MINUTES OF THE 1552nd MEETING (ONLINE) OF THE DELHI URBAN ART COMMISSION (DUAC) HELD ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2020.

A.   The minutes of the 1551st meeting ( online ) of the Delhi Urban Art Commission held on 07.08.2020 were confirmed and approved.

SL. No.PROPOSALOBSERVATIONS /SUGGESTIONSDECISIONREMARKS

B.Action Taken Report on Minutes of 1550th meeting (online) held on 31.07.2020.1. The Action Taken Reports on minutes of the 1550th meeting ( online ) of the Delhi Urban Art Commission held on 31.07.2020 was discussed (online).Noted by the Commission

C. PROJECT PROPOSALS:

1Layout and Building plans proposal in respect of Northern Railways Operational Building at Chanakyapuri near Safdarjung Railway Station.

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

2.  Earlier, the Commission did not accept the concept of the layout and building plan proposal at its meeting held on September 25, 2019, specific observations were given.

3.  The layout and building plan proposal received ( online ) was scrutinised, the following observations were given:

a.    A detailed discussion was held with the architect on Cisco WebEx Meetings, wherein the Commission reiterated its earlier observations communicated vide DUAC observation letter no: 20091927106 dated 01.10.2019.

b.    As seen in the site plan, the buildings ( 3 separate towers 6, 7, and 8 ) are not integrated ( separated by a distance of 10.00M ) , i.e. they do not seem to have connections with each other, except at the basement level. For better efficiency, functionality, to minimise road network, and tree cutting it was suggested to integrate the towers.

c.    As seen from the site planning, the space allocated for landscaping is not appropriate and a substantial part of the site is under roads/circulation. The circulation network shall be such designed that it allows for more open/green areas and the road network is minimised.

d.    The entire parking plan shall be redone and enhanced to make it more functional and rational. The outer road network shall be made for Vehicular access. The internal road shall be made pedestrian-only network to ensure seamless, conflict free connectivity.

e.    The site planning seems to be vehicle-friendly and not pedestrian-friendly. The pedestrian connections in the site seem to be discontinuous with unresolved pedestrian-vehicular conflict. Conflict free pedestrian movement paths shall be created.

f.     The basement seems to be not workable and not efficiently planned, it was suggested to remove basement and explore other alternatives to address to the parking requirements of the site, like converting first one/two floors for parking purpose only, and residential units above. Podium may be explored for providing spaces for community zones for indoor children’s play and other social activities.

g.    The entire elevation is suggested to be redesigned to enhance the scale and appropriateness of the Building with architectural elements, materials, texture, finishes etc.

h.    The entrance of the Building needs to be redesigned. It shall be replaced with a better porch design using appropriate architectural elements. It needs to be modified and made prominent by design improvisation i.e. detailed architectural elements and design, appropriate to the building scale.

i.     The balconies need to be screened appropriately along with the provision of screening of drying clothes. Innovative architectural features and materials shall screen dish antennas in the balconies.

j.     The air-conditioners would be an eye-sore to the building façade. Innovative design provision shall be made in the design itself at this stage to accommodate the outdoor AC units, and it shall be ensured that the pipes are appropriately screened so that they are not exposed on the outer façade and do not mar the aesthetics. The material used shall be similar to the material on the façade to maintain harmony.

k.    Appropriate signages/ graphics shall be installed in the building complex to ensure proper wayfinding.

l.     The project being submitted at the Formal stage should submit detailed drawings of sections ( longitudinal and cross-section across the site as well ) Also, the skin sections ( in detail ) shall be submitted to understand the use of materials on the façade.

m.  All service equipment at the terrace should be properly camouflaged (in terms of the point nos. 10, 11 &12 of the CPAA (Criterion for Project Assessment and Approval) available on DUAC website at www.duac.org. using the same architectural elements/materials used in the elevations.

n.    Details regarding green building sustainability are missing in the design scheme. These shall be identified and marked on the plans.  Roof-top utilities are not shown in the plan/ 3D views and thus require to be shown on the relevant drawings. The screening for the same shall also be mentioned and marked clearly in the plans/3D views.

o.    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.

p. Overall, the architect was advised to adhere to all above observations given by the Commission, and considering the number of existing tress at the site likely to be cut ( 97 trees to be cut including species like peepal, neem, shisham etc. ) for the project, and its ecological, environmental, urban and aesthetics implications, to re-design/relook the entire complex, with a fresh approach including pedestrian/vehicular circulation, social activities, play areas for children & spaces for the elderly etc. Efforts shall be made to incorporate all the existing trees in the design proposal and furnish a point wise incorporation/reply to the observations of the Commission.

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

2Plans in respect of Karnataka Bhavan for (addition/alterations) 10, Kautiliya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi.

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

2. The Commission approved the building plans for some additions/alterations at its meeting held on November 15, 2006, and the N.O.C. was given on August 6, 2014.

3. Earlier the Commission did not approve the layout and building plan proposal for the addition of a New Block-B ( B2+G+6 floors ) after demolishing existing front L-shaped structure at its meeting held on April 13, 2020, specific observations were given.

4. The revised formal proposal received ( online ) was scrutinised, and the following observations were made:

a. A detailed discussion was held with the architect on Cisco WebEx Meetings. The Commission reiterated its earlier observations, and observed that its earlier observations communicated vide DUAC observation letter no: OL-19032024016 dated 20.04.2020 indicated at sr. No. 2 (iii, iv, v, vii, ix, xv, and xvi ) have not been fully complied with.

b. The columns shown in the elevation have been sliced with a flat facia.  This is not acceptable. The columns should be similar to those shown for the porch/portico so as to have an authentic urban form.

c. The shape of the proposed Building is tapering at the East and West edge have made parallel to the site boundary. This creates an odd-shaped structure which is not desirable. The acute angles shall be appropriately modified to make it straight, and simple so as to achieve a good urban form. 

d. The proposed artwork, especially on the facade, is not appropriate and may be removed. Instead, it is suggested to plan a theme-based artwork reflecting the cultural heritage of the State of Karnataka, in the form of statues which can be placed in front of the building. Art works can also be proposed inside the public areas of the building.

e. Overall, the architect was advised to adhere to all above observations given by the Commission, and furnish a pointwise incorporation/reply to the observations of the Commission.


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

3Proposal for Development of Sports Hostel for School Boys & Girls, Pitampura (Conceptual stage).

1.   The proposal was directly submitted by the architect (online) for consideration of the Commission.

2.  Earlier, the Commission did not approve the building plan proposal at its meeting held on March 09, 2019, specific observations were given.

3.  Now, the conceptual building plan proposal received ( online ) was scrutinised, and the following observations were made:

a.    The submitted 3D view do not portray the correct site conditions. 3D views of the site shall be superimposed with the existing context of the surroundings, including road networks, structures around the site, for better understanding of the proposal in the actual environment to make it clearer.

b.    The quality of some of the 3d views is not appropriate. They are very sketchy and the scale, proportion, materials etc. are not understood. Annotated 3D views clearly specifying the materials to be used on the façade shall be provided.

c.    As per the submitted proposal, fragmented double stack parking provisions have been made in the front and the side setbacks. This design approach might alter and mar the aesthetics of the site. Also, no visuals/ 3D’s show double stack parking provisions in the design, thus gives an incomplete picture of the entire scheme. Complete modifications shall be incorporated in the 3D views and re-submitted for further analysis.

d.    The fragmented parking spaces to be removed, instead, alternative options be explored for consolidated parking provisions. Long term/ short term parking for the visitors, staff, taxi drop off points, cycle stands, etc. be indicated in the parking/ site plan.

e.    Road network in the site shall be minimised with efficient site planning.

f.     A combined mobility plan showing seamless, conflict-free pedestrian and vehicular movement plan from outside to the various parts of the buildings to be submitted, to understand the movement pattern within site. It shall be indicated clearly with clear segregation of pedestrian and vehicular movement.

g.    The detailed drawings of sections ( longitudinal and cross-section across the site as well ) and elevations be submitted to understand the various functions in the site. Also, the skin sections ( in detail ) shall be submitted to understand the elevation of the façade with materials.

h.    Being a hostel building, every floor/wing shall have provision for a pantry and a laundry for the students. Appropriate screening arrangements shall be made to ensure screening of clothes hanging in the balconies.

i.     The air-conditioners would 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 used to conceal pipes, equipment, etc. to be located/ mentioned on the plan/elevation/3D views (as appropriate).

j.     Appropriate signages/ graphics in and around the complex shall be provided for wayfinding.

k.    As a lot of waste (dry and wet, food items, etc.) will be generated in the complex, a detailed solid waste management plan proposal along with its location on the site plan be submitted.

l.     Provision of Gymnasium has been made on the upper level of Swimming pool, it shall be alternatively relocated and efforts shall be made to provide natural/day light through Sky light in the Swimming pool.

m.  It was observed that a total of 76 trees on the site including species like peepal, aam, neem, shisham etc. are likely to be transplanted for the proposal. Considering it’s ecological, environmental, urban and aesthetics implications, it was suggested to incorporate maximum number of tress on site itself.

n.    All equipments/pipes/plumbing shafts/wires etc. to be suitably concealed/camouflaged (in terms of the point nos. 10, 11 &12 of the CPAA (Criterion for Project Assessment and Approval) available on DUAC website at www.duac.org. so as not to mar the aesthetics.

o.    The elements of sustainability are missing in the design scheme. These shall be identified and marked on the plans.  Roof-top utilities are not shown in the plan/ 3D views and thus require to be shown on the relevant drawings. The screening for the same shall also be mentioned and marked clearly in the plans/3D views.

p.    Sustainability features in terms of point no. 7 of the CPAA (Criterion for Project Assessment and Approval) available on DUAC website at www.duac.org shall be incorporated in the design proposal and shown in the relevant drawings.

q.   Overall, the architect was advised to adhere to all above observations given by the Commission, and furnish a point wise incorporation/reply to the observations of the Commission.

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

4Building plans in respect of Girls Hostel with Food Court for IARI, PUSA, Delhi
1. The proposal was forwarded by the CPWD ( online ) for consideration of the Commission. 

2. Earlier, the Commission approved the layout/master plan in respect of Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI) campus, Pusa at its meeting held on April 19, 2016.

3. The Commission did not approve the building plan proposal at its meeting held on July 10, 2020, specific observations were given.

4. Now, the revised proposal at formal stage received ( online ) was scrutinised, and the following  observations were given:

a. The fragmented parking spaces to be consolidated into one parcel as far as possible, by stacking the parking, as may be required. The parking site to be shaded with landscaping/solar tree which can also contribute to the electricity supply for the complex.

b. 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.

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

Approved, observations given.The Commission decided to take action in the matter without awaiting confirmation of the minutes of the meeting.

5Proposed Police Post at Miyanwali Nagar, Paschim Vihar, Delhi.

1.    The proposal was forwarded by the PWD ( GNCTD ) ( online ) for consideration of the Commission.

2.    The formal building plan proposal received ( online ) at the formal stage was scrutinised, and the following  observations were given:

a.   All toilets shall be visually screened from privacy point of view.

b.   The lock-ups ensured to be detached from the public areas.

c.   The air-conditioners would be an eye-sore to the building façade. To avoid the same, provision shall be made in the design to accommodate the outdoor units so as not to mar the aesthetics. Elements like louvres/fins etc. can be used for concealing the outdoor air-conditioning units. The material used shall be similar to the material on the façade to maintain aesthetic harmony.

d.   All equipments/pipes/plumbing shafts/wires etc. to be suitably concealed/camouflaged ( in terms of the point nos. 10, 11 &12 of the CPAA (Criterion for Project Assessment and Approval) available on DUAC website at www.duac.org. so as not to mar the aesthetics.

e.   Public art of suitable scale to the context, which is also visible from outside the site, to be installed. The artwork in the site needs to be co-ordinated and must have a collective impact and not stand-alone works of art.

f.   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.

Approved, observations given.The Commission decided to take action in the matter without awaiting confirmation of the minutes of the meeting.

6Building plans in respect of New Chhattisgarh Bhawan at Sector-13, Dwarka.
1. The proposal was forwarded by the DDA ( online ) for consideration of the Commission.

2. Earlier, the Commission did not approve the building plan proposal at its meeting held on July 31, 2020, specific observations were given.

3. The revised building plan proposal at formal stage received ( online ) was scrutinised, and the following observations were given:

a. It was observed that the earlier observations of the Commission communicated vide DUAC observation letter no: OL-29072022038 dated 07.08.2020 indicated at sr. no. 3 ( d, e ) have not been complied with.

b. The porch shall be made more prominent by design improvisation, i.e. detailed architectural elements and design, enhancing the scale and appropriateness with detailed architectural elements.

c. Instead of steps at the entrance, it is suggested to increase the height of the driveway so that the ramp requirement can be done away with.
 
d. Vehicular circulation has been shown in anti clock wise directions, needs to be corrected. 

e. Option-1 presented for the basement is to be relooked at and further refined/detailed, as the location of some of the structural columns obstructing the smooth movement of the vehicular movement.

f. The site planning is not pedestrian-friendly. The pedestrian footpaths in the site seem to be discontinuous with unresolved pedestrian-vehicular conflict. Conflict free pedestrian foot path shall be provided. 

g. The space allocated for landscaping is minimal and maximum part of the site is under roads/circulation. The circulation network shall be such designed that it allows for more open/green areas and the road network is minimised. 

h. Overall, the architect was advised to adhere to all above observations given by the Commission, and furnish a pointwise incorporation/reply to the observations of the Commission.

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

7Building plans in respect of Hotel building at Plot no.-C, Community Centre, Anand Vihar. (Conceptual stage).
1. The proposal was directly forwarded by the Architect (online) for consideration of the Commission.

2. The Commission did not accept the conceptual building plan proposal at its meeting held on April 13, 2020, specific observations were given.

3. The revised conceptual building plan proposal received ( online ) was scrutinised, and the following observations were given:

a. It has been observed that entry to the hotel has been given from Southern side. However, entry for the shops/banquets facilities etc., has been given from the main road, and made impressive.  The porch for the hotel shall be made prominent and inviting by design improvisation, i.e. detailed architectural elements and design. Instead of steps at the entrance of the hotel, it is suggested to provide a ramp with a gradual slope which would eliminate the need of steps and ensure efficient drop-off under a well-defined porch. 

b. The hotel has room occupancy of approx. 66 rooms from 9th floor onwards to the 11th floor. The side entry to the hotel is very cramped with no provision of holding areas, clock room, hotel desk, vestibule facilities at the ground floor.  The entry to the hotel shall be relooked at and designed appropriately.

c. Overall, the architect was advised to adhere to all above observations given by the Commission, and furnish a pointwise incorporation/reply to the observations of the Commission.

Accepted, observations given.The Commission decided to take action in the matter without awaiting confirmation of the minutes of the meeting.

8Revised Building plans in respect of Group Housing at Magazine Road at Khyber Pass, Civil Lines.

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

2.  Earlier, the Commission did not approve the revised layout and building plan proposal at its meeting held on July 17, 2020, specific observations were given.

3.  The revised layout and building plan proposal received ( online ) at formal stage was scrutinised, and the following observations were given:

A.  Commercial Block:

a.  Double stack parking provisions made along the front boundary wall of the complex is not acceptable, as it would alter and mar the aesthetics of the complex.

b.  The air-conditioners ( AC ) would 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. Elements like louvres/fins etc. can be used for concealing the outdoor air-conditioning units. The material used shall be similar to the material on the façade to maintain harmony.

c.  Signages for the façade / boundary wall shall be appropriately designed/implemented and adhere to, and shall be ensured that they do not mar the aesthetics of the façade.

d.  The proposed colour scheme of the building be made contextual to the surrounding buildings in the complex in terms of colours, material, textures etc.

e.  All equipments/ sanitary pipes/plumbing shafts/wires etc. to be suitably concealed/camouflaged (in terms of the point nos. 10, 11 &12 of the CPAA (Criterion for Project Assessment and Approval) available on DUAC website at www.duac.org. so as not to mar the aesthetics.

f.  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.

Approved, observations given.The Commission decided to take action in the matter without awaiting confirmation of the minutes of the meeting.

9Building plans in respect of Office Building for Dental Council of India at Plot No-14, Sector 9, R.K. Puram.

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

2.  Earlier, the Commission accepted the building plan proposal at its meeting held on June 26, 2020, specific observations were given.

3.  The revised building plan proposal received ( online ) at formal stage was scrutinised, and the following observations were given:

a.    Various colour schemes for the proposal were presented, and the scheme with grey colour finish was acceptable. It was suggested to use the scheme with light and grey tone judiciously.

b.    All equipments/ sanitary pipes/plumbing shafts/wires etc. to be suitably concealed/camouflaged (in terms of the point nos. 10, 11 &12 of the CPAA (Criterion for Project Assessment and Approval) available on DUAC website at www.duac.org. so as not to mar the aesthetics.

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.

Approved, observations given.The Commission decided to take action in the matter without awaiting confirmation of the minutes of the meeting.

10Layout and building plans in respect of Addition/ alterations in Nav Sansad Vihar CGHS Ltd. Plot no.4, Sector- 22, Dwarka.
1. The proposal was forwarded by the DDA ( online ) for consideration of the Commission.

2. The Commission approved the Building plans proposal at its meeting held on January 5, 1996, and the NOC for the Completion was accepted at its meeting held on January 29, 2014.

3. Earlier, the Commission did not approve the building plan proposal for additions/alterations at its meeting held on July 24, 2020, specific observations were given.

4. Now, the revised formal building plan proposal for additions/alterations received (online) was scrutinised, and the following observations were given:

a. The air-conditioning units in the existing Building are visible on the facade. The air-conditioners would be an eye-sore to the building façade. Innovative design provision shall be made in the design itself to accommodate the outdoor A.C. units, and it shall be ensured that the pipes are appropriately screened so that they are not exposed on the outer façade and mar the aesthetics. The material used shall be similar to the material on the façade to maintain harmony.

b. Screening of the plumbing/sanitary pipes shall be ensured on all the facades using appropriate screening mechanism.

c. All encroachments/extensions/corrugated sheets, covering of balconies with temporary materials etc. in the building structures shall be removed.

d. The balconies need to be screened appropriately along with the provision of screening of drying clothes. Innovative architectural features and materials shall screen dish antennas in the balconies.

e. All equipments/sanitary pipes/wires etc. to be suitably concealed/camouflaged (in terms of the point nos. 10, 11 & 12 of the CPAA (Criterion for Project Assessment and Approval) available on DUAC website at www.duac.org.
Approved, observations given.The Commission decided to take action in the matter without awaiting confirmation of the minutes of the meeting.

D. ADDITIONAL DETAILS:

1Completion Plan proposal for Nalanda Hostel for I.I.T. Delhi Campus, Hauz Khas , Delhi
1.   The proposal was forwarded by the SDMC ( online ) for consideration of the Commission.

2.   Earlier, the Commission approve building plans proposal at its meeting held on August 09, 2017, specific observations were given. 

3.   Now, the Completion plan proposal received (online) was scrutinised, and the following observations were given:

a.   Photographs submitted by the architect, clearly indicate brackets (fixed on the facade) near every balcony for placing outdoor air conditioner (A.C.) units, which is not in conformity with the conditions of the formal approval. Placing so many outdoor air-conditioning units on the building facade would mar the aesthetics and spoil the urban and environmental quality of the area.  Provisions shall be made to accommodate the outdoor A.C. units such that they are appropriately screened, and not exposed on the outer façade. The material used shall be similar to the material on the façade to maintain harmony.  Another option is to place the air conditioning units behind already screened pipe shafts of the toilets so that they get concealed.

b.   The work of parking and landscaping shall be completed as per approval given.

c.   Overall, the architect was advised to adhere to all above observations given by the Commission, and furnish a point wise incorporation/reply.

NOC not accepted, 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 ( online ) of the Commission held on Friday, August 14, 2020, from 02.30 PM onwards:

1. Prof. Dr P.S.N. Rao, Chairman, DUAC

2. Shri Samir Mathur, Member, DUAC

3. Shri Abhimanyu Dalal, Member, DUAC