The project Pravaah in India, was inspired by a desire to defy conventional urban architectural norms. Surrounded by box-like structures, the designers, envisioned a curve-embracing structure symbolizing flow & fluidity. Through careful development, they integrated organic architecture principle which harmonize form & function with the surrounding environment. Deeply rooted in biophilic design philosophy, the team ensured contextual relevance, innovative design, and the harmonious incorporation of natural resources. This vision culminated in a versatile pavilion that seamlessly merges with its ecological habitat, showcasing the sustainable use of locally sourced ferrocement, empowering the local workforce, and setting a benchmark for environmentally conscious construction.
Situated in a densely populated urban area amidst ongoing construction, our goal was to create a stand out space. The white fluid structure was chosen to introduce an element of softness a distinct contrast to the prevalent context. This design choice seeks to create a unique & visually appealing environment within the dynamic urban landscape. Inhabitants of Pravaah have positively embraced the structure, noticing a surge in their work vitality. Despite being nestled within a densely urbanized area; the design alleviates the sense of confinement. The internal spaces, characterized by the gentle curves allow for the infusion of soft sunlight, uplifting atmosphere & positively impacting the daily lives. Pravaah stands as a vibrant hub of artistic expression and cultural fusion
The design concept was developed for the climate of Western India site facing southwest, includes strategically placed openings & four skylights to maximize natural ventilation & sunlight. Its structure is based on shell principles, chosen for their superior tensile strength. These concrete shells range from 20mm to 50mm in thickness, thin profile balancing material efficiency with necessary strength & elegance. Ferrocement is used for its lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional concrete or steel. Water management & biophilic design are integrated, using water bodies with native, drought-resistant aquatic plants to create a self-sustaining ecosystem. This setup enhances indoor air quality and promotes ecological balance through optimal light exposure & efficient ventilation
Pravaah symbolizes movement & evolution in its design & purpose. Its significance extends beyond utility representing the dynamic nature of life ideas & energy. The project's pivotal aspect was the deliberate choice of a single construction material expertly crafted by skilled local artisans in 90 days.
VERSATILITY: adaptable fluid for various activities.
FUNCTIONALITY: Pravaah's layout & its multipurpose nature ensures it meets diverse needs effectively.
AESTHETICS: Organic forms & integration with the landscape & its curvilinear architecture enhances its surroundings.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Fosters sustainability & community involvement through its use of locally sourced materials & biophilic design principles. It serves as a physical structure & as a symbol of responsible architecture & social awareness. This material presents several advantages in construction. It benefits from readily available raw materials in most countries & its versatility in shaping, allowing for tailored construction solutions. It demands minimal labour skills making it accessible to a wide workforce straightforward construction process. Off-site component fabrication with machinery reduces on-site execution time. Structures are notably lightweight compared to conventional alternatives, ensuring low maintenance costs due to their extended lifespan. They offer enhanced earthquake resistance, enhancing their appeal in construction
Pravaah, located in Ahmedabad, India, paradigm shift to architecture. Inspired by the concept of 'flow' and built using sustainable ferrocement, it is an innovative, eco-friendly design. This multipurpose pavilion meets our functional needs with meaning & enhances the local landscape & community. Its curved, fluid structure & biophilic elements such as light, air, and native vegetation promote wellbeing- reshaping urban landscapes and enriching human experiences
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Pravaah, signifies the movement or flow of something, often used metaphorically to represent the flow of time, ideas, energy, or even water. In a broader sense, it can also symbolize the continuous and evolving nature of life, thoughts, and processes.
Photographix India | Sebastian
The white fluid structure was chosen to introduce an element of softness, offering a distinct contrast to the prevalent context. This deliberate design choice seeks to provide a unique and visually appealing environment within the dynamic urban landscape.
Photographix India | Sebastian
The entrance, in a welcoming white hue, embodies an inviting character. Its gleaming white exterior adds to its visibility and allure. Reshaping city landscapes and enriching human experiences.
Photographix India | Sebastian
Here the architecture involves designing buildings and structures that are in equilibrium with the atmosphere and that integrate form and function as one
Photographix India | Sebastian
Harmonizing Flow Functionality embodying innovation sustainability through minimal use of ferrocement Redefining architecture creating spaces that endure amidst urban dynamics
Vinay Panjwani
Drought-resistant plant species selected and water bodies were integrated to create a serene & cohesive aesthetic. A holistic BIOPHILIC DESIGN maintaining a conscious connection to the broader ecosystem developed. Painting by the architect himself.
Photographix India | Sebastian
The interior maintains white elegance, featuring an organic flow and sunlit cabins with skylights. Ferrocement ensuring low maintenance costs due to their extended lifespan offering enhanced earthquake resistance, enhancing their appeal in construction
Photographix India | Sebastian
Its curvilinear design notably lightweight represents fluidity of ideas and materials offering a unique and sustainable space in tune with its ecological habitat. Off-site component fabrication with machinery reduces on-site execution time.
Vinay Panjwani
Pravaah transcends its role as a pavilion, embodying the dynamic interplay between form and function. It serves as a hub for creativity, collaboration, and community engagement, symbolizing the perpetual flow of life and ideas.
Vinay Panjwani
The internal spaces, characterized by the structure's gentle curves alleviate confinement, infusing spaces with soft sunlight for a pleasing atmosphere. The architecture also involves a respect for the properties of the material that is Ferrocement.
Photographix India | Sebastian
The idea for Pravaah stemmed from a profound desire to create a space that defied the conventional architectural norms prevalent in the metropolitan landscape of Ahmedabad, India. Surrounded by box-like structures we envisioned a curve-embracing structure
Vinay Panjwani
Additionally, windows provide glimpses of a serene enclosed water feature exclusive to Pravaah. The design prioritizes biophilic elements including ventilation, natural light, greenery, promoting mental, physical well-being & creating a congenial balance
Photographix India | Sebastian
PRAVAH is designed to be a versatile space. The project's pivotal aspects were the deliberate choice of a single construction material: locally produced ferrocement, expertly crafted by skilled local artisans in a remarkably short timeframe of 90 days.
Photographix India | Sebastian
The design concept for Pravaah was meticulously developed in response to the hot and arid climate context of the Western region in India and the site facing south west.
Snehal Suthar - tHE gRID Architects
PRAVAAH derived from Sanskrit language, meaning flow or fluidity, encapsulates the essence of this multipurpose space pavilion. Beyond a conventional building, it gracefully merges with its environment.
Snehal Suthar - tHE gRID Architects
The design concept revolves around an organic and biophilic approach, ensuring the incorporation of essential principles and features. Spaces are crafted creating a congenial balance with the environment contribute positively to the human experience.
tHE gRID Architects
The concept It was finalized with the inclusion of four strategically positioned openings including skylights, to facilitate natural ventilation and filtered sunlight.
tHE gRID Architects
Additional treatments on the concrete mixture were not applied. The focus was on utilizing skilled plastering techniques to enhance the natural beauty & texture of the concrete, resulting in the elegant and polished look that defines Pravaah.
tHE gRID Architects
Central to the design is a waterbody nestled at its core, housing fish and native water plants, fostering a self-sustaining ecosystem complemented by soft landscaping
tHE gRID Architects
Instead of traditional formwork, the ferrocement shells of the pavilion were manually shaped through precise noding, allowing unique, flowing forms to be crafted without standard constraints.
tHE gRID Architects
We spread concrete by hand for the concrete shells, ensuring a consistent layer and reducing air pockets for better structural quality. By applying the mix over mesh and reinforcement manually, we achieved a durable and aesthetically pleasing finish
tHE gRID Architects
3D Render - Redefining environmentally conscious architecture, creating spaces that inspire and endure amidst urban dynamics culminating in a versatile pavilion. Sustainable use of locally sourced ferrocement, empowering local workforce
tHE gRID Architects
3D Render - It embraces the Sanskrit idea of "flow. Ferrocement material highlighting sustainability & low carbon footprint, known for its durability & ease of use. It is also earthquakes resistant making it an ideal choice for eco-friendly architecture
tHE gRID Architects
3D Render - The design, despite urban surroundings, reduces confinement. Internal spaces' gentle curves bring in soft sunlight, creating a pleasant, uplifting atmosphere that enhances daily life.
tHE gRID Architects
3D Render - The architecture blends buildings with the environment, integrating form and function seamlessly. Its curvilinear design symbolizes fluidity, creating a unique, sustainable space that harmonizes with its ecological surroundings.
Gandhinagar
India
Mr. Munj, Mr. Rutul
a versatile space - Pavilion, Art Gallery, exhibition platform, community engagement and interaction for art and culture.
11/2023
200 m2
44,037.00 €
tHE gRID Architects
Snehal Suthar & Bhadri Suthar
inhouse
inhouse
local
Vinay Panjwani/ Photographix India
Curriculum
tHE gRID Architects was founded in 2002 by Snehal Suthar and Bhadri Suthar, who believe that designing is not just a profession, but a way of life. They strive for a collaborative approach, focusing on Biophilic design to create buildings in harmony with nature, enhancing psychological, biological, and sociological well-being.
Their practice promotes environmentally friendly and sustainable methods, simplifying the adoption of sustainability. The studio has garnered over 100 international and national awards and contributes to education as visiting faculty at Architectural institutes & NID & NIFT. They frequently engage in panel discussions and jury worldwide. Their philosophy emphasizes design as a spiritual journey, driven by inner consciousness and they practice heartfulness path of meditation, leading to meaningful designs that positively impact society. Their work has been extensively published nationally & internationally
