Features:

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As a public building, it attempts to be a landmark in its zone representing in its form – the time, context and function. The built form is accentuated by a large floating roof that opens up in four wings to breathe in the light. The walls strategically move out in angles to amplify the effect. Elements of energy efficiency such as the fully shaded walls, roof vents and reflective white tiles; of water conservation such as all water being collected in the landscape ponds and of low carbon footprint such as the fly ash brick construction are integral to the design of the building. 

Design Brief:

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36 different interactive exhibits were to be located in and around this building. These were permanent exhibits, most of them interactive and would educate the visitors on the different theoretical and practical aspects of the use of Renewable energy. The building would also have to reflect its purpose.

Design Intervention:

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We worked on the form of the building to achieve two distinct spaces –Circulation zones and exhibition rooms. The entrance, flow from one room to other, exit and outdoor verandah all were given a stable flat roof that chanelled all the roof water at 2 places and connected to the landscape in all 4 directions. This water collects in the ponds visible from inside the said area. The exhibition rooms where people would interact with the exhibits was made cooler and comfortable by increasing the height to bring in natural light and ventilation. The entire building is temperate all through the year. The difference in temperature is especially felt during the summer afternoons.

Our take away:

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We had proposed this building in load bearing rammed earth walls and hollow terracotta precast roof. However, it was only approved when we changed the materials to the mentioned. We learnt to be open to possibilities and accept the limitations as challenges to still create the environment that we had intended to.