68Hydraulic conductivity of a vegetated soil (i.e., mixed grass cover) is an important parameter 69 governing the hydrological performance of green infrastructure (GI). This paper focuses on 70 GI with mixed grass cover in the presence of trees. Due to shading effects (interception of 71 radiant energy) of tree canopy, mixed grass cover in the vicinity of trees may not receive 72 direct photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). This can hinder the growth rates resulting in 73 the low grass cover (i.e., in density). The hydraulic conductivity and the performance of GI 74 can be further affected. Several field studies were conducted to investigate hydraulic 75 conductivity in different types of vegetated covers. However, any variation in growth and 76 hydraulic conductivity of mixed grass cover in the vicinity of trees was rarely investigated. 77The objective of this study is to quantify spatial and temporal variation of vegetation growth 78 and hydraulic conductivity in a mixed grass cover in the vicinity of a tree. Field monitoring 79 of a mixed grass cover in the vicinity of a tree in a GI was conducted for about six months. 80Hydraulic conductivity tests were carried out using mini disk infiltrometer (MDI) at 149 81 locations in a selected site once every month. Vegetation density was quantified using image 82 analysis and the images were captured by a DJI Phantom drone. The growth of mixed grass 83 cover around tree vicinity (within 5 m radial distance) was found to be more uniform during 84 months characterized by high rainfall depth. Spatial heterogeneity in both vegetation density 85 and hydraulic conductivity is found to be more significant during a dry period than wet 86 period. Variation of hydraulic conductivity with respect to the change in vegetation density is 87 found to be significant in a wet period than dry period. It is also found that hydraulic 88 conductivity is higher at the portions where shredded leaves are present. The obtained 89 dynamic spatio-temporal relationship of soil, vegetation and atmospheric parameters can 90 support the design of green infrastructures and contribute to a better understanding of the 91 maintenance practices. 92 4

No abstract

This paper concerns the application of visual ethnographic research to preserve the cultural identity of structures like Namghar located at the banks of Brahmaputra in Assam. Namghar are an important socio-cultural institution, whose design elements are essential and symbolic for binding the entire community especially belonging to various areas of Assam. However, rapid urbanization and changing lifestyle has led to variations in design elements of Namghar. This study on these variations in design elements will be essential in preserving the essence, harmony among diverse communities as well as heritage of Assam. The objectives of this study are to compare variations in design elements especially colour variations of Namghar located at different locations within Assam. Field observations of outer overall structure, elements as well as interior structure were made. Colour palate was identified and the visuals were analyzed. Similarities and differences among key architectural elements will be compared and discussed. Cultural aesthetics elements were explored with visual ethnography on architectural elements among Namghars in various locations. It is identified, discussed with reference to semiotics and semantics of cultural construction. This paper seeks to arouse the issues of cultural loss of Namghar and possibility of colour as a binding design element among the architecture of Namghar.

No abstract

No abstract