her from receiving mails from MLS. This is the place where the formation of theosophical society has been discussed over a wooden table and still the table remains intact adding historical value.

400 year old BIBLE Isaac Newton's Philosophiae Naturalis Principia

Mathematica. A board outside that announces ‘Founded in 1812'. The oldest Ganges Canal Map with accurate precision. A Book on Formation of the city – EGYPT. A book on famous story paintings like “The Grapes are sour” Oldest magazines like “ The Madras Journal of Literature

and Science” edited by Gustav Opert. “ Writing Indian words ” by Boolan Cilaractier Wrought iron truss from “Middlesbough, England”. A Library rattan Chair which was in use since the age of

Anne Besant and Subash Chandra Bose

PART B AND PART CPROPOSAL:The design proposal is for the frontage of MLS which is now a dead open space, but for the trees creating a micro-climate. Proposal includes the ways of attracting the public to MLS, by increasing the vicinity of MLS in urban scenario of Chennai.

IDEOLOGY OF THE PROPOSAL:The following are the ideologies used in the proposal for active public use of MLS;

Triangulation Elemental recognition Public participation Reusing the salvaged materials from other heritage properties Combining aesthetics with functionality Creating a landmark in the otherwise lost heritage centre Nodal points for interaction

INTENT OF THE PROPOSAL:The intent of the proposal is for the active use of MLS and its adjoining open space by the public and also to generate income for the conservation of the MLS and its precious book collection.

NEED FOR THE PROPOSAL:The structural elements and the precious books of MLS and MLS as a whole has gained importance through years down the timeline and some of them remain a historic mystery. The need now arises to preserve them and make the public aware of the heritage value that MLS possesses now. Heritage value contributes to the economic growth of Chennai inviting tourists/researchers/economists and socialists too.

CONCEPT:The concept of the proposal is concentric and focusing towards the magnet – “The Icon” in the centre of the arena. All other spaces intimate, public & private spaces, etc are placed around the arena. Each “Space - activity” element is individually important, contributing in its own way for active public use.

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CONTEXT:MLS has heritage value and also has a historical context in the urban scenario of Chennai. The proposal for design is also oriented towards preserving the heritage value and adding glory to the historical precinct of MLS.

APPROPRIATENESS:Though there are so many sites at the verge of ruins that deserve immediate attention, MLS is hardly noticed just because it is well


recessed and it is housed amidst giant trees. The DPI complex has many other buildings that are functionally active. Many elements of historical importance inside MLS have to be conserved immediately in order to preserve the same or it may get ruined. MLS which is intended for public use is now more or less a library hardly visited by the public but for the few individuals with strong educational/social background. So it is appropriate that the whole MLS is to be conserved and rehabilitated for the use of public.

JUSTIFICATION:Social Justification: By rehabilitating MLS, people of different communities/groups tend to use the place for various events/gatherings. Healthy interactions between different people take place and social uplift of the society is justified.

Economic Justification: By putting MLS to active public use, we gain capital for book conservation, structure conservation, inflow of tourist’s funds, etc thus economic uplift is justified.

Environmental Justification: Rehabilitation of almost brownfield site – MLS is always a “ + “ urban scenario. This creates less damage and pollution to surroundings and the restructured open space around MLS is again a “+ + “ contributing to the micro-climate and welcoming other ecosystems. Thus the proposal is environmentally justified.

PROPOSALS IN TERMS OF DESIGN: Arena (Amphitheatre – public interaction) The Icon (Magnet – landmark ) The Cafeteria ( Triangulation) The Podium ( Intimate Interaction) The Colonnade ( Semi covered enclosure contributing to

massing in terms of scale ) The Entrance Gateway ( Eye Catcher ) The Gallery ( Triangulation)

The Restroom Complex ( Infrastructure facilities) The Mural Wall ( used for elemental recognition of MLS) The Story board – Blank wall for “user’s speak” (Triangulation

and public participation) The peeping lawn ( aesthectics and linkage to MLS Children play area ( Interaction & Triangulation) VIP Parking lot ( Infrastructure facilities)

PROPOSALS IN TERMS OF GUIDELINES: Semi-covered structures (no superstructure with roofs) – easy for

adapting to new trends in design in the long run. Use of salvaged / recycled materials / use of non-polluting

materials – Towards a sustainable architecture Use of existing heritage elements - preventing the accumulation

of debris and zero landfills Use of LED lights causing less damage to health and less energy

consuming – sustainable in the long run.

PROPOSALS IN TERMS OF FUTURE DEVELOPMENT:

Rear side of MLS can be put to use in a better way. Facades of MLS can be used for day time display of magazines /

newspapers and journals - more vicinity to public. Outdoor reading with smart card facility - no book is lost. Open Digital display boards for group reading / open seminars,

etc. by school / college / research students – reviving the “Gurukulam” way of learning.

LONG TERM GOALS: Paid use of open space of MLS by Sankara Netralaya visitors –

means to generate funds for maintenance of MLS. Educating the public to keep the zone litter free is a big task. A meager amount as user free establish a sense of fear in the public minds and orients them to keep the place clean. The funds generated can be allotted to the maintenance of infrastructure facilities and respective labor wages.

Paid use of open space and proposed facilities by college students – means to generate funds for maintenance of MLS. ( a meager amount monthly pass can be given given as concession for students in the long run.) This make the place a healthy zone with genuine end users.

Adjoining areas of DPI could be taken for rehabilitation in long run.

CCTVprovision MLS & its frontage for social security.

SHORT TERM GOALS: Public events during festivals / function / heritage walks. Venue for school / college cultural events. Musical events and speeches. Food festivals. Handicrafts & self help group expos.

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PART DUSER EXPERIENCES/ END USER ANALYSIS

STORY BOARD:Narration by Architect and Conservationist Ms. Tirupurasundari:

This was told to her by an old student of adjoining Women’s Christian College. MLS once had an entry from the college road directly from the point on its boundary where the ATM is located now. In those years students and public used to access the library from this entry. Why and when the entry was closed and where those gates vanished is still a mystery.

Actions to Remove the safe vault from inside of MLS


PWD has tried to remove the safe vault from the inside of the library, two times, thinking that it is a waste of space and inappropriate to have a safe in that location.

Royal people and privileged citizens of old madras used to have bath/ boating in coovam and come to MLS , use the “L” shaped room ( still existing) as change rooms and then use to have a leisurely reading in the open space of MLS.

TIMELINE OF MLS:

INTERVIEWS:Where is the MLS – Library over here in DPI?

The security replied there is no such library over there and that has been working in that complex since 25 yrs.

Do you really need a good place to rest / relax / lunch during the hospital visit in sankara netralaya hospital?

The entire sankara netralaya patient family said “yes Ofcourse”. But for MLS, we wouldn’t have space for hangover inbetween tests and consultation. For patients visiting from outside the citythe open space of MLS is a boon.

Do you use the Library?

The WCC student said “no”. Some of our college students tend to go inside MLS. But we are not active users of MLS. We go to other big libraries.

Would you like to make use of this open space of MLS?

A Passerby – a citizen replied – in what way will it affect me! Can i gain anything out of that? If yes, am okay with it.

HOW THAT PLACE WOULD PERFORM ?

Children play Area – inviting kids and school students

Cafe - Inviting college students, Dpi complex visitors, People from sankara nethralaya, Tourist or visitors of the library

gallery - Inviting college students, public

arena - Inviting students, public

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Madras literary society urban conservation and design proposals final2

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