MULTISTORIED OFFICE CUM COMMERCIAL BUILDING ON “UNDERGROUND SUBSTATION” FOR DPDC

Form Generation: Climate and Context The basic design approach is a response of three guiding factors; climate condition, surrounding context of the site and the existing DPDC substation. The site is located in a very chaotic area of the city where both vehicular and human traffic is always in rush. It creates an unbearable situation during office time. Generated from the urban need, the site is surrounded by highrise commercial buildings. Since climate is a key factor, orientation of the building is considered to be aligned along the north-south direction. Solar heat gain is intended to be minimized by placing the two core areas in east and west elevation of the building. The soothing north light is invited through the long continuous curtain glass used on the north facade. In the south, RCC louver and glass have been used to welcome the south light indirectly. An open space, at the front part, is created by locating the main building at the back of the site to impose urban relief within the dense urban context.

Phase Construction, Zoning and Access: DPDC is the largest power supply company of this country. To ensure uninterrupted activity and services towards its clients, construction of the proposed design is segregated into two phases (Fig: 01). In the first phase, the main office building with underground substation space and supporting services building will be constructed. After completing the first segment, existing substation (Fig: 04) will be shifted to its new position and the second phase of construction will start to house the complain center, using light weight structure.

Functional zoning of the new DPDC building is proposed purposefully in a directive manner. The most functional part of the design according to its user preferences, the complain center (Fig: 05), to be constructed in phase-02, is pulled apart from other functions and placed in the front-left part of the site. More accessible public functions like bank, cafeteria and conference hall are placed inside the entry mass with separate circulation. The main office, the most secured function of DPDC substation and the commercial floors are placed at the main building, positioned at the back of the site.

Ventilation and Lighting: The main building is elongated in the north-south direction to minimize direct sunlight and lessen solar heat gain. Two cores are placed at the east and west elevation to cut down maximum heat gain. To invite calm light from the north, curtain glass is used. To ensure indirect light from the south direction, RCC louver and glass is used. A huge canopy is designed to create shed for the front area.

Structure and Materials: DPDC building is based on frame structure (Fig: 12). The major elements of this project is proposed to be constructed in RCC and Fare Face Concrete. Bricks and claddings, which are readily available and efficient for our context, will be used for internal and external walls. Curtain glass is used to enhance the required light and ventilation. Light weight metal frame structure with ACP cladding will be used for the complain center.