Grounded in strong regional context, the design is inspired by the local annual religious fair. Placed on a high mound within an undulating terrain, a popular local picnic spot, the radial form embodies the profound Hindu philosophy of the transcendental & infinite (Shunya & Anant) through the central courtyard & the upward graduating walls.
The marquee-like central plaza, crowned by a fabric roof, is a vibrant public space with events & cafes, & is accessible from entry points through a buffer passage. Radially projected stone masonry walls in a dial formation, create a multifaceted pyramid-like structure. The wedges between these walls alternate between the built & unbuilt, forming courts with theme-based open-air exhibits & spaces for relaxation & discussion.
Passive sustainable strategies like orientation & self-shaded courtyards, balanced with active interventions like solar shading, low-e glass, daylight sensors, rain-screen facades & central cooling plant, enhance energy efficiency & reduce need for mechanical cooling, minimizing environmental impact. The landscape & roof gardens are designed to retain & filter rainwater, which is reused for toilet flushing & irrigation.
Bio
INI Design Studio (INI) is one of the Top Design Brand known across India and Internationally. INI’s work is widely published including a book “Designing for Modern India” published by Mapin Publishing on INI work. INI is a multi-disciplinary, independently owned Collaborative design practice that brings best of both-world: “Local Small Firm Attention” + “Large International Firm Ability”. INI work encompasses planning, architecture, engineering, and design-built services for many sectors that cut across the sustainable built environment.
Other prizes
INI has won 100+ international & National design awards and recognitions including Fellow - American Institute of Architects, Fellow - Indian Institute of Architects, Excellence on the Waterfront Awards - 2021, Washington, DC, Green Good Design Awards 2023, USA.
