Typology : Cultural
Location : Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Built-up area : 16315 m²
Status : Unbuilt
The attempt is to build a narrative of an identity – of the making of a history, of an identity in transition and of belonging. The proposed interpretation centre is inspired by the experience of the monuments in the Quli Qutb Shahi Archaeological Park and the Golconda Fort, which emote a timeless quality through an interplay of geometry-structure, space-light, material-texture, scale-rhythm, and solid-void. Medieval, and particularly, Islamic architecture have evolved over centuries an architectural grammar, based on development and refinement of modular systems of arches, tessellations and domes.
site & design brief - analysis
Diverse building types were constructed traditionally, exploring iterations of an adequate module in response to a specific use, i.e. the Hamam, a linear building type or the tomb, a singular square based typology, universal in their nature. These archetypes in their techniques of form and efficacies, invaluable and inspirational, are integrated conceptually into the project.
The proposal deliberates on the impossibility of understanding the rich arc of historical value and essence of the given site and aims at reframing a fraction of its context by embodying the unique order of the existing architectural style. It is an articulation of continuity and aims to present the values of an embedded process within the design of an independent yet interconnected, architectonic expression.
The proposal attempts to contemporize this very planning & construction ethos, however reduces the overall weight as well construction time, by making use of presently available materials, precast technologies/techniques and engineering skills. The derived framework made of detail precast RCC is considered for flexibility and a light imprint on the site. Iterations of structurally and cost-effective singular module of 7.0m x7.0m, using compression-based building system of stacked precast columns, column segments, arched beams, shallow domes and green roof remain consistent with the diverse building programme.
building system- spatial typologies
The module is presented as a device of exploration of histories, of organization of planes, and of construction and materiality. By the virtue of its replicability, it adds up to a benefit of variety yet retains cohesiveness in the architectural vocabulary. Perceptually, a matrix of pavilions and punctuations is created in the enclosure that emphasizes on the symbolic, the visual continuity with the context, but more importantly, a fundamental and functional harmony. On different levels, it characterizes and occupies the enclosure differently – almost, as if the earth is carved or sculpted out in levels to accommodate the programme.
It is submerged into the ground and only double height spaces which are large, naturally lit, yet protected from rains, are seen as an extension to the otherwise subterranean exhibition spaces ,along with the large embanked earth blocks, containing the existing protected trees, whilst giving identity to the proposed galleries.
elevation from main road
The strategy of submerging buildings into the ground in hot climate zones develops three efficiencies: it ensures reduction of energy consumption due to heat gain through large exposed surfaces, moderates the quantum and quality of daylight, which can be detrimental to the artefact, and reduces cost of construction by minimizing glazing areas. To sustain this approach further, earth cooling, a notably viable climate conditioning system for a public project and cost-effective since excavation has to be undertaken for development of the Lower ground floor (Lvl.-7.60m) or radiant cooling, are proposed along with efficient routing of services, ducting, cables and pipes below the compression based foundations, inspired by traditional methods applied in “Hamams”.
The circulation spine – prominent paths and ramps, conceived as a part of the grand “promenade” through the galleries, are tied up with the visitors’ tour through the Heritage Park and through their continuity, provide a connectivity to the Restaurant, OAT and a small monument adjacent to the Centre and meander back to the entrance/exit.
All single and double height modules have reinforced exposed concrete shallow domes, subdivided by multiple units of smaller structural domes in line with the overall load distribution. This variation in surface introduces granularity to the otherwise smooth surface and creates an acoustical effect of diffusion that dominates over any convergent focusing from the overall dome shape and adds an ornament to the underlying structure and experience of space.
The museum design is focused largely on the the quality of experience the interior generates. It is set in symmetry and an index of layers is recessed into the ground, which work with vision, perception, light, and spatial encounters.
The anatomy of the entire complex is carrying forward experiences that inspired us to design of this complex, the Qutb Shahi Heritage Park, and which we started with. The attempt is to build a narrative of an identity – of the making of a history, of an identity in transition and of belonging.
