The multifunctional hall stands as a testament to both aesthetic intrigue and functional excellence. Its captivating form not only beckons guests for special occasions but also offers a haven of comfort and spatial richness to regular users.
Project Name: The Pebble
Studio Name: Karun Kumbera Architects and Urbanists
Structure Area: 40,000 sq. ft
Year: 2017
Design Team: Karun Kumbera, Abhishek Holla, Rizwan Firnas
Renders: Justin. V. Jose & Rizwan Firnas
Structural Associate: B.L. Manjunath
The distinctive form of the multifunctional hall is generated from its nuanced response to climatic conditions and its versatility in accommodating various functions. This is achieved through a free span design, employing a shell structure with an ultra-light metal membrane, optimized by a diagrid structure, or a tubular woven structure. A defining feature is the inverted crescent-shaped clerestory, which functions as a structural girder to facilitate ventilation for a passive cooling system.
Metal membrane walls, extending from the earth, unfold outward facing the ground thus shaded from the sun on the exterior and shielding inhabitants from radiant heat. This design approach not only mitigates heat but also enhances the perceived spaciousness of the interior horizontally.
On the southern side, the outward-folding membrane wall curves towards the north, forming the roof, while on the opposite end, it curves southward to create a clerestory truss.
The thermo-sensitive approach ensures a 3-meter opening at the top between the central bow trusses by offsetting them, however, the offset trusses meet at the ground level generating the inverted crescent form.
The intention is to keep the lower 4 meters of the volume well-ventilated and cool; this is achieved by letting the hot air that is accumulated under the roof escape through the opening between the roof in large volumes and allowing air at the lower level through relatively small openings to effectively cool the space using Bernoulli’s principle and create a constant current of air. Additionally, the waterbody that surrounds the structure at the base not only helps the cooling mechanism by precooling the air that is drawn in but also serves as an open rainwater harvesting pool, with overflow directed towards rainwater recharge points, replenishing the aquifer.
The building system is conceived as a multi-pronged approach where the pre-crafted superstructure is fabricated off-site while onsite work of the foundation and the platform is being worked on. This parallel process helps reduce the timelines for the construction process and helps economize .
The multifunctional space is designed to thrive in hot and humid or hot and dry environments, making it ideal for regions where extreme temperatures are common. With its innovative climate-responsive features, the hall offers a comfortable environment year-round, ensuring that events and gatherings can be enjoyed regardless of external weather conditions. Its adaptability to diverse climates makes it a versatile choice for a wide range of locations, from tropical coastal areas to arid desert regions.
Sporting Activities, Music concerts, Theatre performances, Weddings, Product launches,Automobile launch events, automobile showroom, Conferences, Exhibitions, Cultural events, Gala dinners, Award ceremonies, Corporate events, Educational seminars, Trade shows, Community gatherings, Charity events.
