Deconstructivism and abstraction of form appears to be a running theme in the projects completed by Malik Architecture, Mumbai. With an experience of above 40 years in the field, Malik Architecture has created dynamic projects throughout the landscape of the country and in countries abroad as well.
Ranging from institutional to premium residences to apartments and research centres, they have successfully unified all their projects with striking facades and practical architectural solutions. They have challenged every design principle prescribed in the books and given reality of design and architecture a face.
1. American School of Bombay, Mumbai, 85,000 Sq. Ft.
Built around the central courtyard, the American School of Bombay fits within itself an entire elementary school without seeming to bulky on the outside. From the approach the building is raised onto a podium marking the ground floor level. The school has 4 levels with residential and sports facilities as well. The centrality of the courtyard gives a visual accessibility of various levels to all the levels. A clear sense of spaces is defined from the entrance atrium itself, leading into the second floor, the cafeteria and the library
2. Architect’s Loft, Mumbai, 800 Sq. Ft.
If one is looking for a project that judiciously executed for maximising functionality without compromising on the aesthetics, The Architect’s Loft is an excellent example. The depth of the site is enhanced by eliminating the need for partitions to segregate spaces, allowing one space to open into the other. The skylight brings in the essence of the natural light. There are 2 distinct mezzanine area at the same level but disconnected to allow privacy. The tree at one of the site gives a feeling of a personal courtyard to the residents.
3. Grande Palladium, Mumbai, 1, 80,000 Sq. Ft.
Keeping in the line with the shift of the city into urbanisation, the Malik Architects have used the location of site to their advantage to experiment with the structure. This steel structure is emblematic to the deconstructive ideologies of the architects visible at its façade. The challenge of creating a 3-storey podium as per planning restrictions in the area was turned into an advantage by allowing for a visual barrier from the street and for incorporating landscape.
4. IIT Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 15,55,000 Sq. Ft.
The development of the master plan of the campus starts at a point, a ‘Bindu’ creating the origin and circulation for the campus. All the academic, administrative and other facilities manifest themselves from one central point. The design of the campus works on macro-levels and micro-levels to create a net-zero building. Manning itself with the support of the various local communities, the IIT Hyderabad campus has set design goals on various levels, from environmental, social, economical and architectural points of view.
5. Ishanya- Design and Exposition Centre, Pune, 6,00,000 Sq. Ft.
As professionals in the field of architecture, Malik Architects understood the need for an integrated space for the expression of inter-related professions of architecture, engineering, interiors and fine arts. For such a space, a grand display of architectural principles used to its maximum potential was vital. From various uses of forms, a rhythm, movement, linearity, continuity the architects have explored every aspect of design to express creativity in the most relevant context.
6. K-Lagoon, Alibag, 15,000 sqft.
A perfect blend of man-made forms and landscape. The residence has multiple courts and water bodies creating visual connectivity and a sense of togetherness with nature. Materials used, are all locally sourced making it more vernacular.
7. Lupin Research Park, Pune, 1,40,000 sqft.
Earth walls, serene water courts, openness, light and shadow play, Malik Architecture never fails to help a user appreciate the nature in all its glory. Using almost every element of nature, the architects have created a juxtaposition of man made and natural elements seamlessly.
8. Marwah Centre, Mumbai, 1,00,000 sqft.
The Marwah Centre is a commercial project. The unique form of the building cannot go unnoticed. The approach of the building has a live water body adjacent to the entrance with metal rafters reflecting of the glass façade. The entire entrance together gives a dynamic sense of movement to the building. The shape of the building with projecting slabs allows more spaces to be lit up with sunlight and provide diffused lighting to lower floors.
9. Onward Novell, Mumbai, 1,65,000 sqft.
This malad stone (locally available) structure exhibits a fine contrast between rigid rectangles and flowing curves. The concept of wave depicted through the shadows pf the pergola symbolises the timelessness of mankind and the cycle of life. The company’s continuous growth is expressed aptly through the architecture of the building.
10. Residence at Alibag, 11,354 sqft.
This residence on a hill in Alibag, having won many awards, uses the views of the natural landscape around juxtaposed with the Mumbai skyline in the distance. The beauty of the house lies in its modern interpretation to connect with nature on various levels with various overlapped forms. This concrete and steel creation gives intimacy and a sense of openness at the same time.
11. Residence at Pune, 18,000 sqft.
Experiencing the silence and serenity in the house was given priority in the project. The natural flow of elements like the water channel installation, the floating stairs and the cantilevered bench give a sense of tranquillity one needs at home. The minimalistic approach combined with the sustainable efforts like channelling solar energy, water harvesting, grey water recycling has set a great example for sensible living in this age.
12. Residence at Mumbai, 20,000 sqft
Often buildings stand the test of time due to their durability. Here is a building that was offered for partial renovation to Malik Architects expecting them to tap the full potential of the place in terms of functionality and cultural identity. The Moorish architecture style with the horse-shoe arched windows gave a character to the building along with cultural longevity which was only further enhanced.
13. Mansigh Resort, Jodhpur, 1,45,000 sqft.
The plan was conceptualised around a linear axis that takes visitors through multiple courts, pavilions and landscape elements. To create a visual connectivity with the outside, large fenestrations were designed on most facades. Multiple buildings have a beautiful play of light and shadows achieved with the local architectural elements of marble jalis.
14. Infrastructure Development Finance Company, Mumbai, 70,000sqft.
This rectangular space took up a more interesting narrative when the architects decided to incorporate the ideas of curves inspired by the ‘bindu’, Aryabhatta’a zero and the egg as a representation of Brahma to temper. The design reflected a blend of contemporary and Indian ideologies. Neither of the ideologies overpowered the other, giving a sense of simplicity and sophistication.
15. Taj Vivanta, Lonavala, 1.63,200 sqft.
The site provides much regional context with Buddhist caves and forts around it. Again, using the nature’s elements, like water, air and energy conservation, the design of the resort is very mindful interspaced with courts, decks and water bodies. This perfect getaway houses a bar, gift shop, premium rooms, pools and many other facilities, each taking complete advantage of the view around.
