Ar. Aarushi Kalra of RMDK Architects conceptualized an adaptive reuse project for the soon dysfunctional Rajghat Power Station in New Delhi, to build a Fashion Hub. The project harnesses the glamour of fashion as the medium to ignite the re-imagination of architecture’s value and the interpretation of beauty and style.

Aarushi Kalra Rajghat Power Plant

Located in the cultural hub of the city, in close proximity to prominent infrastructure of Delhi, the urban scape is transformed into an icon for fashion and design. The luminous and dynamic layers of building skin attract and lure. As users enter the building, the imagery is transformed into unique atmospheric experiences.

Aarushi Kalra
Being a fashion hub, the intention was to draw inspiration for the built form from folds of fabric. Blurring proposes new ways of thinking about architecture, presenting new ideas of what architecture can be. It creates an awareness that architectural design involves more than materials and static forms, it doesn’t necessarily need to have boundaries.

Ar. Aarushi Kalra

Aarushi Kalra
Keeping the important structures of the power plant in place, structural and programmatic changes were introduced to reinvent the complex. Immense importance was paid to the landscape and laying out of smaller functions by weaving integrative spaces to add a sense of scale and life to the expansive urban-scape.

As one looks around, platforms at various levels can be seen harbouring a variety of activities. With each new turn, comes a new experience may it be a fashion show against the Chimney, a visit into the studio courtyard to interact with various designers or losing oneself in the sweeping walls of the bazaar.

Standing by the water body, one can reminisce about the railway line with a coal trolley. As one looks up, the coal mill comes into focus that has been modified to line with fins that guard it from the harsh sun. The front of the coal mill has been modified to form a stage set for exhibits, while the coal hoppers form a backdrop for the projection of shows and visuals.

Walking up the flight of stairs, one is awed by the stark contrast between the rigid Power Plant woven with an entirely new language. The large floor skylights, the swooping strips, add a sense of scale to the space. On one side is the turbine hall, boldly treated with a piercing cut out, while on the other is the coal mill that has been minutely altered to keep the industrial character intact. Both are connected by strips in metal, that form bridges, walkways and a backdrop for the amphitheater.

Aarushi Kalra

Fashion and architecture were overlaid to treat the Rajghat Power Plant in a design language that does not overpower the existing framework but adds stylistic qualities of fashion to an industrial complex in a bold manner.