Cultural Center
Ahemdabad, India
A proposal that reimagines the extent of conservation efforts and design of cultural center.
Background
The Sankaar Kendra is a pivotal work by Le Corbusier, representing the culmination of the “museum of unlimited growth” concept. This idea, proposed in 1931, employs the design principle of a nautilus, radiating outward from the center to create a sense of unrestricted expansion. However, Ahmedabad's extreme climate has caused material failure of the exterior and interior walls, putting the Grade-1 heritage site at risk.
The Sankaar Kendra is a pivotal work by Le Corbusier, representing the culmination of the “museum of unlimited growth” concept. This idea, proposed in 1931, employs the design principle of a nautilus, radiating outward from the center to create a sense of unrestricted expansion. However, Ahmedabad's extreme climate has caused material failure of the exterior and interior walls, putting the Grade-1 heritage site at risk.
Situation:
Despite its innovative design, Ahmedabad's extreme climate has compromised the building's materials, jeopardizing the heritage site.
Task: The project at hand is not merely to conserve the building as is but to adapt its envelope to better suit the climate and introduce programs that encourage more interaction with contemporary audiences.
Task: The project at hand is not merely to conserve the building as is but to adapt its envelope to better suit the climate and introduce programs that encourage more interaction with contemporary audiences.
Site Context
Ahmedabad, a bustling metropolis in Gujarat, is renowned for its rich historical heritage, vibrant culture, and significant role in India's textile industry. The city's diverse population and culinary delights, ranging from traditional Gujarati cuisine to flavors from across India, make it a unique and dynamic destination.
The Sanskaar Kendra is located in the city of Ahemdabad, India. The Sabarmati River and Tagore Hall, a music and performance center are located close to it. This region was intially developed as a cultural hub. However, the lcoation remains in active given lack of public engagement.
Action - Response to Climate: Introducing varied brick-laying patterns to the building's envelope creates a secondary structure that allows air to flow through small apertures, reducing the temperature inside without additional cooling units.
Action - Cultural Integration: The brick-laying patterns reference classical regional architecture, visually connecting the building to its majestic precedents.
Design Intent
The Sankaar Kendra is a pivotal work by Le Corbusier, representing the culmination of the “museum of unlimited growth” concept. This idea, proposed in 1931, employs the design principle of a nautilus, radiating outward from the center to create a sense of unrestricted expansion. However, Ahmedabad's extreme climate has caused material failure of the exterior and interior walls, putting the Grade-1 heritage site at risk.
The Sankaar Kendra is a pivotal work by Le Corbusier, representing the culmination of the “museum of unlimited growth” concept. This idea, proposed in 1931, employs the design principle of a nautilus, radiating outward from the center to create a sense of unrestricted expansion. However, Ahmedabad's extreme climate has caused material failure of the exterior and interior walls, putting the Grade-1 heritage site at risk.
Result: The once underutilized and deteriorating building has become an epicenter for community engagement. This proposal challenges ]cannonical definitions of conservation efforts, breathing new life into a historic structure.