The cities in the global south are experiencing rapid development and an unprecedented scale of urban sprawl, all resulting from a large-scale migration of rural populations to these booming urban centres of aspiration and growth. As a result, the boundaries of these cities are ever-expanding to make space for new citizens, resulting in significant infrastructure upgrades in the peripheral neighbourhoods to accommodate the needs of the residents. It is in such areas of development that good public infrastructure becomes an indicator of thoughtful development that not only responds to the needs of people but also fosters vibrant community life.
The AUDA Reading Centre by Ar. Shaan Patel is one such remarkable example of good public infrastructure, situated in the growing peripheral neighbourhood of Bopal in the city of Ahmedabad. An undertaking by the city’s urban development authority, the reading centre is envisioned to serve as a secluded space for study and preparations for school, college, or open examinations for students who lack a conducive environment at their homes
Architectural Expression
The reading centre is approached from a narrow street, shaded by the surrounding low-rise, affordable housing clusters. As one approaches, the structure is gradually revealed with the first noticeable feature being the exposed brickwork that wraps the building envelope on all sides. When observing the building from outside, it becomes evident that the interplay of porosity with the brick jali work in the otherwise solid brick wall and the continuous band of frosted glass that strips the facade in unequal parts brings in light and gives the structure its distinct identity. Moreover, it is the building’s striking horizontal form and contextual thoughtfulness visible in its scale and proportions that brings harmony to its architectural expression, one which is not loud or boastful, but rather pleasing and yet identifiable in the chaotic residential neighbourhood.
Architectural Layout
Upon walking down the premises, from the site entry, one is revealed to be the semi-open space beneath the rectangular form that floats over the concrete frames. The architectural planning positions the service block and entrance lobby, including the administrative office area, on the front roadside of the site. Meanwhile, the semi-open shaded space is situated at the rear, where it is secluded from the outside by the high perimeter walls. This area offers a pleasing reading environment, enhanced by the surrounding vegetation on three sides.
The Introverted Reading Spaces
The rectangular mass is utilised for two floors of reading spaces, identical in plan, with large central open areas allowing for the arrangement of rows of tables to facilitate reading activities. Both reading spaces are wrapped on their periphery by cantilevered passageways, with concrete frames in between, forming thresholds of spatial change. The spatial change is further understood by the user on each floor as he moves from the Kota finished lobby to the black Kadappa finished passageway in his movement within the reading centre.
While the ground floor of the reading centre provides a level of openness with views of the outside, the upper two floors are more introverted in their planning. The use of frosted glass provides diffused light suitable for reading throughout the day. On the first floor, the band of frosted glass runs along the outer periphery above eye level, creating a soft, even illumination, but it is offset on the inside to form clerestory windows on the above floor. This slight change in the position of the frosted glass band allows for a different volumetric experience and a more intimate passageway on the second floor of the reading centre.
The Vertical Transition Spine
The building features a striking vertical transition spine casted in reinforced concrete and finished with black kadappa stone. It is elegantly complemented by railing elements made of wood and steel. The real beauty of the staircase is rendered when the frosted glass windows on the top floor bathe it with diffused light throughout the day. The designs of the concrete structural elements here feature a variety of strategically placed cutouts like the one on the supporting wall of the staircase. These thoughtfully designed cutouts not only break the monotony of the concrete walls but also serve to create visual connections that otherwise would have been simple blank walls devoid of any interest.
The AUDA Reading Centre is an example of how thoughtful design decisions, shaped by the idea of creating a supportive space for the function, can result in great experiences. This is exemplified in the inherent idea of keeping the building introverted, which is further supported by its material palette and the integration of natural light. The subtle interplay between openness and seclusion creates a tailored environment that fosters concentration and reflection. Therefore, the reading centre not only serves its immediate functional purpose but also stands as a testament to the importance of good public infrastructure in developing neighbourhoods of our cities.
References:
Patel, S. (2022) Shaan Bimal Patel · Bopal Civic Centre, Divisare. Available at: https://divisare.com/projects/462595-shaan-bimal-patel-bopal-civic-centre (Accessed: 04 July 2024).
