NAME OF THE PROJECT: Agastya International Foundation Auditorium

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: 

Architectural Response

The architectural response for the program was tucked in to the existing lay of the land. Cut and fill became the process of integrating our structure to the slopes, hence the idea was eventually to merge the structure with the existing profile of the earth.

Functional Efficiency

The structure was designed as a multifunctional space that hosted workshops and also served as classrooms for children beyond its use as an auditorium / community space.

The natural topography of the land enabled us to create multiple spaces at varying levels.

Efficiency in provision of services and installation systems

The Services were well integrated in the structure, as they were incorporated right from the design stage.

The services run along the girder profile and drop down at the required areas.

The structure was designed future ready to take care of fresh air ducts in the interior along the girder profile and installation of photo voltaic panels on the roof top later on.

The cat-walk and the support systems for the specialized lighting and speakers were designed along with the structural system.

Favorable environmental impact

The auditorium was built along the lay of the land without disturbing the existing land profile and the movement of water.

The valley on both sides of the structure were connected to a series of water holding ponds that not only harvested rain water, but also recharged the natural aquifer of the land and enhancing the micro climate of the site.

The skin of the structure was built from locally available brick and stone which served as good insulation for heat and sound.

The interior was naturally lit and ventilated with skylights and turbo-ventilators. The skin of the enclosure terminated with the roof with perforated mesh, allowing natural flow of air into the interiors.

The challenges of building a steel structure in a rural setting.

The programme was sensitively designed to integrate climate, culture and context.

Long term construction view – to spend wisely and avoid spending on running costs and maintenance was an important aspect of the project.

The structure was designed future ready to incorporate photovoltaic panels and wind energy turbines

Local material was integrated with steel structure simplifying construction process.

Local labor was involved into the programme with an idea that the money spent goes back into the tertiary level of society. The questions that flooded our mind were many.

The Multiuse nature of the structure set in rural surroundings were many – a space for the community, class rooms space for a discuss range of activities, from art, science, music, cultural and others. so the intent was clear.

Having satisfied the ‘ why ‘ the next generation was ‘ How ‘. The search ended with looking at steel and the marriage of the structural determinant, to the intent of a large spanned spaces.

‘ A positive problem solving attitude ‘ prevailed right thru the design and construction programme. the ‘ buts’ were replaced by ‘ alternative ways of looking solutions. And finally this attitude helped resolve the many problems that arose.

The other questions was – will the structure look incongruous in this setting? After a lot of searching the solutions evolved along the lives of a steel pod placed on a larger earthen pod between two swales.

Considering that the steel that supports the pod also, came out of the same earth lent a larger meaning to our architectural statement. We felt a certain connection that gave strength to our belief that however cold that this material is made out to be …. its sensitive handling can create a feeling of warmth to the people inhabiting