Name & Location: KUSUMAGRAJ SMARAK, NASHIK.

Cost of Project: (INR) 3.5 Cr.

Built-up area: 1483 Sq.m.(In case of Public Building minimum built-up area should be 1000 sq. meter)

Description of Project:

Kusumagraj Smarak is a memorial evolved as a social and environmental response accommodating vari- ous cultural activities responding to the memories of the legendary Marathi Gyanpith Award winner poet ‘Kusumagraj’. The entrance is adorned by four ‘Kadama’ trees – one of the favourites of the poet. The en- trance canopy represents the structure resembling old colonial guesthouses which were cherished by him. The subterranean earth shelter is simple and humble reflecting his down-to-earth personality.

The architectonic walk through the cobbled paved pathway with the framing of connecting bridges of land- scape above, serving as a central spine for the complex enables a journey through his life history abutting ‘Jeevan darshan’ hall, Library, Art gallery, audio-visual rooms, seminar, music and drama practice halls for multi-cultural activities and other allied rooms, finally culminating into a proposed amphitheatre surround- ing a rain water reservoir.

This environment conscious design holds with it the traditional values along with its contemporary aura.

Materials of Construction Details :

The built structure has been conceptualized, designed and constructed as a building in the nature, which is sustainable and environmental friendly. The architectural design approach is holistic, with an aim to create a facility that is not merely functional, but innovative in its response to issues of sustainability and energy efficiency. The spatial configuration juxtaposed within the natural setting results in visual transparency and facilitates a free flow of earth, air and water in the built environment.

The structure has been conceived and built in such a way that it descends in harmony with the natural site contours. The building is constructed in RCC frame structure with exposed concrete retaining walls. The earth structures with green top provide effective natural insulation to the building. Optimization of the build- ing envelope and shadow pattern applied in designing fenestration, location and sizes with appropriate whether protection helps in reducing the excess heat gain. The day light factor is compensated with the use of skylights and clear storey windows. Stack ventilation with turbo roof extractors are used to enhance natural ventilation. Natural stone like Kota is used for flooring, while paving is done in local black basalt. Low VOC paints have been used. Low energy consumption lights like CFL and LEDs are utilized for build- ing lighting system. Roof rain water is harvested and water efficient fixtures and fittings are used for sanita- tion and plumbing.

Special Features:

In a place like Nashik where the climate allows and encourages outdoor living, the set up where romanti- cizing nature is most inspiring, manmade connections with nature have been established by giving utmost importance to the natural landscape and setting. In this instance, the design philosophy focuses on the desire to maximize the outdoor spaces, which permeates in the peaceful memorial where people can relax, enjoy various activities, exchange ideas and reconnect with the nature.

Being centrally located Kusumagraj Smark is designed not just as a memorable but as an active hub for literature, arts and performing arts. It is an urban insert, a public space to breathe, to interact, to walk, to gather.

The central connecting spine of the complex is planned as a street with different activity pockets where citizens can interact to build better, healthier and more engaging community. Over the years the building is performing just as it was conceived and planned for – a place that belongs to the city, the community that shares its meanings and stories.