The concept of “Unity in Diversity” captures the essence of Indian culture, where the symbolic view of existence plays a crucial role. South India, with its peaceful lifestyle rooted in family values and traditions, is deeply influenced by its geographical location and the climatic conditions, both of which demand a sensitivity to symbolic and environmental elements.
Project Name: The community center
Studio Name: olay studio
This project seeks to symbolize unity, religion, and gender equality—particularly in light of the challenges faced by women in India—while also acknowledging the cultural importance of education, spirituality, and the value of motherhood. The design integrates significant symbols such as the Yantra and Mandala. The Mandala, representing the full circle and square, is an introverted form that combines structure and meaning, symbolizing the spiritual journey. The Yantra, derived from tantric traditions, is a geometric diagram that guides spiritual contemplation.Indian art, including that of SH Raza, serves as an inspiration. His work celebrates nature and merges geometric forms with spiritual concepts.
Design Concept:
- The combination of Mandala and Yantra forms.
- Inspiration drawn from SH Raza’s paintings.
- Integration with the natural environment and climatic considerations.
The architectural volume begins with a square shape and gradually transforms into a circle along the main axis (using 5x5m modules). The square symbolizes completeness, community, equality, and divinity (the physical world), while the circle represents unity and infinity (the spiritual world). The sloping northern wall, varying in height from east to west, seamlessly connects these two forms, fostering a sense of unity.Circular ponds, symbolic of the Bindu (the central point of the Yantra, representing God), are incorporated into the design. The Neem tree, a symbol of the divine feminine and protection, plays a central role in the project. The volume of the structure gently embraces the tree, akin to a mother holding her child, and a step garden is designed around it—providing a space for sitting, farming, or gardening, in harmony with water elements and a connection to the surrounding streets and verandas. This area serves as a venue for conversations, ceremonies, and social gatherings.To increase flexibility, the main spaces are housed in the first volume, while additional spaces are in a second, interconnected by a playground. This arrangement ensures comfort, ease of access, security, and supervision.
Climate Solutions:
The two-shell funnel roof is designed to efficiently collect rainwater, which is stored in wells and ponds, much like a traditional Indian courtyard.The roof’s console provides shade and shields against monsoon rains.A raised floor prevents water and insect intrusion, providing space for pipes, a rainwater harvesting tank, and purification systems.The well is located on the south side, near the kitchen garden.A step garden on the east side is irrigated with rainwater via a drip system, powered by an installed pump.Terracotta pipes are placed atop the walls to vent hot air, maintaining a cool indoor environment.Tall windows with wooden shutters allow for natural ventilation.
Materials:
The main structure and first roof are constructed from RCC.The second roof is made from reclaimed Mangalore tiles with a wooden framework.The foundation consists of cement bricks filled with soil.The walls are made of cement blocks coated with white cement.The floor and façade are brick-based, with a white cement finish to enhance thermal efficiency.
