Concept : Two key ideas drive the design: First, the context of the trees on the site; and, second, the metaphor of transparency used in tandem with the structural inversion of political hierarchies. These two ideas meshed perfectly with the ideals of the prospective clients, who sought to use such metaphors in redefining popular perceptions of government.
Respecting the surrounding trees with the intent to build around them without destroying them, the design thus defers to their venerable age. Pragmatically, the building’s form—in both elevation and plan—directly responds to the size and location of the trees on the site.
The structure is suspended from a roof truss system in a manner similar to that of limestone stalactites that grow downward from the roof of a cave. From this truss, the networks of inverted pods are designed to be denser
toward the top of the structure, with all general staff and services being placed near the supporting truss. The order of conventional spatial organization is thus inverted by placing the greater occupational density toward the top of the structure. The structure thus de-materializes
with the lower office pods hanging between the canopies of the trees.
These floors remain visible from below, thereby visually and symbolically re-enforcing trust in government. The ground floor is then restored to the populace as a public domain, a ‘tabula rasa’ left free of any office functions.
The ‘Rajaswa Bhawan’ is envisaged as an edifice epitomizing India’s changing attitudes. The use of glass fosters a belief in the public’s perception of Government, as moving from a closed, opaque and stoic system to a more open and transparent one. The inversion of conventional hierarchies lays foundation to the strength that common Indian’s have in their resources, and encourages their use in a manner that supports open and effective
government.
Must see this pic taken by Humayunn Peerzada)
