In the temporary structures, the element of sustainability is often nil. However, proving it wrong, Studio 919 Architects planned a 5 day Satsang event in Rajkot Gujarat having sustainability at its core. On the occasion of World Environment Day, as a part of #MeTooEarth campaign SURFACES REPORTER (SR) takes you through the project:
The brief was to plan Satsang event for janma Jayanti in Rajkot. It was a 5-day event, opened for public from all over the world. The event contains various activities for all age group like Satsang hall, Play area, Theme park, Food court, Amphitheatre, Accommodation, Installations, etc. While planning, responding to the context, came the idea of the culture and social element of Rajkot can be used which would act as platforms for different elements provide space and surface for varied installation in art form to be exhibited, making the space more vibrant and ornamented.
Central Plan
Focused on complete pedestrian experience, the layout is zoned in 5 parts- Parking, entrance, Satsang hall, Children park and Theme park, Food court and Accommodations. While planning, the main aim was to zone the area according to the connectivity and convenience of the requirement given by the client. Structurally, the built structure includes hall and pandals which was planned in the modular grid system.
There were nodes and open space which was used as open exhibition of traditional Rajkot lifestyle through various art and installation. The installations which were designed were thought of how fast can they be built within less amount of time.
Designed on the concept of reduce, reuse, recycle, refuse and reform, built with locally available, economic and recyclable material. With the concept, major concern was that of a temporary yet sturdy structure that could be moved to different location if needed.
Installation- Bamboo Tree
The satsang with the goal of spreading peace, harmony and ultimate bliss to the world through the science of Akram Vignan - the science of Self Realization. The tree represents peace, as the trunks bend without breaking. With their striking spare shape they represent new beginnings. It also represents intuition and inner strength and balance and promise in your life. Taking this concept ahead, the architect break down the parts of the tree to make the installation and having the meaning of what tree is in life.
As bamboo was available in the local area, made it the material for this structure as it can be sturdy against wind, can easily bend to make this form can be reused again and can be shifted easily when needed. The structure height is varied between 10’ to 20’. It is made of 2.5’’ thick bamboo pole and supported and tied by MS frame from inside. The bamboo cost 60/piece.
Installation- Clay Leaf
Taking leaf as the second element, the veins of the leaf is replaced by the composition of terracotta tawa which is eco- friendly and bio - degradable. This installation is located at entrance and serves as the backdrop for the deity. The hard board is used as the support for the tawa and it is nailed on plank.
Installation- Children Park
Spare tyre was brought from the local garages to make various playing elements for the kids. To make it more attractive for kids, tyre was painted with a character.
Installation- Water Bottles reuse
Other Installation
Use of local crafts & vernacular elements of saurastra were widely used for the decoration purposes.
PROJECT SIZE: 1,200,000 sq.ft.
LOCATION: RAJKOT, GUJARAT
STRUCTURE TYPE : TEMPORARY( 5-DAY EVENT)
About the architect
Studio 919 Architects is a multidiscplinary firm led by Ar Devdutt Pandya and Shaily Shukla- Pandya. The firm has accompalished over 350 projects of varying scale and nature in the field of Master Planning, Residential & Housing Development, Industrial & Institutional Projects and Recreational & Commercial Developments.
About SURFACES REPORTER's #MetooEarth Campaign on World Environment Day
As part of our ongoing activities towards promoting environment friendly sustainable initiatives, SURFACES REPORTER has started the #MeTooEarth Campaign showcasing selected entries received from people with innovations, initiatives, designs, projects, products and activities from around the design world that inspire and take one step forward towards a eco friendly, sustainable future for all. Keep Watching this space..
#MeTooEarth | Projects & Innovations that will inspire you | World Environment Day Campaign by SURFACES REPORTER
#MeTooEarth| Rugs made from Japanese Washi paper yarns | World Environment Day, 5 June, 2021 | SR Sustainable Material
#MeTooEarth | Quick Tour of Delhi Based Architect Nilanjan Bhowal Green Home | Surfaces Reporter
A building with microclimate|Marwah, Jalandhar | #MeTooEarth | World Environment Day, 5 June, 2021 | SR Eco project
Organic interior with limited budget| The Rustic Home, Pune | Silhouette Architects & Designers | #MeTooEarth | World Environment Day, 5 June, 2021 | SR Eco project
Keep reading SURFACES REPORTER for more such articles and stories.
Join us in SOCIAL MEDIA to stay updated
SR FACEBOOK | SR LINKEDIN | SR INSTAGRAM | SR YOUTUBE
Further, Subscribe to our magazine | Sign Up for the FREE Surfaces Reporter Magazine Newsletter
Also, check out Surfaces Reporter’s encouraging, exciting and educational WEBINARS here.