RVCE CAMPUS CAFE

PROJECT DETAILS

a) Built-Up Area: 3820 SqM

b) Site Area: 1.5 Acres

b) Project Duration: 2013 to 2015

c) Project Cost: Rs.3.5 Crores

d) Structural Engineer: M/s Arun Associates

e) Associated Architects: Ar Dharmjit Kak, Ar Snehal Panicker

f) Contractors: M/s K K Constructions

e) Elect. Contractor: M/s K K Constructions

f) Landscaping Contractor: M/s K K Constructions

PROJECT BRIEF

The Client M/s R.S.S Trust had a requirement for a modern canteen for their Engineering College, located on Mysore road, Bangalore. The Structure needed to serve about 3000 meals per day and also serve as an inviting location for students who bring their own home cooled meals to sit down and eat with their mates.

The site allocated on the 50 Acre campus was near a river bank which had deteriorated into sewage drain carrying effluents from nearby settlements. This was once a river called Vrishabhavati, alas no more.

The space had to be attractive to the young students and also serve as common meeting point for some cultural activities.

CONCEPT & DESIGN

Upon visiting the site ,there was a large tree which served as a focal point of the design.The spaces were conceived as an envelope around the tree and creating relief spaces apart from the Canteen which we now converted to a ‘FOOD COURT/CAFÉ’. The formal dining zone was visually opened out towards the greenery around the focal point which was the tree!!

The inclined roof structure was conceived to be opened out towards the landscaped court which had the focal tree. Shops for refreshments were arranged in a circular fashion to create the envelope and also shield the space from the foul smelling river.

Various covered zones with built in furniture were created to invite the students to dine outdoors and enjoy the Bangalore weather. A mezzanine was introduced for the staff to dine .The mezzanine projected over the dining area as break in the otherwise large volume which was the dining area.

We had proposed that we could recycle the food wastes and generate Bio-Gas which could be used in cooking at the Café. Thereby reducing the environmental footprint of the building and also prevent garbage problems. This is being considered by the management committee.

MATERIAL PALLETE

The Café is a composite structure with a RCC structure forming the service zones and Kitchen areas. The Dining area is roofed over by a metal structure with metal columns exteneding into the landscape. The ‘Skin’ of the metal structure is made from metal and wired glass lewers to allow for maximum light and ventilation.

The Flooring is is integrated into the furniture design with the granite flooring pattern rising up from the floors and forming fixed table. Jaisalmer stone is the base material and granites provide the contrast.

Vibrant colours are used to infuse energy into the space and also from the Natural elements within the envelope.

DATE:10 May 2017