Sanjay Puri

Fluid forms enmeshed together in parts and emerging from each other in parts constitute this small building.  Within an extremely small plot measuring only 1300 sq. m., a mixed use building programme based on the clients needs had to be adhered to.
 
Worldwide, most public buildings for arts are created on large parcels of land with large built up areas allowing for generous circulation spaces, large gallery spaces are mostly planned in ONE or TWO levels, most on plots of area over 8000 sq.
 
On this small plot of only 1300 sq. m. in an upcoming business hub in Mumbai, we faced the daunting task of creating two art gallery spaces, an auditorium and a cafeteria within only 1000 sq. m. in addition to another 1000 sq. m. of office space, that will generate funds for the art society to be run as a social organization promoting the arts. With an available floor area at each level of only 450 sq. m. within which vertical circulation had to be separately provided for both the art society facilities and the office area, the art facilities are spread over 3 levels.
 
To allow the internal spaces to be perceived as larger, curvilinear walls fluidly demarcate spaces at each individual level and across the three levels, with small voids that provide visual integration. This language is carried through from the inside to the outside with undulating walls across the horizontal and vertical planes, creating a sculptural form for the art spaces from which a small office block rises above as a separate entity, yet integrated into the lower volumes.
 
The cafeteria is located on the northern side, overlooking an open exhibition ground and is provided with a small north-facing terrace space, usable through the day, as it is not exposed to direct sunlight. Although the spaces seem small in plan, they are visually perceived as being larger due to the seamless integration of walls and ceilings, and the fluid spaces created increase depth.
 
Fluid spaces across the three lower levels house the art gallery spaces and their allied functions with walls flowing into roofs homogeneously. The fluidity of form seen externally, with a concrete skin encapsulating spaces while undulating on both the horizontal and vertical planes, is carried through to the interior volumes making the entire experience as that of moving through a sculpture
 
A separate entrance lobby at the rear corner leads one up vertically onto the fourth level, the office space, which is angled to allow the offices unrestricted views of the sea in the distance. The office spaces are encapsulated above with floor to ceiling glass panels in the direction of the sea. The office block is perched 6 m. above the gallery spaces allowing the art galleries to be sky lit. Thus within this small 1300 sq. m. plot, two distinct sets of spaces are created, each with its own discernible identity, and yet enmeshed together to create a uniquely sculptural building.