Bringing life to the gem tucked away in a corner of the city, the ‘Khirki Heritage Reuse Design Competition’ was hosted for architectural students to give Khirki Masjid a fitting reuse. In collaboration with INTACH and Amit Marbles, a 3-day long competition and workshop was conducted on calligraphy, paper mache, painting, paper toys and black-pottery, followed by a session on qissa-goi (traditional art of storytelling). Being one among the dossier, this monument had become derelict almost chocked by houses from all sides. The 14th century quadrangular shaped mosque, an unusual fusion of Islamic and traditional Hindu architecture, was in a state of neglect and was encroached upon by anti-social elements. Henceforth the proposed plan to turn the mosque into a venue for school level events was found feasible.
The Smithsonian (Washington) was organizing an event to celebrate the Silk Route. The curator for this exhibition, Mr. Rajiv Sethi conceived of a concept that required building famous structures from the ‘Route’ starting from Todai ji Nara (Japan) to Palladio square (Italy). His entire vision was realised through a complex set of structures which were designed without sub ground foundation and authentic detail. Craftsmen and designers worked together over a period of 6 months to create systems in Delhi which were to shipped to Washington (USA) for installation.
Implementing a constructivist-based design, the Police Memorial fosters understanding among the members of its community that they represent. Facilitating through a dynamic relationship, it transmits a range of expected messages to its visitors. Enveloped over a lawn by adjacent parking, the memorial is channeled with a change in terrain that creates an uncertain experience and directs viewers’ eyes downwards. There they become aware of the texture on the floor which is layered with words etched into the uncertain terrain. They are laid in a direction that has inexorable link to the highly visible touchstone wall which in turn is the focal point of the experience. Emerging back over the terrain, the visitor is aware of the contributions of police force and of the fall to the community.
No trip to India can be complete without a visit to Qutb Minar. The tower is not only the finest monument in India but also in the world. Though its origin is shrouded in controversy, it is a platform of rich traditions and cultural diversity. Stopped over by a number of excursionists, the site is often left unexplored. To exaggerate the stop over, an interpretation center was proposed. To carry this out, the existing structure of Dak Bunglow, which is close to the complex, was restored as per its original design keeping in view its significance. There upon, all the interventions were done in contemporary idiom so as to distinguish between the “old” and the “new”.
Total Area: 9362.67 sqm
Today’s world is tomorrow’s history. The historical monuments lead the cultural heritage of a nation. From deterioration to parking, they face innumerable problems. As deterioration or decay is a law of nature, the monuments need safe-guarding hands of human generation. Contributing in the preservation of Qutb Minar, a UNESCO world heritage site, the task of revising the parking complex was carried forward. Segregating the parking spaces for buses, cars and scooters was the major concept. Relegating the vendors was also a challenge. Vendor kiosk, ATM, cafeteria, etc. was also incorporated in the complex along with separate vehicular and pedestrian entries.
