South Goa Collectorate

Vision

District Headquarters of South Goa Collectorate is a building that 'belongs', to the region and to the site being rooted in the regional & cultural milieu. The building is climatically responsive and environmentally sensitive. 'Timelessness' is a universal quality in architecture and this project exemplifies this infitude.

Located majestically along the NH-17, the architectural spatial experience of this building innovates, explores & experiments with the use of magnificent arches and majestic dome as elements of form, representative of awe & grandeur that this seat of power needs to portray. Weaving in modern technology, it is a paperless set up with computer networking at every desk.

"A state-of-the-art Collectorate, rooted in its past, standing in the present and futuristic in its planning is what we produced," says Ar. Rajiv Khanna.

Fact File:
Project: District Headquarters of South Goa Collectorate
Location: Margao, Goa
Architect: Studio KIA, Gurgaon
Site Area: 30,375 sqm. ( 7.5 acres)
Built Up Area: Over 4 lac sq. ft.
Project Status: Completed Feb 2013
Client: Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (GSIDC)
Design Team: Rajiv Khanna, Sabeena Khanna & Umang Garg
Text: Ar. Himani Ahuja

The vision was to create a one-of- its- kind model in the country which each state would want to emulate. The design brief highlighted on developing a system of paper less work in a typical government office and has an I.T enabled building with a computer at every desk. It was conceptualized to complement and enhance the working spirit of every Indian government official.

Planning Key Areas

The plan for District Headquarters has been carved from the architect's inception of intelligent planning, efficient zoning and sustainable building strategies. The Collectorate building has a built up area of nearly 4,00,000 sq.ft across 6 floors. It houses various departments and facilities for public convenience.

The incorporation of deep corridors and open windows all around was done to make the public spaces conducive to the local humid & wet climate, thereby adding a realm of relief and a unique dialogue between open and built. The façade creates an impression crowned with a central dome. The imposing dome, the extravagant porches, grand steps and coloured vertical glazing accentuates the stature and grandeur of the built form. The colored glazing which is contemporary in design yet vernacular in appeal is an emulation of the stained glass windows which are integral to Goa.

District Headquarters South Goa Collectorate

Design Strategies & Design Details

Form follows Function is an old paradigm and in this building form and function co-exist. The planning function desired the segregation of public movement and staff circulation at the horizontal plane yet has vertical connectivity which has been beautifully achieved by creating internal and external corridors for independent, designated circulation yet essaying the Iconic identity of the building.

A serious emphasis has been made to reinterpret Goa's vernacular architectural language by overlaying it with Portuguese Urbanism. The built form has been developed keeping into account the active and passive design strategies. Aligned on the true north-south axis, the access points into the building have been sited on the four cardinal points composing themselves through the grand porches.

District HQ South Goa Collectorate

The four corners, like the four 'stambhas' or the cosmic columns are the vertical circulation cores of the building, depicting the bond between earth and the heaven. The north end of the site has a large Parade ground for formal government functions.

The stately dome or the 'chhatra' is the embodiment of kingship and is symbolic of a blessing. It is the most important area of the building and in this case it encases the V.I.P. lobby which opens onto a grand porch terrace having the flag hoist.

District Headquarters South Goa Collectorate Goa

All apertures in the façade are highlighted with white frames against the deep yellow façade conjuring the old perspective of Portuguese architecture. The building looks breathtakingly beautiful in the evening when the façade is lit up. The extents of the site with extensive landscape complete the overall design. The landscaped courtyards serve as the breathing zones which infuse fresh life into the building. The elevation braces the structure & defines each element in detail. It is designed to unambiguously communicate efficiency, control & manifest cultural ethics.

South Goa Collectorate Studio KIA

"The building stands testimony to the administrative function, providing a whole new dimension to it."

District Headquarters building is a climatically suited building with deep overhangs & corridors with central landscaped courtyards for air circulation & spaces emphasizing on cross ventilation. Energy efficient lighting has been adhered to as well with large openings for natural light.

South Goa Collectorate Margao

The building is not only climatically suited but is also functionally disabled friendly where all the accesses are defined and easily accessible. Public convenience has been one of the prominent features of the project. Provision of tactile on the floor (blind paths), handicapped-user-friendly restrooms, ramps with handrails have been incorporated in the structure. Public dealing counters for active interaction and facilities such as Citizens Facilitation Centre and Senior Citizens room have also been weaved in the exemplary design of the structure.

Scope of work/Products Company name
Audio Visual and IP Telephony : M/s. Siemens Enterprises Communication Pvt. Ltd.
Woodwork : M/s. Concept Creator
Modular furniture : 3M/s. Durian Industries Ltd.
Decorative glazing : M/s. R. S. Lawande
Landscaping : M/s. Vrindavan Agricultural Services
Elevators : M/s. Thyssenkrupp Elevator (I) Pvt. Ltd.
Light fixtures & Switchgear : Crompton greaves & Schneider
AC equipment : Blue star
False ceiling tiles : Saint Gobain

Structure & Materials

RCC frame structure with brick infill walls in the superstructure is supplemented with local Laterite stone in the sub soil structure and boundary wall.

Plastered finish in the typical Goan colors & character along with the traditional cast iron railings, Mangalore tile roofing and stained glass glazing completes the Portuguese character.

Easy to maintain stone & tile floorings indoors, non skid floorings in weather-exposed areas and marble flooring in VIP areas have been used. Grass pavers in parking / landscaped areas and concrete road owing to heavy rains in the region have been laid.

Sliding UPVC windows, best suited for the humid and windy climate, have been used so that no open, hinged shutter can hurt anyone in this public building. Tremendous emphasis has been laid on making the building as people friendly and safe as possible.

Studio KIA South Goa Collectorate

Material consumption

21,000 cu.m. of concrete, 3000 tons of steel and 2,50,000 bags of cement was consumed during the construction of this building. 3,00,000 liters of water storage is provided as well.

A majestic building showcasing various strands of Goan-portuguese architecture amalgamates with the character of its vicinity and yet stands out because of its futuristic offerings. The District Headquarters building defines Goa's architecture creating a statement of belonging.

An iconic structure has risen for Goa which provides a whole new identity to the place and has established itself as a place of pride!