MINUTES OF THE 1605th MEETING OF THE DELHI URBAN ART COMMISSION (DUAC) HELD ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 12, 2021

A.   The minutes of the 1604th meeting of the Delhi Urban Art Commission held on 05.08.2021 were confirmed and approved.

SL. No.PROPOSALOBSERVATIONS /SUGGESTIONSDECISIONREMARKS

B.Action Taken Report in respect of Minutes of 1603rd meeting held on 29.07.2021.1. Action Taken Report in respect of Minutes of 1603rd meeting held on 29.07.2021 was discussed.
Noted by the Commission.

C. PROJECT PROPOSALS:

1Building plans proposal in respect of Group Housing on Khasra no 219/220 part at Sindhora Kalan Village Near Gulabi Bagh.

1. The proposal was forwarded by the North DMC (online) for consideration by the Commission.

2. The building plan proposal received (online) was scrutinised and a detailed discussion was held with the architect on Cisco WebEx meetings (online) who provided clarifications to the queries of the Commission on various aspects related to incomplete elevations & sections, details of boundary wall and gate, details skin sections, green area requirements, provision of shafts, plumbing arrangements & screening of pipes, outdoor air-conditioning units, VRV arrangements, overall structural arrangements, basement parking arrangements, location & screening of ESS, DG set its exhaust pipes etc. Based on the detailed discussion held and the proposal submitted, the following observations are to be complied with: 

a) The 3D views have been submitted without annotations thus making it difficult to comprehend the materials etc. on the façade, which could have a bearing on the visual, urban aesthetics of the complex. A sufficient number of Self-explanatory, annotated 3D views (at least 6 in numbers), at various angles, clearly showing the proposed design scheme with proper annotations and corresponding to proposal drawings be submitted for a better understanding of the proposal. Utilities including DG set, ESS, pump room etc. (with screening mechanisms) to be reflected in the 3D views as well as the drawings wherever provided.

b) The elevations and sections need to be detailed clearly showing the architectural elements, sun shading mechanisms, plumbing details etc. The balconies need to be screened appropriately along with the provision of screening of drying clothes, dish antennas etc. Also, the skin sections (in detail) shall be submitted to understand the elevation of the façade with materials.

c) The air-conditioners could be an eye-sore to the building façade. To avoid the same, the provision shall be made in the design to accommodate the outdoor units, at this stage, so as not to mar the aesthetics. A scheme needs to be submitted to show the placement, screening and material of screening for the same in plans/elevations and 3d views. In the case of VRV systems, their location shall be highlighted in the relevant drawings etc. and shown. 

d) The boundary wall and entrance gate would have a bearing on the overall aesthetics of the area and need to be designed appropriately and shown with relevant details (plans/elevations/sections/3D views etc.). 

e) The elements of sustainability are missing in the design scheme. These shall be identified and marked on the plans.  Roof-top utilities are to be shown in the plan/ 3D views and thus require to be shown on the relevant drawings. Sustainability features shall be as per point no. 7 of the CPAA (Criterion for Project Assessment and Approval) available on the DUAC website at www.duac.org.in.

f) The structural arrangement of the building is not shown in the submission. The structural arrangement in the basement may impact the vehicular movement and the parking arrangements needs to be revised in the submission with structural arrangements.

g) The Plumbing mechanism in the building is not clear. The arrangement for pipes (shafts) in the toilets is not shown in the plans. Location of plumbing shafts, openings, accessibility, screening mechanism for the pipes etc. on the facade needs to be clearly marked on the plans/elevations/3D views etc. be treated appropriately, along with appropriate means of screening. A coherent scheme shall be prepared and submitted.

h) The location of the ESS, STP, UGT, pump room, DG set (including exhaust pipes) etc. shall be indicated in the layout plans with screening mechanism & 3D views etc. as appropriate to be submitted. The Commission observed that these components have a bearing on the overall visual, urban and aesthetic quality of the complex, accordingly, the submission shall be revised and resubmitted.

i) All service equipment ensured to be camouflaged appropriately (in terms of the point nos. 10, 11 &12 of the CPAA (Criterion for Project Assessment and Approval) available on the DUAC website at www.duac.org.in. 

3. The architect is advised to adhere to all the above observations given by the Commission and furnish a pointwise incorporation/reply.

Not approved, observations given.The Commission decided to take action in the matter without awaiting confirmation of the minutes of the meeting.

2Revised layout and building plan proposal in respect of K.K. Birla Academy at Plot no.2, Institutional Area, Vasant Kunj.

1. The proposal was forwarded by the South DMC (online) for consideration by the Commission.

2. The Commission approved the layout and building plan proposal at its meeting held on June 05, 2007. The Commission did not approve the revised layout and building plan proposal at its meeting held on June 17, 2021, specific observations were given.

3. The revised layout and building plan proposal received (online) at the formal stage was scrutinised along with the replies submitted by the architect in response to the observations of the Commission communicated vide DUAC observation letter no: OL-14062155023 dated 23.06.2021 and a detailed discussion was held with the architect on Cisco WebEx meetings (online) who provided clarifications to the queries of the Commission on various aspects related to basement parking arrangements, Utilities including DG set (its exhaust pipes), ESS, pump room etc. & its screening mechanism,  plumbing arrangements, screening of outdoor air-conditioning units,  water tanks on rooftops, etc.  Based on the response received, revised submission and a detailed discussion held, the following observations are to be complied with:

a) Sustainability features shall be as per point no. 7 of the CPAA (Criterion for Project Assessment and Approval) available on the DUAC website at www.duac.org.in. 

b) All service equipment ensured to be camouflaged appropriately (in terms of the point nos. 10, 11 &12 of the CPAA (Criterion for Project Assessment and Approval) are available on the DUAC website at www.duac.org.in.
Approved, observations given.The Commission decided to take action in the matter without awaiting confirmation of the minutes of the meeting.

3Completion plans proposal in respect of Redevelopment of Govt. of India Press at Minto Road. 

1. The proposal was forwarded by the CPWD (online) for consideration by the Commission. 

2. The Commission approved the building plan proposal for the redevelopment of the Govt. of India Press at its meeting held on May 18, 2018. The Commission approved the revisions in the elevational elements & colour scheme at its meeting held on August 16, 2019. 

3. The Completion plan proposal for NOC received (online) was scrutinized and the following observations are to be complied with: 

a) The proposal being at the Completion stage needs to provide an appropriate nos. of uncut/clear photographs to substantiate an actual work executed at the site including boundary wall, gate, parking, landscape, elevational façade, screening of services like DG set, ESS etc. and to get in-depth clarity of the site and surroundings.

b) The site photographs (site photograph no-6) shows exposed DG sets and huge exhaust pipes which are exposed and thus mar the aesthetics. Appropriate provisions shall be explored for their screening so as not to spoil the aesthetics of the facade. Also, the redundant structure shown behind the DG sets need clarification. 

c) Due thought had been given by the Commission while approving the case at the formal level, especially the façade, considering its location, architectural elements, materials, finishes etc. While comparing the approved photographs of the model with the completed façade, it has been observed that the façade (especially represented in the photographs 2, 5, & 6) has been substantially altered thereby spoiling the visual, aesthetics of the façade. These facades shall be restored to its earlier approval.   

4. The architect is advised to adhere to all the above observations given by the Commission and furnish a pointwise incorporation/reply.
NOC not approved, observations given.The Commission decided to take action in the matter without awaiting confirmation of the minutes of the meeting.

4Regularization Plans of WTPBE CGHS Ltd., plot no. 5, Sector-9, Dwarka. 

1. The proposal was forwarded by the DDA (online) for consideration by the Commission. 

2. The Commission approved the building plan proposal at its meeting held on January 29, 1998, and the NOC was approved in the meeting held on March 11, 2002, specific observations were given.

3. The Commission did not approve the building plan proposal for regularisation of building plans at its meeting held on January 15, 2021, specific observations were given. 

4. The revised proposal for regularisation of building plans received (online) was scrutinised along with the DDA letters no: F23 (38)97/Bldg./269 dated 27.05.2021, F23 (38)97/Bldg./280 dated 16.06.2021 and DUAC letter no: 22(3)/2021-DUAC dated 03.06.2021 respectively. The following observations are to be complied with: 

a) The proposal is for the regularization of unauthorised construction done by the Society. The submitted site photographs do not clearly indicate the required details. An appropriate number of site pictures shall be provided. They need to be submitted with proper uncut views from all sides. 

b) Due thought had been given by the Commission while approving the scheme in terms of materials, finishes, architectural elements, façade, features etc. The submitted photographs clearly establish that a lot of balconies are covered with temporary materials etc. which is spoiling the overall aesthetic and visual quality of the complex. 

c) The Commission favourably viewed the formal additions presented in the 3D representations but observed informal and disorganized additions of covering of the balconies that it cannot provide deliberate or inadvertent approval to. 

5. The architect is thereby advised to remove the covering of all the balconies with temporary materials and restore the residential building to the position as indicated in the 3D views (submitted with the scheme for the regularisation) to enable the Commission to examine & make comments taking into consideration the overall aesthetic and visual quality of the complex, and adhere to all the above observations given by the Commission along with a pointwise incorporation/reply.
Not approved, observations given.The Commission decided to take action in the matter without awaiting confirmation of the minutes of the meeting.

5Completion plans proposal in respect of Plot no. 13, Amrita Shergil Marg.

1. The proposal was forwarded by the NDMC (online) for consideration by the Commission. 

2. The Commission approved the building plan proposal at its meeting held on September 23, 2015, and did not approve the NOC for completion plan proposal at the meeting of the Commission held on January 01, 2021, specific observations were given.

3. The revised completion plan proposal for NOC received (online) at the completion stage was scrutinised along with the replies submitted by the architect in response to the observations of the Commission communicated vide DUAC observation letter no: OL-17122050023 dated 08.01.2021. Based on the revised submission and the replies submitted the following observations are to be complied with:

a) The entire proposal shall adhere to all the applicable statutory provisions, and norms/regulations of the prevailing Lutyens Bungalow Zone (LBZ) guidelines.

b) All service equipment ensured to be camouflaged appropriately (in terms of the point nos. 10, 11 &12 of the CPAA (Criterion for Project Assessment and Approval) are available on the DUAC website at www.duac.org.in. 

c) Sustainability features shall be as per point no. 7 of the CPAA (Criterion for Project Assessment and Approval) available on the DUAC website at www.duac.org.in.
NOC approved, observations given.The Commission decided to take action in the matter without awaiting confirmation of the minutes of the meeting.

6Completion plans proposal in respect of Type-6, Multi storeyed flats Housing for Rail Vikas Nigam Limited near Leela Hotel Moti Bagh.

1. The proposal was forwarded by the NDMC (online) for consideration by the Commission. 

2. The Commission approved the building plans proposal for Type-V, Type-VI, and the Community facilities at its meeting held on January 18, 2017. But, did not approve the NOC for completion plan proposal for tower type-VI (basement, stilt + 09 floors) at the meeting of the Commission held on July 08, 2021, specific observations were given. 

3. The revised proposal for NOC for part completion plan proposal for tower type-VI (basement, stilt + 09 floors) received (online) at the completion stage was scrutinised along with the replies submitted by the architect in response to the observations of the Commission communicated vide DUAC observation letter no: OL-24062150021, 50(21)/2021-DUAC dated 19.07.2021. Based on the revised submission and the replies submitted it was found acceptable.
Part NOC approved, observations given.The Commission decided to take action in the matter without awaiting confirmation of the minutes of the meeting.

7Plans in respect of demolition and reconstruction of a residential building at plot no. 27, Golf Links.

1. The proposal was forwarded by the NDMC (online) for consideration by the Commission. 

2. The building plan proposal received (online) at the formal stage was scrutinised and the following observations are to be complied with:

a) The entire proposal shall adhere to all the applicable statutory provisions, and norms/regulations of the prevailing Lutyens Bungalow Zone (LBZ) guidelines.

b) All service equipment ensured to be camouflaged appropriately (in terms of the point nos. 10, 11 &12 of the CPAA (Criterion for Project Assessment and Approval) are available on the DUAC website at www.duac.org.in.

c) Sustainability features shall be as per point no. 7 of the CPAA (Criterion for Project Assessment and Approval) available on the DUAC website at www.duac.org.in.
Approved, observations given.The Commission decided to take action in the matter without awaiting confirmation of the minutes of the meeting.

8Building plans proposal in respect of Additions/alterations in Management Institute for Rohini Educational Society at PSA area 2A & 2B, Madhuban Chowk, Rohini.

1. The proposal was forwarded by the North DMC (online) for consideration by the Commission.

2. The Commission approved the building plan proposal at its meeting held on May 31, 2002, and the proposal for additions/alterations was approved in the meeting held on July 07, 2011. The concept for the building plan proposal for additions/alteration was not accepted in the meeting of the Commission held on July 23, 2021, specific observations were given. 

3. The building plan proposal for additions/alterations received (online) at the formal stage was scrutinised along with the replies submitted by the architect in response to the observations of the Commission communicated vide DUAC observation letter no: OL-20072127055 dated 27.07.2021. Based on the revised submission and response received, the following observations are to be complied with: 

a) Sustainability features shall be as per point no. 7 of the CPAA (Criterion for Project Assessment and Approval) available on the DUAC website at www.duac.org.in.

b) All service equipment ensured to be camouflaged appropriately (in terms of the point nos. 10, 11 &12 of the CPAA (Criterion for Project Assessment and Approval) are available on the DUAC website at www.duac.org.in.
Approved, observations given.The Commission decided to take action in the matter without awaiting confirmation of the minutes of the meeting.

9Proposal for Covering of the ramps of all the underpasses developed in the Construction of Integrated Transit Corridor Development Plan around Pragati Maidan. (Conceptual Stage)

1. The proposal was forwarded directly by the architect (online) at the conceptual stage for consideration by the Commission. 

2. The Commission did not accept the concept of the proposal for covering the ramps of all the underpasses developed in the Construction of Integrated Transit Corridor Development Plan around Pragati Maidan at its meeting held on June 25, 2021, specific observations were given.

3. The revised conceptual proposal for covering of ramps received (online) was scrutinised along with the replies submitted by the architect in response to the observations of the Commission communicated vide DUAC observation letter no: OL-14062127047 Dated 29.06.2021 the following observations are to be complied with: 

a) Overall, three options to cover the ramp and proposed work of art were presented before the Commission. In the order of the preference Option no-1 and 2 for covering of ramps are found to be more appropriate. Option no-3 is not accepted by the Commission. However, selection/installation shall be decided by the proponent based on the feasibility, applicability, availability and procurements.

b) The work of art presented was not appreciated by the Commission. The Commission observed that the continuous work of art shown on the walls would distract the motorists and overpower the ramp covering. Instead, abstract forms of art (such as seen at airports), mosaic, landscaped elements etc. shall be explored to cover the long-spanning internal vertical surface of the ramps, which do not create any focal points/generate curiosity to distract the motorists.

c) Sustainability aspects including rainwater harvesting features shall be ensured and outlined thoughtfully with appropriate detailing.

4. Only, the concept for the covering of the ramps with the order of preference (option 1 & 2) is accepted. For the work of art, a scheme (with three options) shall be presented separately. The architect is advised to adhere to all the above observations given by the Commission and furnish a pointwise incorporation/reply.
Concept for the covering of ramps is accepted, observations given.The Commission decided to take action in the matter without awaiting confirmation of the minutes of the meeting.

D. ADDITIONAL DETAILS:

1Building plan proposal in respect of filling cum service station at Chirag Delhi, Madangir road.1. The proposal was forwarded by the South DMC (online) for consideration by the Commission.
2. The Commission did not approve the building plan proposal at its meeting held on July 08, 2021, specific observations were given.
3. The revised building plan proposal received (online) was scrutinised and a detailed discussion was held with the architect on Cisco WebEx Meetings who provided clarifications to the queries of the Commission on various aspects related to screening of the outdoor air conditioning units shown in the existing photographs, screening of Solar panels, water tanks, provision of pollution check kiosks, and advised putting up any later addition which might spoil the visual, urban aesthetics of the area etc. along with the replies submitted by the architect in response to the observations of the Commission communicated vide DUAC observation letter no: OL-05072155027 Dated 17.07.2021. Based on the discussion held, the response received and revised submission the following observations are to be complied with:
a) Sustainability features shall be as per point no. 7 of the CPAA (Criterion for Project Assessment and Approval) available on the DUAC website at www.duac.org.in.
b) All service equipment, solar panels, air conditioning units, water tanks etc. should be camouflaged appropriately (in terms of the point nos. 10, 11 &12 of the CPAA (Criterion for Project Assessment and Approval) are available on the DUAC website at www.duac.org.in.
Approved, observations given.The Commission decided to take action in the matter without awaiting confirmation of the minutes of the meeting.

The following were present at the Meeting of the Commission held on Thursday, August 12, 2021, from 02.30 PM onwards:

1. Shri Ajit Pai, Chairman, DUAC

2. Prof. (Dr) Mandeep Singh, Member, DUAC

3. Shri Ashutosh Agarwal, Member, DUAC

4. Smt. Nivedita Pande, Member, DUAC