CRITICAL APPRAISAL OF BUILDING OF ARCHITECTURAL

IMPORTANCE DESIGNED BY THE FIRM/COMPANY.

TAJ SAWAI VILAS

RANTHAMBORE, RAJASTHAN

LALHUMHIMA RALTE
2019BARC058
TAJ SAWAI VILAS

Firm name – ROHA Landscape Architecture and Planning, Delhi

Project type – Hospitality
Location – Ranthambore, Rajasthan

Project Description – Taj Sawai Vilas Ranthambore is a 5-star hotel in

Rajasthan, located in Khilchipur. It is a luxurious resort that promises
spectacular and authentic jungle experience. The site is tucked in the
rustic woodlands of Ranthambore. It comprises 60 exquisite villas each
individually equipped with bespoke conveniences and offer breath-taking
built and unbuilt spaces to be filled and greenery, plants, lawn, cabins,
trees, and other landscape amenities to enrich and enhance the overall
feel of the Rajasthani resort.
Since it is situated adjacent to the famous Ranthambore National Park.
The designs and concept began with the ancient Indian Philosophy – Atithi
Devo Bhava – which means “Guest is God”.
Design Approach - The construction of landscape is focused on both the
concept and the users. For hospitality architecture, this is important and
without it, design can be meaningless. The design focuses on creating
landscapes that speak to, and can be enjoyed by, multiple and diverse
users.
They are less focused on formal pattern or geometry, but instead they
reinforce the joy of the outdoors - bringing people closer to each other and
to nature. The pliability of the landscape medium allows the creation of
dead (purely visual) or alive (functional and used) places. This design in
Sawai Vilas is focused on creating alive landscapes that build the spirit of
the place by drawing people to the outdoors.

Landscape design concept

1. POOL AREA
CURVED TRELLIS INTEGRATED WITH
GREENS

• Organic shape adding softness to

the rectangular edges of the
stepped pool deck.
• The shape of trellis components
seems to be in a dialogue with
each other, creating a positive-
negative spatial connection.
• Infusing the existing space with
green spaces brings rejuvenation
to the spatial experience.
• Added quotient of partial privacy in leisure spaces.
• Trellis integrated with greens catering to the dire need for shaded
pockets in this space.
2. ARRIVAL COURT SIDE WATER FEATURE

• The contrasting blue shade of the pool tiles is creating a visual

imbalance and is not going with the jungle theme. This issue is to
be tackled by incorporating rustic and warm colored natural tiles or
pool stones to enhance its natural pond/rock garden feeling.
• To reduce the shade of blue the pools can be converted into lily
ponds surrounded with rocks and gravel for a more natural feel. The
gravels should be of fine course accommodated by bigger rocks in
reference to Japanese rock gardens.
• A pool deck with palms and a pond-like pool looks onto the central
courtyard which is designed to host small group functions and
parties as well as the morning breakfast and the evening bar. A large
reflecting pool connects the courtyard to the arrival lobby. The office
terrace is designed a wooden perch that overlooks the whole facility
and provides a private open space for the villas. Specimen trees
interspersed in the spaces showcase the horticultural heritage of
India.

Existing design

Proposed Design
 3. DINING AND OUTDOOR BAR

• The outdoor space is imbalanced, covered with only hardscape

elements. This has very great potential for people and children to
hangout and play. The people needs to feel more connected to the
architecture and landscape so this needs a good interconnection
between the indoor and outdoor.
• Patches of green and bamboo planters can be added to create the
harmony of hardscape with the softscape. This provides openness
and function to the dead architecture and gives a sense of
renovation.
• Landscaping and textures resonate with the forest theme. This idea
was intended to be in contrast with the vegetation of the place itself
and Ranthambore. This place will transform into a green oasis in the
middle of a desert.
• To add more to the forest, experience some water features can be
added for a soothing effect. This adds to the idea of an oasis and
comes in harmony with the green environment that we have created.
• Ornamental trees are overpowering the space in the old design, so
we are watering this down to a more authentic and natural feel. The
balancing of trees and plants to give a natural wild jungle safari.
• Replacing hedges with grass to give a wild look.
• Recreating the paving pattern for bringing in lavishness.
• Exposed metal roofs diminish the entry experience.

Figure 1 : Existing Structure Figure 2 : Proposed design

This space is underutilized and needs activation with vegetation and
elements that draws people outdoor and vice versa - Since it is right in
front of the pool, it has an opportunity to be converted into a poolside bar
with alfresco dining. This space is underutilised and needs activation. -
Since it has proximity to the lawn and the bar below, it could be converted
into a f&b experience. The grill design derives itself from the earthy tones
of the forest where each tree is unique in itself but appears as part of one
family.
4. LAWN
• The shape of the lawn being rectangular makes it monotonous, rigid
and less dramatic. It barely has vegetation in it which makes it look
like any other park you see somewhere. To tackle this, a huge
variety of plantation, filling and excavation and incorporating new
built spaces is proposed.
• The lawn can be visualized in an organic form which complements
the natural contour of the site and opens doors to more natural
jungle/ oasis feeling in the middle of a dessert. Consisting of
meandering pathways around it to create points of interest.
• Adding a fun space for children like a playground or a tree house
will make the resort more inclusive.
• Rock sculptures, mounds or water features can be added on the
corners to break the monotony of the lawn.

Figure 3 : Site image

EXTENDED LAWN

1. Entrance
2. Pathway
3. Lawn – 2400sqm
4. Pavilion
5. Lake
6. Children Play Area
7. Mound
8. Organic Farms