In an era where societal interaction and communal existence are cherished, the need for innovative design becomes paramount. Redefining the use of public spaces and extending them into an urban interior realm, the East Kidwai Nagar Exhibition Centre takes center-stage. Under the vision of STHAPATI, the upcoming Exhibition Center represents sustainable solutions with a focus on both communities and the environment, and a design approach that aligns with the evolving needs of modern urban living.
The East Kidwai Nagar Exhibition Centre is not merely a building but a transformative intervention in the urban landscape that exemplifies the power of built public spaces to create dynamic, inclusive, and environmentally conscious environments that anticipate the future needs of urban dwellers.
Harsh Varshenya - Director & Principal Architect, STHAPATI
Transparency and Porosity for Visual Intergeneration
Strategically positioned along the main ring road connecting major hubs in New Delhi, the site boasts high visibility and proximity to the bustling South Extension commercial center, famed for lifestyle shopping.Since the surrounding urban fabric is a very dense settlement, the three-storey structure’s surreal elevation design elevates the building. The novel design ensures porosity, and a visual connection across the two sides of The Exhibition Centre, making it a conversation starter in the gentrifying neighborhood.
Despite its airy appearance, the site plan was initially very restrictive regarding boundaries. Hence, the end-to-end large column-free spaces bring spatial depth to the compact space. The ground floor entrance lobbies feature transparent glass walls to enhance visibility and porosity. The ingenious use of screened fenestrations allows soft patterns of light and shadow on the floor throughout the day. They also provide views of the bustling Ring Road, seamlessly connecting the interior with the external urban fabric.
Sustainable and Prefabricated Construction: A Model for the Future
Acknowledging the dense settlement surrounding the site, the design concept is for the design to ‘lift’ the building, allowing for ground-level use as a covered public space, basking in natural light and ventilation while extending into the surrounding urban fabric. This design choice ensures porosity and visual connectivity and positions the Exhibition Centre as a landmark in the heart of New Delhi.The project’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its prefabricated construction, significantly reducing on-site pollution and waste generation. Using the latest construction techniques, it minimized waste and accelerated construction using prefab methods, chemical compounds for water reduction, and efficient site management.
The use of vibrant shades on exposed steel structures inside the exhibition space celebrates the building’s structure and contributes to a vibrant, cheerful atmosphere that stimulates community interactions.
A Symphony of Steel and Space
The Exhibition Centre is a three-story structure, defying conventions with its complete steel framework, featuring expansive spans of unsupported column-free spaces reaching 35 meters. Its innovative design addresses spatial constraints and creates a covered public space at ground level, maximizing usability for the residents of East Kidwai Nagar.Upon entering the grand double-height lobby, visitors are greeted with lifts guiding them to Level 1, dedicated to exhibition spaces, and Level 2, a community center fostering social interactions.
The reconfigurable exhibition spaces include ample community spaces with panoramic views on the upper decks; and duly screened jali work awnings on the terrace to allow alfresco events. The intricate, latticed GRC Jali façade inspired by a character typical to Lutyens Delhi is more than just a GRC screen; it integrates an expansive LED screen, transforming the building into a dynamic canvas that comes alive, offering both function and aesthetics for a captivating urban experience.
The project serves as a rallying point for a paradigm shift in how we approach urban design. The Exhibition Centre stands as a testament to the potential of public buildings to shape and reflect the changing dynamics of urban life, emphasizing the importance of inclusive design practices for a more sustainable and equitable future.
Acknowledging the increasing importance of indoor spaces, particularly public interiors, in shaping and mirroring the changing dynamics of cities, the design for The Exhibition Centre is designed with inclusivity in mind, creating a unique ‘public realm’. The Exhibition Centre emphasizes the crucial role of interior design in addressing broader issues of urbanism, livability, and equity in public indoor spaces.
