Surface Design Awards – Complete

• COMMERCIAL BUILDING - EXTERIOR
  Commercial Buildings that are used for commercial purposes, and include retail, hospitality, workplaces, factories and warehouses and buildings where commercial services are provided. At least 50 percent of the buildings’ floor space will be used for commercial activities.

In response to Bangalore's status as an educational epicenter, the visionary organization "JITO," Bangalore, embarked on the creation of a cutting-edge hostel facility for female students in the city's vibrant heart. This architectural endeavor sought to offer essential amenities, security, and affordability within the densely populated Central Business District.
Embracing a Brutalist architectural style, the design team aspired to craft a socially engaging and environmentally sustainable environment, characterized by timelessness and eco-friendliness.
Central to the design concept was the goal of enhancing student interaction, orchestrating a seamless integration between indoor spaces and the surrounding landscape.
Upon entering the premises, one is greeted by a grand entrance lobby, which serves not only as a welcoming space but also as a functional hub housing the administrative section and meeting rooms designed to facilitate interactions between parents and students. Beyond this pivotal threshold, access is meticulously restricted through biometric access control measures, ensuring the safety and security of the residents
This vision materialized through the dynamic central atrium, serving as a versatile nexus for a myriad of activities, fostering robust intercommunication among residents. Given the diverse origins of the inhabitants, the architecture itself was conceived as an open, welcoming entity, facilitating the development of a strong social bond among its occupants.
The central atrium, a multifunctional marvel, not only promotes social interaction but also harnesses the power of natural light as a solar chimney. It efficiently dispels stale, hot air through the stack effect, generating a natural wind cycle that maintains a comfortable diurnal temperature balance, ensuring cooler days and warmer nights.
Augmenting this urban oasis is a vertical artificial garden, artfully simulating a natural environment amidst the concrete jungle that envelops the hostel. Moreover, a captivating 17' x 8' hand-painted artwork on the ground level of the courtyard contributes to the overall aesthetic richness of the space, rendering the contorted courtyard a central conversation piece.
The hostel itself features 45 well-ventilated, air-conditioned rooms designed for triple occupancy, accommodating a total of 135 female students. Resident well-being takes center stage, manifesting in the form of a recreational and socially engaging court, a fully-equipped gymnasium, a dedicated recreational activity room, and a technologically advanced digital library, all crowned by a dining area on the top floor.
As a bastion of security, the entire complex is under constant surveillance, with round-the-clock monitoring dedicated to the safety of its female student residents. Furthermore, the inclusion of ample basement parking exemplifies the attention to convenience and security within this exemplary architectural creation.
In a demonstration of environmentally conscious architectural planning, more or less all construction materials for this project were sourced from suppliers located within a 200-kilometer radius of the site. This deliberate choice not only minimizes the carbon footprint associated with transportation but also fosters a strong connection to the local economy and resources, aligning seamlessly with the project's commitment to sustainability and responsible design. The project concluded on October 25, 2021, with a total cost of 14 crore.

The façade of the structure prominently features bricks as the primary architectural element. In a harmonious integration of nature and design, verdant vegetation has been thoughtfully incorporated onto the walls, not only for its aesthetic appeal but also as an integral component of the architectural composition.
This interplay between bricks and greenery not only contributes to the visual allure of the building but also underscores a commitment to the fusion of sustainable principles and artistic expression, yielding an architecturally engaging and environmentally conscious design.
The architectural approach in this project incorporates a strategic utilization of bricks arranged in a "rat trap bond" configuration, a design choice imbued with several discernible advantages. This distinctive bond pattern not only imparts a unique aesthetic dimension but also offers noteworthy functional benefits.
In the assembly, bricks and concrete have been thoughtfully amalgamated, creating a symbiotic relationship between these materials. This synergistic union enhances structural integrity and durability while also allowing for the realization of innovative design possibilities.
The "rat trap bond" not only bestows a visually captivating texture to the architectural envelope but also promotes effective thermal insulation, aiding in the regulation of interior temperature and energy efficiency. The integration of bricks and concrete, when executed judiciously, contributes to a harmonious fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern construction techniques, enriching the architectural narrative with a blend of heritage and innovation.

To enhance sustainability and optimize environmental performance, the incorporation of rat-trap bond masonry on the exterior facades serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it significantly contributes to cooling by acting as a thermal insulator, effectively moderating the indoor temperature. Additionally, it plays a pivotal role in sound insulation, mitigating the intrusion of external noise into the interior spaces, ensuring a tranquil and conducive environment for the occupants.
Furthermore, the architectural strategy includes the integration of larger windows and openings strategically positioned throughout the structure. This deliberate choice not only augments the aesthetics but also aligns with the goal of minimizing the reliance on artificial lighting. These ample apertures harness natural daylight, fostering a well-lit and energy-efficient interior environment, emblematic of sustainable design principles.
Elevating sustainability to the forefront of the design ethos, the architectural solution embraced a holistic approach. Central to this approach was the deliberate choice of materials, featuring exposed wire-cut brick and exposed concrete for the façade.
The central atrium, a multifunctional marvel, not only promotes social interaction but also harnesses the power of natural light as a solar chimney. It efficiently dispels stale, hot air through the stack effect, generating a natural wind cycle that maintains a comfortable diurnal temperature balance, ensuring cooler days and warmer nights.
The deployment of wire-cut brick in a rat trap bond configuration introduced an ingenious thermal and acoustic insulation strategy. This bonding system created air gaps within the brickwork, delivering superior thermal and acoustic performance, while concurrently reducing material consumption by an impressive 33%.
The resulting concave elements strategically integrated into the façade generated captivating interplays of light and shadow, endowing the structure with a dynamic aesthetic dimension.
In line with the commitment to sustainable design principles, a comprehensive array of eco-conscious features was seamlessly integrated. Rainwater harvesting systems were implemented to harness and utilize nature's bounty, while solar energy solutions were employed to tap into renewable power sources.
Notably, the water treatment system, known as the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), was designed with a remarkable ecological sensibility, operating without the need for external power or energy consumption throughout its lifecycle. This conscientious approach to sustainability not only ensures a reduced environmental footprint but also elevates the project's overall ecological stewardship.

The construction of the hostel posed a unique challenge, situated within the confines of a densely urbanized locale resembling a concrete jungle. The pivotal concern that emerged during the project's inception was the imperative need to infuse vitality and foster interactivity within this constrained environment, with a specific focus on enhancing the living experience for the students.
In response to this challenge, our architectural approach was guided by a deliberate intent to redefine the built environment. Through innovative spatial planning, landscape design, and thoughtful integration of communal spaces, we sought to breathe life into the austere urban fabric.
The objective was to transform this predominantly sterile landscape into a vibrant and engaging habitat that would nurture social interaction and academic collaboration among the students. This endeavor was not merely a construction project but rather a comprehensive architectural intervention, designed to transcend the limitations of space and inspire a sense of community and vitality amidst the concrete expanse. The resultant architectural composition stands as a testament to our commitment to crafting environments that are not only functional but also imbued with a sense of purpose and human connection.