SRM Institute of Science and Technology
SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN
THESIS SYNOPSIS
SAFARI RESORT
ART AND MUSIC INTERACTIVE CENTER
COFFEE HOUSE ADAPTIVE REUSE
(HERITAGE BUILDING)
RA2111202010015
SUMITHA P
THESIS TOPIC - 1
SAFARI RESORTS
ABOUT
Safari resorts are accommodations located in or near wildlife-rich areas,
offering immersive experiences for guests who wish to observe and
connect with nature. These resorts often combine luxury and adventure,
providing comfortable amenities while keeping the natural surroundings at
the forefront.
Safari resorts provide a blend of relaxation, education, and adventure,
making them ideal for nature enthusiasts, honeymooners, and families
alike
KEY FEATURES OF SAFARI RESORTS
Proximity to Nature:
Located near national parks, wildlife reserves, or protected ecosystems.
Offer guided safaris, game drives, and nature trails for wildlife viewing.
Architecture and Design:
Eco-friendly and sustainable materials are commonly used.
Blend seamlessly with natural surroundings to minimize environmental
impact.
Structures like tents, lodges, and treehouses offer an adventurous touch.
Wildlife Experiences:
Day and night safaris led by professional guides.
Bird-watching tours and seasonal animal migrations.
Unique interactions, like elephant safaris or boat safaris (depending on
the region).
Luxury Amenities:
High-end accommodations, such as private villas, plunge pools, and
spas.
Gourmet dining with locally sourced ingredients.
Cultural experiences, such as traditional music, dances, or cuisine.
Adventure and Activities:
Activities like trekking, canoeing, or hot air balloon rides.
Exploration of nearby cultural or historical sites.
Sustainability Focus:
Many safari resorts prioritize conservation and eco-tourism.
Partnerships with local communities to promote sustainable tourism
practices.
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CLIENT BRIEF
1. Who Will Use the Space?
Primary Users:
Tourists and Travelers: Individuals and families seeking immersive experiences
in nature with a blend of adventure and comfort.
Nature Enthusiasts: Wildlife lovers, bird watchers, and photographers.
Eco-conscious Travelers: Guests interested in sustainable and environmentally
friendly stays.
Corporate Groups: Teams looking for unique venues for retreats or workshops.
High-end Luxury Travelers: Guests expecting exclusive amenities and
personalized services.
2. What Will They Do?
Activities offered:
Wildlife Safaris: Guided tours in nearby reserves or sanctuaries.
Outdoor Adventures: Activities such as trekking, bird-watching, kayaking, or
stargazing.
Wellness Retreats: Yoga, spa treatments, and relaxation in nature.
Educational Experiences: Nature walks, ecological workshops, or conservation
talks.
Luxury Dining: Fine dining with locally sourced organic ingredients.
Private Experiences: Personalized safaris, exclusive wildlife photography
sessions, or private bonfire dinners.
3. Special Requirements for the Space
Design Features:
Integration with Nature: Use of sustainable materials, open-plan layouts.
Privacy and Comfort: Individual cottages, treehouses, or luxury tents.
Luxury Amenities: High-end interiors, private plunge pools, outdoor showers.
Common Areas: Central reception or lounge ,Dining areas, infinity pool.
Wellness Spaces: Dedicated spa, yoga deck, or meditation zones.
Eco-friendly Infrastructure:
Solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and waste recycling systems.
Use of biodegradable products and locally sourced materials.
Electric safari vehicles or bicycles for eco-conscious transportation.
Safety Features:
Adequate fencing, secure pathways, and trained staff for wildlife encounters.
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4. BUDGET CONSIDERATIONS:
Construction Budget:
Premium budget for eco-friendly and luxurious construction, approximately
₹8,000-₹12,000 per sq. ft. (varies by location and materials).
Additional costs for technology integration, such as renewable energy systems or
advanced HVAC solutions.
Operational Budget:
Staffing: Naturalists, guides, housekeeping, and chefs.
Maintenance: High costs for maintaining eco-friendly technologies and luxury
accommodations.
Wildlife Permits: Special permissions for safaris or interaction zones.
Revenue Strategy:
Pricing to include premium charges for exclusivity, personalized services, and
unique experiences.
AIM AND OBJECTIVE
Aim
1. Connecting Guests with Nature: seamless blend of indoor and outdoor
living, panoramic views, open spaces, and eco-friendly architecture that
integrates with the landscape.
2. Providing Unparalleled Luxury and Comfort: high-end travelers by
creating exclusive accommodations such as private villas, luxury tents, or
treehouses.
3. Promoting Sustainability
4. Fostering Conservation and Education: Design educational spaces like
interpretive centers, nature trails, and guided safaris to teach guests about
local flora, fauna, and ecosystems.
5. Enhancing Cultural and Regional Identity:Showcase the local culture and
traditions through architecture, cuisine, and curated experiences.
6. Creating a Memorable Guest Experience: safaris, wellness retreats,
photography workshops, stargazing, or adventure sports.
7. Supporting Economic Development:Contribute to the local economy by
creating employment opportunities
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OBJECTIVES
Heritage Preservation: It offers insight into blending modern hospitality
needs with traditional design.
Eco-Friendly Design: The resort highlights sustainability in architecture
and interiors.
Multifunctional Spaces: A mix of personal and event spaces allows you
to explore diverse interior styles.
Natural Integration: Smart use of open spaces and landscaping that
complements interiors.
SCOPE
Zoning:
Based on the resort's description, divide the space into key zones:
Reception/Entrance: Heritage-style welcoming area.
Accommodation Units: Individual cottages or rooms surrounded by
gardens.
Dining Area: Indoor and alfresco seating near the central garden.
Event Spaces: A lawn for open-air events and a banquet hall for
formal gatherings.
Recreational Zone: Swimming pool, pathways, and lounge areas.
Design Style:
Use traditional elements like courtyards, verandas, and tiled roofs.
Incorporate water features and green pockets between built
structures.
Circulation:
Create pathways for smooth flow between zones.
Ensure privacy for accommodation areas while maintaining
accessibility to common areas.
Approximate Sizing (for Conceptual Drawings):
Reception Area: 500–800 sq. ft.
Cottages/Rooms: Each unit 300–500 sq. ft.
Restaurant: 1,500–2,000 sq. ft. including kitchen.
Event Lawn: 10,000–15,000 sq. ft. (or adaptable to size).
Swimming Pool Area: 2,000–3,000 sq. ft.
LIMITATIONS
Natural Disasters, Wildlife Protection Laws, Ethical Standards, Maintenance
Costs, Waste Management, Energy and Water Use, Design Limitations, Guest
Capacity, Market Limitations. 04
CASE STUDY a series of grass thatched roofs that ‘float’ above the
landscape to provide the lodge's clients with an exciting
1.Nile Safari Lodge ‘bush experience’ through a more direct connection to
the surrounding wilderness.
Buliisa, Uganda
Architects: Localworks
One of these terraces is defined by a large infinity pool
Area: 2400 m² that merges lodge and river. A small open pavilion
Year: 2019 located on a particularly spectacular spot with long
views towards both sunrise and sunset serves as the
Nile Safari Lodge is a luxury eco massage house.
lodge located on the southern
bank of the River Nile
overlooking Murchison Falls
National Park.
Guest accommodation is
provided in eight generous
cottages (‘bandas’), each facing
the river in complete privacy. the
indoor comfort by allowing air to
flow under the buildings, which
are dominated by natural
materials, mainly wood, grass
SITE PLAN and stone.
FLOOR PLANS
Lessons using like site specific
adaptation acccording to site and
climate , minimal impact
construction, Indoor and outdoor
flow , private cottages and bandas.
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CASE STUDY In a similar vein, the RECEPTION-
CUM-RESTAURANT AND BAR., the
Baradari is a contemporary expression
2. RAAS Chhatrasagar Hotel of the Rajputana traditional gathering
space.
SITE PLAN: District PALI, RAJASTHAN, INDIA.
Architects: studio lotus
Area: 20,000 sq.ft
Year: 2020 RETRACTABLE SKYLIGHT installed
into a ceiling structure, that not only
Guests arrive at a drop-off area and walk through a makes for breathtaking views but also
further fortifies the immersive
shaded path, climbing a series of stepped stone plinths
experience that RAAS Chhatrasagar
before emerging in a COURTYARD THAT FRAMES A VIEW promises.
OF THE CHHATRASAGAR LAKE with sweeping vistas of
the wilderness.
Housing the restaurant for the
property, the Baradari creates a
seamless connection between the two
key experiences offered by the site —
THE PANORAMIC VIEWS OF THE
LAKE, AND THE SERENITY OF THE
FOREST BELT
SITE PLAN
he masterplan lays out the SIXTEEN
‘PODS' as an arrangement of
conjoined suites raised on stilts to
preserve the embankment structural
integrity and enables MEP services to
run elevated off the dam, allowing
rainwater to drain freely into the lake.
Local Artisans and Craftsmanship
Dining with a View
Neutral and Earthy Tones
Wildlife Observation
Tented Accommodations
Locally Inspired Decor:
Incorporate regional design elements,
like handcrafted furniture, local
textiles, and traditional patterns. This
creates a culturally rich and authentic
experience.
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THESIS TOPIC - 2
ART AND MUSICAL INTERACTIVE
MUSEUM (HERITAGE WALK)
ABOUT
An Art and Music Interactive Museum is a dynamic space that combines art,
music, and technology to create engaging, immersive, and multisensory
experiences.
Cultural Evolution: Explore the interconnected journey of art and music
across cultures.
Music Meets Art: Highlight the relationship between visual art and music in
various periods, like Kandinsky's synesthetic paintings.
Technology and Expression: Focus on the role of digital tools in reshaping
art and music.
CLIENT BRIEF
1. Who Will Use the Space?
Primary Users:
Artists and Musicians: Professionals or aspiring individuals who want to exhibit
their work or participate in interactive workshops.
General Visitors: Families, students, and tourists interested in immersive and
educational art/music experiences.
Schools and Educators: Organized groups for educational tours and learning
experiences.
Specialized Groups:
Researchers and historians studying the evolution of art and music.
Tech-savvy individuals interested in digital art, music production, or AR/VR
experiences.
Special needs groups requiring accessible and inclusive design.
2. What Will They Do?
Interactive Exploration:
Create music or visual art using interactive installations.
Engage with exhibits through touch, motion, or sound-responsive technology.
Learning and Workshops:
Participate in classes or sessions on art techniques, music composition, or digital
tools.
Explore archives and learn the history of art and music.
Performance and Engagement:
Enjoy live performances or join collaborative creative sessions.
Experiment with immersive experiences like VR-based concerts or painting
simulations. 07
Leisure and Networking:
Relax in creative spaces or lounges, fostering dialogue between artists,
musicians, and visitors.
3.SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Technology integration, spatial design, accessibilty, sustainability and visitor
facilities
4. BUDGET CONSIDERATIONS
Core infrastructure, technology, exhibits and decor, operational costs.
AIM AND OBJECTIVE
Aim
To create a dynamic, inclusive, and immersive space that celebrates the fusion
of art and music, enabling users to engage, learn, and connect through
interactive and multisensory experiences. The museum seeks to foster creativity,
preserve cultural heritage, and promote innovation in artistic and musical
expressions using cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices.
OBJECTIVE
1.Engagement and Interaction:
Provide visitors with hands-on experiences that allow them to create,
experiment, and interact with art and music.
Utilize technology such as AR, VR, and responsive installations to offer unique,
multisensory environments.
2.Education and Awareness:
Educate visitors on the evolution of art and music, highlighting their cultural and
historical significance.
Offer workshops, talks, and guided tours to deepen understanding and skills in
art and music.
3.Cultural Preservation and Innovation:
Celebrate local and global art and music traditions, ensuring their preservation
through exhibits and archives.
Promote contemporary and digital forms of expression, bridging traditional and
modern practices.
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SCOPE
1. Spatial Allocation and Zoning
A. Entry and Lobby Area (2,000 sq. ft.)
B. Exhibition Spaces (10,000 sq. ft.)
Interactive Music Exhibits (4,000 sq. ft.)
Interactive Art Exhibits (4,000 sq. ft.)
Fusion Zones (2,000 sq. ft.):
C. Workshop and Learning Spaces (3,000 sq. ft.)
Hands-On Studios
Educational Hub
D. Performance and Event Spaces (3,000 sq. ft.)
Amphitheater or Performance Hall
Outdoor Courtyard (optional if space permits)
E. Auxiliary Spaces (2,000 sq. ft.)
Restrooms
Storage and Maintenance Areas
Administrative Offices
Functional and Visitor Experience Considerations
Wayfinding: Clear signage and intuitive layout to guide visitors through the space.
Crowd Management: Adequate circulation space to accommodate peak visitor
times.
Resting Areas: Benches and seating zones within the museum for visitor
comfort.
LIMITATIONS
1. Spatial Constraints
Balancing Functions.
Flexibility for Growth.
Crowd Management
2. Budgetary Limitations
High-Tech Integration
Exhibit Maintenance
Balancing Quality and Cost
3. Technological Limitations
Equipment Lifespan
Visitor Learning Curve
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CASE STUDY FLOOR PLANS
1.THE BIHAR MUSEUM
Patna, India
Architects: Maki and Associates, Opolis
Area: 25410 m²
Year: 2018
The Museum houses a rich variety
of treasures from the region, and
includes event and education
spaces that nurture a newfound
sense of pride and connection to
Bihar’s storied history.
The Museum’s exterior is characterized by extensive use of weathering steel, a
durable material that complements its context and creates a dignified contrast to
the surrounding greenery.
It is supplemented with stone, terracotta, and glass finishes - a modern material
palette with clear connections to Bihar’s past and future.
The Children’s Gallery includes experiential learning zones with interactive exhibits
that encourage active participation.
Regular workshops and programs involving artists make the Bihar Museum a hub
for local and contemporary art.
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“The IME is our way of preserving the vast
CASE STUDY musical heritage of our country and helping
2. IME MUSEUM people know more through the exhibits and
interactive elements
SITE PLAN: BANGALORE, KARNATAKA
Architects: Architecture paradigm pvt ltd.
Area: 50,000 sq.ft
Year: 2019
The centre itself is broadly divided into
three sections—the Sound Garden, the
actual museum that comprises nine
galleries as well as a learning centre.
Appealing to the millennials and
youngsters, the first gallery is the
colourful scene of street music that
has been perfectly recreated against
a backdrop of the busy commercial
street of Bangalore
The IME employs digital displays
where visitors can interact with
multimedia presentations of music,
culture, and history. Interactive
touchpoints can be a design focus to
allow engagement through audio,
visuals, and touch.
There are over 100 musical
instruments displayed in one
of the galleries while another
is dedicated to the music
scene during India's freedom
struggle.
A rare phonograph coupled with wax cylinders, gramophone and a leg harmonium are some
exclusive artefacts. Apart from interactive stations where visitors can create their own remixes
and listen to their own recordings, the museum also offers several photo opportunities for
guests.
The Learning Centre, an integral part of IME is committed to imparting high quality music
education through its outreach program. 11
THESIS TOPIC - 3
COFFEE HOUSE IN ADAPTIVE
REUSE
ABOUT
Creating a coffee house within a heritage building in Chennai using
adaptive reuse is a compelling idea, as it blends historical
preservation with modern functionality. Adaptive reuse projects for
coffee houses or similar establishments involve a thoughtful
balance between preserving the historical integrity of the building
and adapting it for contemporary use.
KEY CONSIDERATIONS FOR ADAPTIVE REUSE
1. Preservation of Heritage Elements:
Maintain original architectural features like facades, columns, or
frescoes while ensuring structural stability.
Use materials and techniques that are in harmony with the original
construction.
2. Functionality for a Coffee House:
Ensure modern amenities like plumbing, electricity, and climate
control integrate seamlessly without altering historical aesthetics.
Design spaces for seating, a kitchen, and washrooms while
respecting the heritage layout.
3. User Experience:
Highlight the history of the building through displays, guided tours,
or decor elements.
Create cozy and welcoming interiors that contrast and complement
the historical ambiance.
4. Compliance and Approvals:
Adhere to heritage and building codes specific to Chennai, which
may require approvals from conservation authorities.
5. Economic and Environmental Benefits:
Reusing heritage structures can reduce construction costs and
preserve embodied energy in materials, aligning with sustainable
practices.
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CLIENT BRIEF
1. Who Will Use the Space?
Primary Users:
Urban Professionals and Students: People looking for a workspace or a calm
environment for meetings and study.
Tourists: Visitors seeking cultural and historical experiences alongside
refreshments.
Local Residents: Individuals or families interested in exploring unique dining
spaces.
Art and Culture Enthusiasts: Patrons drawn to the heritage appeal and events
such as art exhibits, live music, or poetry readings.
2. What Will They Do?
Activities offered:
Primary Function:
Serving coffee, tea, and light refreshments in a cozy, welcoming ambiance.
Secondary Functions:
Hosting cultural events like live performances, book readings, or art displays to
enhance the heritage experience.
Providing coworking or informal meeting spaces for professionals and students.
Promoting the history and significance of the building through displays, guided
tours, or digital installations.
sessions, or private bonfire dinners.
3. Special Requirements for the Space
Preservation of Heritage Features:
Retain and highlight original architectural elements such as arches, columns,
flooring, or murals.
Use adaptive furniture and lighting that respects the heritage aesthetics.
Functional Modern Additions:
Integrate essential modern utilities (kitchen, washrooms, HVAC systems) with
minimal intrusion into the building's character.
Soundproofing, especially if the building is in a busy area, to maintain a serene
cafe atmosphere.
Zoning and Space Allocation:
Create distinct zones for dining, events, coworking, and displays while
maintaining a cohesive flow.
Utilize outdoor spaces, courtyards, or verandas for additional seating or events.
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4. BUDGET CONSIDERATIONS:
Heritage Restoration Costs:
Repairs to original materials (wood, stone, tiles, etc.) and
structural reinforcements.
Modern Additions:
Installing HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems while being
sensitive to the building's structure.
Operational Costs:
Higher maintenance due to heritage structure upkeep and compliance
with periodic inspections.
Event Budget:
Allocations for hosting cultural or promotional events to attract and
retain patrons.
Revenue Strategy:
Premium pricing for food and beverages due to the unique ambiance
and cultural value.
AIM AND OBJECTIVE
Aim
To create a unique coffee house that blends contemporary functionality
with historical significance by repurposing a heritage building, fostering
cultural preservation, community engagement, and sustainable practices.
OBJECTIVE
Preserving Cultural and Architectural Heritage:
Showcase integral parts of the space, such as facades, columns, or
intricate carvings.
Enhancing Visitor Experience:
Foster a sense of connection to the past by integrating cultural
narratives, art, and storytelling into the coffee house's identity.
Functional Efficiency:
Design spaces that cater to diverse uses, such as casual dining,
coworking, and small-scale events.
Educational and Inspirational Value:
Inspire future adaptive reuse projects by demonstrating a successful
integration of heritage preservation with modern functionality.
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SCOPE
1. Entrance and Reception Area: 1,000 sq. ft.
2. Indoor Dining Areas: 6,000 sq. ft.
3. Outdoor Seating (Courtyard or Veranda): 3,000 sq. ft.
4. Specialized Zones:
Private Dining Rooms: 1,500 sq. ft.
Event Space/Multipurpose Room: 2,500 sq. ft.
5. Retail Space: 1,000 sq. ft.
6. Kitchen and Service Areas: 3,000 sq. ft.
7. Display and Exhibition Areas: 1,000 sq. ft.
8. Circulation and Utility Spaces: 2,000 sq. ft.
Additional Considerations
Flexibility: Zones like event spaces and private dining rooms
can be reconfigured to suit demand.
Green Spaces: If an outdoor courtyard exists, allocate an
additional 500 sq. ft. for landscaping.
LIMITATIONS
1. Structural and Architectural Constraints
Fragility of the Building
Space Limitations:
Height Restrictions:
Low ceilings or fixed floor levels
2. Regulatory and Legal Challenges
Heritage Protection Laws:
May limit creative freedom in design.
Permissions and approvals.
Compliance with Modern Standards:
Adapting the building to meet fire safety, plumbing, and accessibility
standards (such as ramps and elevators) may conflict with heritage
conservation rules.
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CASE STUDY
1.STARBUCKS COFFEE
Dazaifu, Japan
Architects: Kengo Kuma & Associates
Area: 212 m²
Year: 2008
Along the main path to the shrine,
there are traditional Japanese
buildings in one or two stories. The
project aimed to make a structure
that harmonizes with such
townscape, using a unique system
of weaving thin woods diagonally.
The building is made of 2,000 stick-like parts
in the sizes of 1.3m – 4m length and 6cm
section. Total length of the sticks reached as
far as 4.4km. Three sticks are joined at one
point in Chidori and GC, while in Starbucks
four steps come to one point because of the
diagonal – a more complicated joint.
This time the method was greatly
improved in combination with state-
of-the art technology so that people
are brought further into the
architecture. It is a fluid, cave-like
space.
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CASE STUDY The Grounds set out to be an urban oasis where
locals and visitors could gather over exceptional
2.The Grounds of Alexandria
coffee and wholesome food. Transforming a
Sydney, Australia
former pie factory into an industrial-chic cafe and
Architects: Caroline Choker
garden,
Area: 87,120 sq. ft
Year: 2012
Recognised as one of the world’s
most Instagrammable
destinations, we bring stories to
life with ever-evolving installations
and events, making each visit
visually memorable.
The Grounds of Alexandria is a sprawling cafe, restaurant, bar, coffee
roastery, bakery, florist, market and farm all in one; with so much on
offer, it's the perfect place for a day out.
Retained industrial elements like exposed brick walls, metal beams,
and original machinery to honor the site's history.
Introduced modern design features like lush gardens, outdoor seating
areas, and communal spaces that encourage interaction.
Blended rustic industrial aesthetics with greenery, water features, and vintage décor
for a warm and inviting environment.
Multi-zoning allows for diverse activities, catering to casual visitors, event-goers, and
families.
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Benefits of the Adaptive Reuse:
Economic: Increased footfall by offering diverse attractions, turning a disused
industrial space into a profitable business.
Cultural: Preserved the historical essence of the factory while promoting a unique
coffee culture.
Sustainability: Avoided demolition waste and leveraged existing materials,
emphasizing sustainable development.
Community Engagement: Became a space for education, socialization, and
entertainment, fostering local connections.
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CASE STUDY
3. Mustapan Coffee Shop
Chipaque, Colombia
Architects: Estudio Chávarro
Area: 2750 sq.ft
Year: 2020
The place prides itself of serving
the best of traditional and local
bakery and attracts clients of all
types. From local farmers to
tourists, take a sit everyday to
have a arepa and a cup of coffee.
Adobe brick and exposed
concrete walls, handmade
cement tiles and clay roofing tiles,
among others, delivered the
aesthetical identity to the place.
exposed.
This is why the countryside and traditional - abandoned farmer houses, became the
main inspiration for the design by Estuido Chávarro. Inspiration that is visible in the
use of materials in every square meter of the simple design layout, matched with
some timeless pieces of furniture and lighting.
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