Kulekhani Waterfront Resort "Contours Of Comfort"

Abstract

This thesis investigates the role of architectural design in shaping a waterfront resort that functions not only as a destination for leisure but also as a spatial experience deeply rooted in the unique qualities of its lakeside setting. The waterfront serves as the primary design driver, influencing the placement of built forms, spatial hierarchy, and the overall guest journey. The architecture creates a continuous relationship between the resort�s structures and the water�s edge, offering framed views, open vistas, and moments of close interaction with the lake. The planning balances public, semi-public, and private zones to ensure logical circulation that encourages exploration while maintaining necessary privacy. Circulation paths are carefully designed to gradually reveal the lake from various perspectives, enriching the visitor�s spatial narrative. The architectural language responds closely to the site�s topography, contours, and orientation, allowing the built form to step naturally with the terrain. Each key space�whether guest rooms, lounges, dining areas, or recreational zones�is positioned to maximize meaningful visual or physical connections to the waterfront. Research on national and international waterfront resorts has informed the design approach, providing valuable insights into spatial organization, functional zoning, and integrating site features into the built environment. The waterfront acts as a unifying element that ties together diverse programmatic components, creating a cohesive and harmonious resort environment. Ultimately, this thesis demonstrates how waterfront-focused architecture can harness the inherent qualities of a site to create spaces that are functional, aesthetically compelling, and profoundly connected to place. By thoughtfully responding to the opportunities and challenges of a lakeside location, the design aims to establish a precedent for resort architecture that celebrates local identity, offers varied and immersive guest experiences, and highlights the unique potential of waterfront development as a specialized architectural approach. This project reinforces the importance of context-driven design in creating meaningful and memorable destinations.