Location : Ahmednagar, India
Program : Visitor’s center
Size : 3500 SFT
Dates: 2014-16
The challenge was to create an administrative office space & informative gallery for visitors, shielded visually and acoustically from industrial environment. The form is evolved with existing kitchenette, geodesic dome which was built 15 years before, with new components as amorphous interlinked units, on basis of pragmatic needs and environmental aspect of site by providing shield from heat and glare externally.
This project aims to create highly sustainable campus through application of various strategies. First by reduction of waste generation by recycling and / or salvaging at least 50% of material. 90% use of building material and products available locally which organization got in donation.Lighting load is minimized by using natural light obtained through skylights & north light and using efficient led lamps.
The informal enclosure around the geodesic dome is created by placing criss cross walls to create outdoor exhibition space. These walls are placed at south side in such a way that throughout the day outdoor gallery can be used. These walls are having openings at various places to maintain the relation to outside space. This area has a flooring of brocken Shahabad stone.
The indoor gallery block is placed tilted to existing block to create small court inbetween which will protect the internal spaces from dust, wind and harsh sun. Openable perforated sheet doors offer a sweeping view of adjacent court with plantation and colorful walls from all work areas.
The dramatic internal volume is modulated with natural illumination. White walls lit with natural light, brown kotah stone for flooring and over detailed interiors are avoided to bring simple dignity of silent architecture. Rough textured plaster and exposed surface of walls are colored which add charm to exterior spaces.
The fenestrations require for respective functions are designed to minimize the heat gain & maximize suffused day lighting. West facing blue coloured cavity wall minimizes heat gain to administrative area.
Architecture, playing with the contrast between inside and outside, achieves the dignity essential to visitor center.Thermal considerations informed the design, including the orientation, window shading and natural ventilation. Low, massive and with varying volumes, the architecture is boldly contemporary but inspired by its context.Exterior rough textured walls are painted in various coloursin dramatic contrast; interiors are painted in immaculate white with natural light.
Where the choice of material, color and texture draws attention as a modest, inexpensive yet fresh and authentic architectural example
Image ©Simon Menges